Hike: Oneonta Gorge + Triple Falls via Horsetail Falls, Cascade Locks, OR

Getting There

I wanted to get in one more hike for WTA's Hike-a-Thon. I was expecting to see signs about needing a permit for Multnomah Falls but I never saw one (Hwy 30, I-84). I decided to chance it. When I arrived in the parking lot there are a number of open spots so I thought I was golden. I got geared up and started towards the tunnel. 

I realized there were a number of people milling around near the ramp down the tunnel. I thought they were just waiting for people at their car or a shuttle pickup. I noticed two people in orange vests at the tunnel entrance: they were checking permits. Fuck! I scanned the QR code and paid $2 but my time slot was for 3pm but it was only 2:20pm. After a min, I decided "fuck that". I'm not waiting 40 mins to start my hike, I can't afford to waste the daylight.

Annoyed, I marched back to the Jeep and threw my stuff in the back. I wasn't even going to see the Falls, I was hiking away. I wondered if the "gatekeepers" would have let me through, given my intent and destination.

I hopped back on the freeway and went to Horsetail Falls via exit 35 (Ainsworth State Park). There was one open spot but at least I wasn't parked on the side of the road like last time. 

The Hike

Length: 5.98 miles
Elev. gain: 1,644ft
Moving time: 2h 29m
Total time: 2h 46m
Avg. pace: 24:49
Calories: 1,309
Total time: 2h 46m

 

 

 

 

 

Even though it was just 2 days since my big hike at Hamilton/BRSP, I felt like my legs were in good enough condition to go for another spin. To be honest, my left hand still hurt and my jaw is still sore, for some reason. It was for a good cause: Hike-a-Thon!

I passed a few people on the way up but pretty much had the place to myself.

To my surprise, I made it to Triple Falls in about an hour. Dang! Not to shabby. I feel really good about climbing MSH next month.... two weeks!!!! I've been worried my lack of hikes this year would set me back physically but I've still been doing trailwork, i.e. hiking with tools but not the same mileage or EG.

This close to my climb date, I feel like I have the right level of fitness. Combined with proper nutrition (before and during) and mental toughness & resilience I should have a successful day on the mountain. The biggest unknown is the conditions: weather, fires.

Since I was feeling good I figured I keep going up, the bridge back across the creek. I also set a turn around time of 4pm and it was already 3:40pm. The trail looked like it had been brushed somewhat recently, however I got to a spot where it looked like the trail work ended. The fireweed seeds were drifting in the air all over the place. When I would brush against them, it would cause of cloud of seeds to surround me. Ugh. I didn't want to deal with that for another 1/4 mile for minimal distance and EG gain. This was a exercise hike after all.

I promptly turned around and enjoyed my descent. 

There was one sunbather at Triple Falls so I did my best to give them their privacy. I took some photos facing north, a(nother) selfie.

I felt good about my decision to get out of the house.

This was routine hike.

I made it back across the river and continued towards the viewpoint west of Ponytail Falls.

The views from there are great. I noticed the plaque for Glenn W. Replogle, a 14-yo that fell from Horsetail Falls in 1988. Sad and a reminder that these beautiful places are also dangerous and demand respect.

I loved seeing Archer and Hamilton across the river, formed 5-17 millions years ago. 
See Columbia River Basalt Group.

 

Hike: Hamilton Mountain + Bridge Trail + Hardy Creek, N Bonneville, WA

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.

I haven't been here since May 12. I haven't been hiking much this year, though I've done a bunch of trail work parties, some I've recorded, some I have not. I've been participating in WTA's annual Hike-a-Thon fundraiser and it was getting to the end of the month and I needed to squeeze one more hike in. 

Plus, I got a climbing permit for MSH next month and I needed to see what kind of shape I'm in. I've realized over the years that a successful summit is one part fitness, one part nutrition, one part mental toughness, and probably a sprinkle of luck (conditions).

The weather was much improved, AQI levels down to almost nothing. It was overcast and my brain said cool but it was a bit humid. I geared up and stripped off a layer before setting out.

The Hike

Length: 12.0mi
Elev. gain: 2,772ft
Moving time: 4h 38m
Total time: 5h 36m
Avg. pace: 23:11
Calories: 2,453

It felt really good to be back on my favorite trail to close out the month. I still seem to get more winded and I've tried adjusting my pace. When I did the GOH hikes recently, I had to hike slower to stay with the group and felt great so I guess it's about finding the right balance of speed and breathing.

