Langille Glacier

Langille Glacier spreads across the northern face of Mount Hood between 6,500 and 7,500 feet (2,000 to 2,300 m) elevation beneath the Langille Cliffs. The ice field adjoins the lower Eliot Glacier and connects with surrounding snowfields in a continuous alpine formation.

The glacier takes its name from the Langille family, who operated Cloud Cap Inn from 1891 to 1907 and guided early mountaineers exploring the mountain. This family connection helped establish the area as a destination for alpine pursuits during the early mountaineering era.

The glacier is part of the Langille basins, where backcountry skiers and snowboarders seek out challenging terrain during winter. The steep slopes and varied snow conditions draw experienced winter sports enthusiasts looking for remote riding.

Reaching the glacier requires crossing the lower Eliot Glacier and following an older trail route through the alpine zone. Winter conditions can make access challenging, and visitors should have solid mountaineering skills before attempting the approach.

The glacier and adjacent Snowdome area together form a descent of over 3,000 feet (900 m) of vertical terrain when combined. This remarkable vertical span creates one of the most dramatic skiing experiences on the mountain.