Getting There
The trailhead is accessible from the Equestrian Camp Parking Lot, a bit west of Beacon Rock & Hamilton Mountain.
Take WA-14 from Vancouver, WA east toward N Bonneville. Just after Doetsch Ranch you'll see the Ranger Station on the north side of the road just before the Beacon Rock parking lot. The road winds up the hill for a bit. Keep a lookout for the the Equestrian Camp turn off.
It was a warmer than average day and a holiday weekend, so I knew most, if not all, Gorge (WA, OR). trailheads were going have a lot of people. I left before noon but still a late-ish start. When I reached Beacon Rock, cars were parked all along the road and there was a sign saying "Hamilton Mountain parking lot FULL". In the past, I've often found a spot despite the warning but this time, I decided to check the Equestrian Trail parking lot. Bingo, there were lots of cars but no where near full. Woohoo!
The Hike
Elev. gain: 2,195 ft
Moving time: 3:40:17
Avg pace: 25:52
Calories: 1,941
Total time: 4:09:42
This was my first recreational hike since March. In April and May, I was doing trail work parties with WTA and TKO, but I was also sidelined with vertigo (again!). No fun.
I wanted a familiar trail or location to check my fitness level.
I felt strong all the way up and was planning where I would go after I made it to Phlox Point. In fact, I didn't know I was even hiking up to Phlox Point until I reached the junction. I thought about a bunch of other options including hitting The Saddle and Hamilton Mountain. Last time I did this it in 2023, the hike was over 14 miles and about 3600 feet of elevation gain.
On my way back to the junction with the Hardy Ridge trail, my feet were barking and I saw it was later than I thought. I might have at least hiked up to The Saddle via the Bridge trail and Don's Cutoff but not today.
I had some good conversations with a couple of hikers I encountered. It was a good day!
