During an exploratory voyage in the Pacific Northwest, Lieutenant William E. Broughton, serving under Captain George Vancouver, encountered a striking mountain formation near the mouth of the Willamette River. This mountain, characterized by its distinct prominence, caught the attention of Broughton and his crew, as it stood as a significant landmark for navigation and exploration in the region. On October 29, 1792, recognizing the need to document and name new geographical features, Broughton decided to honor Admiral Samuel Hood, 1st Viscount Hood, a distinguished British naval officer. Hence, he named the mountain Mount Hood.

The Vancouver Expedition, which lasted from 1791 to 1795, aimed to survey the western coastline of North America and contribute to mapping the region accurately. The sighting of Mount Hood occurred during a crucial phase of the voyage when the British were keen to assert their claims and presence in this largely uncharted territory. Broughton's decision to name the mountain after Viscount Hood was not merely a tribute; it was part of a broader trend of claiming and documenting lands through the names of notable figures in British naval history. The elevation of Mount Hood began to be recognized by subsequent explorers and settlers, leading to its eventual role as a key reference point in local navigation and a symbol of exploration in the American West.