Eliot Glacier

Eliot Glacier is a large ice field on the northeastern side of Mount Hood that spreads across the upper slopes of the volcano. The glacier sits at high elevation and its surface is heavily covered with rocky debris and stone, which protects the ice beneath.

This glacier began to retreat in the early 1900s and has pulled back more slowly than many other ice fields on Mount Hood over the past century. The slower rate of decline makes it distinctive among the mountain's other glaciers.

The Cooper Spur Trail near the glacier serves as a research location for scientists studying climate patterns and geological formations in the Pacific Northwest.

Access comes through hiking trails near Cloud Cap, and visitors should wear good boots and bring mountain gear for safety. Conditions change quickly at this elevation, so checking local information before you go is important.

Unlike many other glaciers in the region, this one melts relatively slowly thanks to the thick protective cover of rocks and stone on its surface. This rocky blanket acts as a natural shield that preserves the ice beneath during extreme conditions.