Cloud Cap/Tilly Jane Spring, Mount Hood, OR

## Overview Cloud Cap/Tilly Jane Spring is a high-elevation natural spring on the northeast flank of Mount Hood in Oregon's Hood River County. Situated near the historic Cloud Cap Inn area and the Tilly Jane Campground, this spring is fed by meltwater from the Eliot Glacier — the largest glacier on Mount Hood. The Eliot Glacier, which has been a defining feature of the mountain's north face for thousands of years, channels snowmelt and glacial runoff through volcanic rock before it emerges at this spring. The glacial source is visible from the spring area, offering a dramatic backdrop of ice and alpine terrain. At approximately 5,800 feet in elevation, this spring sits in a rugged subalpine zone surrounded by old-growth mountain hemlock and whitebark pine. The Cloud Cap/Tilly Jane area has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s, when the Cloud Cap Inn was built in 1889 as one of the first alpine lodges on Mount Hood. The Tilly Jane Guard Station and A-Frame, both historic structures maintained by volunteers, are nearby landmarks that add to the area's heritage. Visitors have historically used the spring as a water source while hiking or camping in this remote corner of the mountain. ## Directions 1. From the town of Mount Hood-Parkdale, head south toward Mount Hood on Cooper Spur Road. 2. Follow Cooper Spur Road as it climbs and eventually becomes Forest Road 3512 (Cloud Cap Road). Note: this road is narrow, unpaved in sections, and typically only open from late June through October depending on snowpack. 3. Continue on FR 3512 to the Cloud Cap/Tilly Jane trailhead area near the historic Cloud Cap Inn. 4. From the trailhead, access the spring via the Timberline Trail #600, which passes through the Tilly Jane Campground on Mount Hood's northeast side. 5. The spring is located near the campground area. GPS coordinates: 45.392103, -121.659372. *Note: The access road to Cloud Cap is seasonal and can be rough — a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Check current road conditions with the Mount Hood National Forest before heading out.* ## What to Expect The spring emerges in a dramatic alpine setting with direct views of the Eliot Glacier above. Water flow is fed by glacial melt, so expect it to be cold and flow most reliably during the summer and early fall months. During winter and early spring, the area is typically buried under heavy snow and inaccessible by road. The Tilly Jane Campground, located nearby, offers primitive campsites (no reservations required) and serves as a popular basecamp for hikers on the Timberline Trail and climbers heading up the Cooper Spur route. The historic Tilly Jane A-Frame shelter is also in the vicinity and is available for overnight stays on a first-come, first-served basis during winter months. This is a remote, high-elevation location with no services, cell coverage, or developed facilities beyond basic campground amenities. Visitors should come prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather, even in summer. The area is managed by the Mount Hood National Forest, and a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking at the trailhead.