Somewhere between the power lines and Rodney Falls, I ran into a fellow member of the PortlandHikers FB group. I've admired this guy from afar: he posts hikes with long mileage and lots of EG. I recognized him instantly and said hello. In my haste I didn't properly introduce myself to him and his hiking partner, oops.

I continued at a good pace and made it to the switchbacks in good time and was feeling pretty good, definitely warmed up. 

When I reached Baby Ham, Piglet?, there were a bunch of people relaxing on the outcrop. I continued up the trail. I ended up taking the unofficial trail to Little Ham. I kind of knew that some of those people probably saw me head up. It was easy, it took less than 10 mins to disappear out of sight. 

After a short break on Little Ham, I made my way down the trail. I was feeling confident if not a little complacent. I slipped once and told myself to be more careful. When the trail was in sight I slipped again but this time hyper-extended my L index finger. Fuck! Not broken but really painful. It would throb for the rest of the hike but the pain diminished eventually. 

I passed a few people on my ascent. After turn 14, I shot a couple of videos. While recording as I hiked to the summit, I heard voices. When I got to end, I ended the video so I didn't include the other hikers. I'm not an influencer! LOL.

I took a spin to review our work from the spring. I also verified the decommed section was still.... decommed. It was.

Next was the descent to the Saddle. The trail was in good shape and seemed like the park rangers have brushed unless I missed another work party!

At the Saddle, I did a little recon to see how doable climbing up to the rocky outcrop was. I followed user trail as far as I could, to the point where the "trail" ends and it's a scramble. It looked feasible but not with my hand in its condition and probably not alone. I'm guessing going up wouldn't be too bad, it was the "coming down" that gave me pause. Maybe another time.

At the north end of the Saddle, I stopped to take some pictures and noticed a couple coming my way. I scooted off down the trail. 

I dipped off at Don's Cutoff. When I reached the main switchback, the forest was so quiet, not a sound at all: no wind, no bugs, no birds, no water. I closed my eyes for min or so. Amazing. Then, I heard that couple - dang! I scooted off again.

I wasn't planning to extend my hike beyond the usual loop but I wanted to get away from the other hikers. When I got to the Upper Hardy Creek trail, I headed up towards the Bridge Trail.

I vaguely considered a two-peak-day, adding Phlox Point to my day but then the weather changed. It started raining, like quite a bit. I was mostly protected under the dense canopy but it was loud hitting the leaves. I revised my goal to just walk up to the end of the road. Nope.

I turned around and started hiking down to the Equestrian Trail. When I got to Hardy Creek, the rain had stopped and the sun was out. Dang! I might have had some killer views from Phlox Point. I stopped at the picnic table and ate my sandwich.

The descent back to the Hamilton Mtn Trail was uneventful. I made sure to pause a few times to appreciate how lucky I am to be there/here.

I caught up with a couple of hikers I'd seen earlier in the day. I tried to give them some room but I knew I had a faster pace. Fortunately, they stopped and I was able to scoot by, making a remark about the weather.

To complete my "usual loop", I hiked through Hadley Grove to Little Beacon. I passed a family of 5-6. 

At the top of the viewpoint, I had the place to myself. The sun was still high in the sky so I probably wouldn't wait until sunset.

I sat and had a snack. I feel confident to do the MSH climb in a couple of weeks. Despite not hiking much, I'm still in decent shape. As I told Ted and Ethan, I didn't have to summit to have a good day on the mountain. 
 

Dog Mountain, Carson, WA

Getting There

I took Hwy 84 to Cascade Locks, then crossed the river. I suppose it's a little quicker than going all the way to Hood River and taking Hwy 14 back to Cook. 

This was a WTA trail work party in conjunction with the Mazamas. James and several others were already there when I arrived to the parking lot.

I mentioned to James that I was having "performance anxiety", referring to be unsure how fit I was to hike to the top and then doing trail work. He was surprised and said he was feeling the same thing. It was a relief that I wasn't the only one. We joked about letting the Mazamas cruise to the top with a CL or ACLs. 

The Hike

Length: 6.48 mi
Elev. gain: 2,840 ft
Highest Elevation: 2,948 ft

Before we set out up the trail, we stopped to take a group photo with the park rangers. 

Surprisingly, I was one of the first to reach Puppy Dog Viewpoint with a couple of the Mazamas. I guess I didn't need to be anxious about my fitness.

