It then winds around the southeastern side of the mountain, providing access to several ski resorts, snow-parks, hiking trails, campgrounds, and other recreational facilities.

After rounding the eastern slope of the mountain, the highway descends into the Hood River valley, a farming community famous for its produce, in particular, apples and cherries.

In the valley the route passes through the communities of Mount Hood, Lenz and Pine Grove.

It designated this crossing "State Route 35" and publicly announced a plan to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement about the proposal in early 2001.

In contrast, though Oregon didn't change its legal definition for Oregon Route 35,[1] all signage for Southbound OR 35 makes it appear as if it runs up Button Bridge Road from near base of the bridge to where the route officially turns east into downtown Hood River.

[8] This washout, the worst in memory, cut off access to Mount Hood Meadows in both directions, moved the White River course north and east to the bed of Green Apple Creek, and buried—sometimes 20–30 feet deep—two recreational parking lots, miles of cross-country skiing and hiking trails, and several small Forest Service roads.