Getting There

I could have gone anywhere. Walking around Sauvie Island was cool but I wanted some elevation gain. After learning about the Saddle and the other trails around Beacon Rock, it wanted to "conquer" the places I'd missed.

If it was crazy to go on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, what about going on the actual day! May 31, 2021. Just like Saturday, when I got to Beacon Rock there were cars everywhere and dozens walking up to the trailhead; the weather was amazing. I took a chance on parking anyway.

Score! Again, only cars/people with WA Discover Pass into the parking lot. I got the last spot (at the time; lots of turnover). Hell yea!

The Hike

The trail was dry in spots it's been muddy on the last couple of visits, same as last time (Saturday). The Staircase at Rodney Falls was a bit muddy.

After Rodney Falls, I took the Hardy Creek Trail. This is amazing. Not too steep. Nice gradual climb deeper into the forest. You can hear the water but not any easy views.

When I got to the Equestrian Trail junction, I kept going north up Upper Hardy Creek. I stopped briefly at Don's Cutoff trail and the Bridge Trail. I could hear some people taking photos and laughing.

Upward and onward.

There was another trail toward the end of the loop but it's not named on AllTrails. I stayed on the named trail.

I finally reached the other end of that spur trail; it wouldn't have saved much time and was pretty overgrown.

I didn't take any photos along the way but when got to the Saddle I had to get out my camera.