We planned to work from the top back down to the viewpoint on eastern side of the loop trail which winds through the trees, instead of the wildflower route to the west. Since it took about 2 hours to complete the hike, we decided to have lunch before starting work. We dropped out tools and headed for the summit.

After lunch, we hiked back to the top of the work site.

The trail was in pretty good condition but there were several areas that needed re-benching and widening.

There was one small diameter tree (maple vine?) that was a bit close to the trail, at about eye level. Before this volunteer actually made the cut, I suggested that we cut a big chunk off the top to lighten the branch. I also showed them how to undercut so there wasn't a slab when the weight finally brought the branch down.

A little re-benching project.

We made it back to Puppy Dog Viewpoint. The weather was great and the work wasn't too difficult.

While this wasn't a leisure hike, it was some descent distance and elevation gain. Some work parties are only 1-2 miles and minimal EG so I don't count those. 

Hike: Devil's Rest and Angel's Rest via Wahkeena Creek, Corbett, OR

Getting There

This day was going to be my only opportunity to hike for a couple of weeks. I've got a few trail work days and some training. Plus, the weather forecast was mild temps and dry.

I was headed for Hamilton Mountain even though we are going there on Thursday to work on the stretch between the summit and the Saddle. When I arrived at Beacon Rock, I saw the gate to the Hamilton Mtn trailhead was closed. I parked and got geared up. To my surprise, the note taped to the gate said the trail is closed between the trailhead and Hardy Falls due to multiple landslides. I knew there has been a detour through Hadley Grove to bypass the slide near the trailhead. I was mildly bummed that the only way up was via the Equestrian Trail.

I opted to forge ahead and head over to Multnomah Falls. For a Monday, the parking lot was nearly full but I found an empty near the tunnel.

I geared up and made my way over to the Return Trail to Wahkeena Falls. 

The Hike

Length: 11.35 mi
Elev. gain: 3,074 ft
Moving time: 4:24:03
Avg pace: 23:15
Calories: 2,327
Total time: 4:54:51 

 

 

 

 

It's been difficult to get motivated to hike. I've been feeling out of shape on work parties but it hasn't been enough to get me off my arse. I signed up for a work party in late April at the summit of Dog Mountain (w/ Mazamas). I need to ramp it up and get some training hikes in between now and then.

I wasn't fast but I made continuous progress up to Fairy Falls and beyond. I paused briefly at the junction for Angel's Rest but decided to keep going. I wasn't sure I'd be able to reach Angel's Rest AND Devil's Rest. The hike out to Angel's and back would have been good. At one point, I even thought I'd just hike over to the Larch Mountain Trail and back down via Multnomah Falls.

Nope. I reached the cutoff for Devil's Rest and took it. My new plan was to hike up to DR and then double back or drop down the Angel's Rest Trail. Instead I planned to hike all the way to AR. Immediately after leaving DR, the Foxglove trail drops in elevation quickly. 

I started to doubt if I was fit and conditioned enough to do this whole loop. Anxiety came as I was making my way down when I reached the point of no return, or rather, the point that I really, really, really didn't want to hike back up. I was really committed now. Fuck it.

Like Rey in Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker, I called upon my trail work friends who've logged hundred of hikes. "Why am I scared rn?" I got this. I thought about "digging deep" like one might at the gym. Given where I was, I had no choice to hike out. If I was cycling around the city, I would be able to call a cab. Out here, it's just me and my two legs & feet.

When I reached the junction to start heading back to Wahkeena, I considered the time and how much daylight was left. I'd only brought 9 of the 10 essentials.. no flashlight. Argh!! I was too close to AR to skip it. I gave myself from 4:10 to 4:30 before I needed to start my return hike.

I did the loop around AR and immediately started back up the trail. 

I made sure to stay hydrated with electrolytes and forced myself to eat some of my KIND bar. I was tired but I reminded myself I'd done Mt St Helens several times. The fatigue could mostly be remedied by getting the right nutrients.

Getting "under" DR took longer than I remembered. In my mind, DR and AR aren't that far away from each other. From DR to AR, it's actually about 2 miles and 900 feet of elevation loss. To get from AR to the spot on the trail adjacent to DR, it's about 1.5 miles but the net elevation gain and loss cancel each other out. I let out a sigh of relief when I reached the spot where the Primrose Path joins the trail. Time to coast.

