Mud Creek Ridge is a summit by Trillium Lake near Mount Hood that's good for a short backcountry snowshoe. Since there doesn't appear to be a trail, the best bet is to wait for three to five feet of snow to cover the brush and downed trees. The elevation gain is about 700 feet from the road and a total distance of about two miles one way.
At one time (60+ years ago) there was a trail to the summit (http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=7103). But you will essentially follow the same route up the ridge. A GPS is essential to keep on track and to make you way back down. Here's another trip report for a snowshoe to the top: http://loomisadventures.com/blog/snowshoeing-summit-mud-creek-ridge-oregon.
Head east from Portland on Highway 26 to the Trillium Lake SnoPark - about 1.7 miles past Government Camp. A SnoPark permit is required in the winter and parking after 11am on weekends can be challenging - it's a very popular spot. Take the main 'road' (NF 2656) down the hill a half mile. Continue to the left another half mile as the road bends to the east. The road turns right here, and near the end of that curve you will head off into the woods - you start out about 0.10 mile towards the SE and then head directly south along the ridgeline, another 0.8 miles to the summit. Many of the trees along the ridgeline are marked with orange paint - this might mean you are on route or it could mean nothing.
There are a few clearings at the summit to give you a bit of sun (if it's out) and a easier place to rig antennas. There was no problem getting an antenna up for 20m and 17m, with the fiberglass pole leaning against a snag. We had no luck with any VHF+ contacts from there.
