Getting There
Just after Doetsch Ranch you'll see the Ranger Station on the north side of the road just before the Beacon Rock parking lot, then another road across from the bathrooms. The road winds up the hill for a bit.
It was early afternoon and the weather was slightly overcast but it was supposed to clear in the late afternoon. The clouds covered the sun a few times so I thought the forecast was wrong but it was gorgeous at sunset.
The Hike
Elev. gain: 2,333 ft
Moving time: 3:49:12
Total time: 4:55:21
Avg pace: 26:17
Calories: 2,019
It'd been about 3 months since my last hike here. I'd picked a good day for it, weather-wise. It was pretty quiet for a midweek hike.
It was good to be back on this familiar trail, like an old friend. I'd packed my microspikes, not knowing what the top would look like. The temperatures hadn't spend much time in the freezing zone but given snow in the mountain, it was better to be prepared.
When I reached "Baby Hamilton", I took a long look at the spine trail. I'd only been down it a couple of times but today I was going to change things up. The recent rain had made this normally slippery path easy to walk up.
In hindsight, there was moderate exposure near the tree but I didn't feel nervous when I was actually doing it. The imaginary headline popped into my mind. Yikes.
It was awesome to vary my usual route. I sorta hoped that some hikers had been on Little Hamilton when I popped up on the ridge. Not today though.
I rejoined the main trail and continued up. Most of my hikes here start with apprehension and a sliver of doubt. Maybe today was the day I wasn't able to make it to the top. But, after I reached Rodney Falls, I felt strong, hydration and snacks were crucial!
I confidently made my way up the 14 turns section. At the last turn, I saw a little trail that I'd never bother to look at before. I saw a little platform above a considerable drop. I left my poles behind and crawled on hands & knees past a narrow section with high exposure. I imagined my backpack getting caught, causing me to slip a little, potentially falling. Another yikes! I got the photo but found another back to the trail and to retrieve my hiking poles.
The rest of my hike was pretty uneventful. I stopped at the far end of the Saddle. I chatted with a crow for a bit. I changed my base layer and was glad for dry clothes. The sky was clear but it was cool in the trees/shade.
I skipped Don's Cutoff this time. Call it a feeling.
I tried my best to appreciate my surroundings and stop to "smell the flowers". The fall colors looked good on-camera.
The afternoon sun was perfect. When I reached the powerlines and campground cutoff, I opted to hit Little Beacon. I still have the "what if this is my last time" thought in my mind.
I was alone on the perch. I snapped some great pics, ate the other half of my sandwich, and soaked in the rays and views.
I wasn't the last car in the parking lot. I remember passing a couple and one solo hiker above the falls.
A good day. Lifted my spirits.