From here back to the trailhead was routine. I was glad to have ample daylight left and plenty of energy in reserve. I had another moment of relief when I stepped off the rock trail onto pavement at Lemmons Point. I knew I had more rocky trail on the Return Trail but I enjoyed the smooth(er) surface while I could.

I was floating when I got to Multnomah Falls Lodge. I had a tiny burst of energy to get me the rest of the way.

What a great hike and reminder that I'm in pretty good shape after all. I still need to keep training for the Dog Mtn work party and hikes beyond. Hopefully, I can increase my hike and it'll be easier to get motivated and actually leave the house more often. 

I also expect a tough summer with wild fires and smoke. The end of summer could be a bust.

 

 

Hike: Dog Mountain via Augspurger Trail, Cook, WA

Getting There

The Augspurger and Dog Mountain Trails share the same trailhead parking lot off Hwy 14. 

I took I-84 to Cascade Locks, then crossed the river and continued on WA-14 eastbound. It's 54 miles (87km) from Portland and 6.2 miles (10km) from the Carson turnoff/round-about. Being a mid-week hike, the parking lot was mostly empty, save a few cars. 

I parked by the Discover Pass sign and geared up. After a pit stop, I set out on the trail, remembering my hike from last November.

The Hike

Distance: 6.92 mi
Ascent: 2,743 ft
Total Time: 3h 46m 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was my second hike of the year and my first "real" hike: decent mileage and elevation gain. 

I was settling into my groove but was quickly jolted by something on the trail. It was a dead deer on the trail. Sorry for the graphic details: it was on its back with hind legs in the air. It was just leg bones, the flesh had been eaten off. My mind went from "holy shit, this is gruesome" to "I hope there isn't a cougar or other predator or scavenger watching me, ready to defend its meal." I hestitated, trying to gather the courage to proceed or return to the trailhead and take the Dog Mountain Trail instead. As I stepped over the carcass, hundreds of flies took flight. I tried not to look too closely and burn a horrible image in my mind. I noticed some poop and entrails near the body. 

I cleared the body and quickened my pace. I had to get out of there. When I reached a viewpoint of Wind Mountain about 3-4 mins up the trail, I texted James about who to contact. He got back to me and said to forward to Stasia to message our forest contact. I was just thinking about unsuspecting hikers coming across the scene and possibly having an animal encounter.

 

The weather was great. I kind of hoped to meet a hiker coming down the trail but never saw anyone. Too few people around. I was preparing my spiel about the deer.

 

Snapshots of the trail from when I was there for the WTA work party popped into my mind, helping me gauge my progress. I wasn't terrible energetic, taking more breaks than I'd expected to need. Thank goodness for my electrolytes, they kept me going.

I was having doubts but didn't want to turn back and have to go by the deer again. (shudder). It gave me some motivation to push myself.

I was relieved when I reached Augspurger-Dog Mountain Trail junction. I poked my head around the corner on the Augspurger Trail. I want to check it off the list sometime. It's a long one, 12.3 miles (~19.8km), 4507 feet (1373m), maybe a good conditioning hike for MSH or Mt Adams, etc.

 

As with other hikes I've done, I've compressed the next section in my mind. It's longer than I remembered and a little more elevation gain. I encountered a few downed trees over the trail.

 

I finally emerged from the trees and I could see to the Dog Mountain Trail. I was almost to the apex of my hike. The views were spectacular. The sun was still a bit high in the sky, the lighting still a bit bright. Someday I'll hike here when the wildflower are in bloom.

 

On my descent, I passed a hiker coming up to the summit.

 

I made sure to enjoy the views after the difficult ascent and trace of doubt. 

After Puppy Dog Point, I passed another solo hiker. I passed another couple in the trees, and a pair of hikers past the Hard/Very Hard routes. I thought about folks that hike late in the day. I wondered if they had the 10 essentials including a light source. 

I took a picture of the Mitchell Point. Awesome to see it from this side of the river. 

 

I was elated to have made it to the top and I was making good progress down (knees intact). 

I finally reached the lower section, the switchbacks. I inspected our trail work from last year. I tried to find that section that were excavated and filled in. It was invisible :)

  

Back at the parking lot, I counted the cars and matched them in my mind with the hikers I'd seen.

A successful day. I'm still pretty fit for the terrain and difficulty. It it motivation to resume my hiking frequency, balancing trail work with personal hikes.