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 late morning and the weather was slightly overcast but I expected some nice views from up above. By the time, I got to the Saddle, I could see sunshine on the frosted tops of the mountains on the Oregon side of the river. It was windy though and getting darker.
The Hike
Elev. gain: 2,234 ft
Moving time: 3:35:28
Total time: 4:08:57
Avg pace: 25:17
Calories: 1,898
Trail News
This is a screen cap from WTA Ryan's video on the PortlandHiker's Facebook page.
This is not far from the parking lot. In the video, Ryan pans left, down the trail, and you can see the parking lot. No ETA on when the repairs will start. For now, you can hike through the campground and use the Hadley Grove Trail to get to the Hamilton Mountain Trail past/above the landslide.
It's been three weeks since my last hike. Even though I love the photos I'm getting when I do muster the energy to get out there, my motivation has been low. My chest has been weirdly tight for a few weeks. I know I'm in good enough shape to tackle these hikes. The forecast showed no rain and only mid-40s between Washougal and N Bonneville.
When I reached the first viewpoint, the sun was clearly shining brightly. This is also the point when I've gone past Rodney Falls and am feeling pretty warmed up. My tight chest didn't seem to be an issue.
I stopped to consider where the new trail segment will be created at the foot of Little Hamilton. I saw Ryan's and Stasia's orange flagging. Since this trail and state park is so important to me, I hope I can participate in this work. However, I'll be a bit sad that this section of the difficult switchbacks will be decommissioned. There are short, exposed viewpoints like the following three pictures below that will no longer be accessible (without "trespassing"?).
After my Lil' Ham detour, I continued up. For some reason, I asked a solo hiker coming down about the conditions at the top. In hindsight, I should have just waved/said hello and kept to myself. I find myself chatting with at least acknowledging people on the trail, given my time as a Hiking Steward. I need to be cognizant about taking to solo female hikers on the trail.
When I reached the last set of switchbacks to the top, I found my first bit of lingering snow and ice. There wasn't enough to warrant microspikes but I had them just in case. At this point, I still hadn't decided if I was continuing to the Saddle or was just going to do an up-n-back. I would decide at the top. I crossed paths with a guy wearing shorts. Geez Louise.
At the top, I saw lots of boot and dog prints going to the Saddle. The snow wasn't hard and slippery. I was feeling good and I was glad I was doing my loop.
The Saddle was pretty windy and chilly. Not a good spot to stop and eat like I have on recent previous hikes here. I was going to stop anyway and get out my spectacles and tighten my R boot.
To my surprise, I reflexively looked over my right shoulder and saw someone. A trail runner in shorts and thin long sleeved top. They were wearing a small hydration pack. We exchanged a couple words but I lingered and watched them go by.
I thought about how some people take a calculated risk. I imagined encountering someone like that who and twisted an ankle or something. I was prepared. I thought about that rescue in Ape Cave with Ted, and that feeling of being unprepared.
However one wants to justify bringing such a heavy pack on these hikes is fine by me. "Better to have it and no need it, than need it and not have it." Someone else might need what I have in my pack: first aid, food, clothing, hydration. The extra weight will help me get "more" in shape and reassurance in physical abilities for more remote hikes.
I didn't take any more photos after the one above.
As I headed through Hadley Grove, I studied the sunlight on the Oregon mountains in view. I judged that I'd missed the best light from the perch atop Little Beacon Rock. For the first time in awhile, I skipped this side quest. My hips were hurting and I was glad to use what little energy I had left to get back to the car.
The trailhead parking lot was nearly empty but there were more cars than I expected since I'd only seen one family up by Rodney Falls. It was dark. I'd made the right call to skip Lil' Beacon.
