Pros:
Mt. Adams Lodge is a beautiful bed & breakfast retreat located at the base of the 12, 276 foot Mt. Adams in the Cascade Range of Washington. This 80-acre ranch is surrounded by ponderosa pines and meadowland of the Glenwood Valley, and less than a two-hour scenic drive from Portland, Oregon. As the previous reviewer stated, the first thing I noticed were the stunning views along I-84 and through Goldendale on my way to the course. There were massive valleys, with running rivers, beautiful wildlife (elk, deer, eagles, etc.), and breathtaking views of the mountains and sky during sunset.
This hidden gem is currently 9 holes with the talk of expanding to eventually 18. The course is a mix of open and tight wooded fairways, which loop around the Mt. Adams Lodge and cabins. Along the way players will see great mountain views, wildflowers, birds, elk, deer, and various kinds of raptors. Navigation throughout the course is easy considering most of the tee pads are within a few yards of the pin. Each hole although technical, can be approached with a simple thumber or tomahawk considering most of the trees are fairly short and can be easily cleared. Fairways have little underbrush and are well maintained, making play more relaxing as locating your disc is fairly easy. Each tee pad is dirt, and for the time being appropriate considering there is usually nobody out there playing as the course is used primarily by a few locals and those who live near Hood River. Eventually, they may want to look in to some rubber mats once they expand the course and it gets more popular.
Cons:
The largest issue I can think of is the fact that Mt. Adams Lodge is located on 80 acres and yet uses very little of the land for the course itself. Eventually, it would be nice to see them expand to 18 or even 27 holes, or at least add alternate tee pads for the current nine to add more distance and difficulty. Hole #2 could really benefit from this since it currently has players teeing off in front of the pond. If they could add another tee behind it, it could eventually be their "signature" hole.
Tee signs are an issue too, as they are currently tiny wooden yellow signs which lay on the ground near each tee pad. Some of the baskets are broken and in desperate need of an upgrade as well. However, Mt. Adams recently had a fund raiser for new signs and baskets during their inaugural tournament so these issues should be taken care of shortly.
Other Thoughts:
When I visited Mt. Adams I was there for their inaugural Mt. Adams Lodge Tournament for the World's Biggest Disc Golf Weekend and I must say I had a blast! They had 9 extra holes which added to the course making, making it longer and more difficult. The Hood River DG Club hosted it along with Julee and Tim, and I must say that they were some of the mellowest and considerate people I have ever had the privilege of being around. They were very organized, efficient, and friendly, and with the addition of Next Adventures "Ring of Fire", made for one hell of a tournament. It was the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Seattle, and I am glad I made the journey!
NOTE: The Mt. Adams Lodge houses 16-50 guests in 16 units including the four cabins ($95-190/night), and also allows camping at ($5/night). Each morning they also serve a hearty breakfast in the cookhouse where they serve some of the best blueberry and huckleberry pancakes I have ever had!