As Oregon's tallest mountain, Mt. Hood is one of the best places to see high country meadows and views of the countryside.  As far as Cascade volcanoes go, it's not the tallest.  That honor goes to Washington's Mt. Rainier.  Mt. Hood's meadows are more intimate, and often the flower displays are not quite as stunning as Rainier's.  However, on Hood it's often much easier to visit the best meadows because there are fewer restrictions and since it's not a national park, less crowds as well.  In August 2012, I was taking a long day hike and noticed a patch of purple high above the trail.  Curiosity piqued, I climbed up what looked like a ten-minute walk that stretched to about an hour as I completely underestimated the elevation of the lupines and much to my delight, the size of the meadow as well.  I spent another hour in glorious solitude, marveling at the scene and taking this shot.  I've visited it again in later years, but dry conditions in Oregon haven't cooperated with a good bloom.  Beauty is when and where you find it, and may not be there again.  Don't leave your camera at home.