Showing posts with label Little Beacon Rock. Show all posts

Saturday, August 29, 2026

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

Getting there

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.

Friday, September 27, 2024

Hike: Hamilton Mountain, 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.
For a beautiful day, I was happy to find a few open spots by the bathroom.

It was early afternoon and the weather was a bit overcast but the forecast showed the skies would clear for several hours in the mid to late afternoon.

The Hike

Length: 7.83 mi
Elev. gain: 2,310 ft
Moving time: 3:40:33
Avg pace: 28:09
Calories: 1,943
Total time: 4:49:04

I'd originally planned to hike up to McNeil Point but I lagged at home for too long. I knew Hamilton Mountain would be epic regardless of the weather.

On the ascent, I hiked up to Little Hamilton. The clouds were still plentiful overhead. I wasn't sure if the weather would turn or it would clear up. I still wore my single base layer.

I was feeling a little sluggish but pushed forward. I took several breaks and made sure to drink my Gatorade for the electrolytes and hydration. Once I reached the last section, I started to get a second wind. Knowing the top was close was a great motivator.

When I reached the summit, I felt good but a little tired. I decided not to do the Saddle-Equestrian-Don's Cutoff-Hardy Creek loop. Instead, I just did the out-n-back. It gave me the leisure to take my time on my descent and take some photos.

I stopped at Little Hamilton a second time on the descent. The clouds had cleared and it was gorgeous.

A bit further down the switchbacks, I explored a little side trail. It was a bit gnarly as it was a narrow trail with a steep drop-off. It made my knees weak. I sat down carefully and wished I'd had my foam pad.

As I approached the viewpoint near Hardy Falls, I caught up with a group of 4 that were going sort of slow. I hung back so I didn't crowd them. The person in the back noticed I was there and said something to the other three but they still didn't pull over.

I figured I'd pass them when the trail got wider near the stairs. They continued on the path so I keep a little cushion between us.

When I got to the other side of the ravine by the falls, I stopped to get my spectacles out. It was too dark for sunglasses. This increased the gap.

Somewhere nearby I did catch up and they let me pass. I said hello and wished them well, then picked up my pace.

Before I reached the power lines, I wasn't sure if I would stop at Little Beacon but when I got there, I saw the sun was still high in the sky but was approaching the horizon. I remember seeing a sign that the gate was closed at dusk. What did that mean? Sometime after sundown? I must have only meant the trailhead parking lot since I thought the campground was still open so probably not the gate at the bottom of the hill by Hwy 14.

Nevertheless, I still had time to visit Little Beacon and still have plenty of time.

I had the place to myself and it was great to just sit and listen to the silence, the wind. So worth the extra effort.

Table Mountain & Mt Adams

Beacon Rock, Columbia River

Bonneville Dam, Columbia River

North Bonneville, Columbia River, Oregon on other side

Bonneville Dam

Little Beacon Rock

Saturday, March 11, 2023

Hike: Hamilton Mountain, Little Hamilton, Little Beacon Rock, N Bonneville, WA

Getting There

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, then another road across from the bathrooms. The road winds up the hill for a bit.

The Hike

Length: 6.82 mi
Elev. gain: 2,231 ft
Moving time: 3:18:22
Avg pace: 29:04
Calories: 1,996
Total time: 4:07:35

Another snowy hike up Hamilton Mountain. I post a lot of photos of this area. Definitely my go-to spot because it's relatively close, still presents a challenge, and the constantly changing conditions are beautiful to photograph.

Even though the parking lot was pretty full and the overflow was available near the campground, I didn't see that many people on the trail. Usually folks just go to Rodney Falls and back.

I didn't encounter snow until I started traversing the backside of Little Hamilton. It was really slushy and soft. There were puddles of icy water so I tried my best to avoid testing my boots on their waterproofing.

For the entire ascent I went without extra traction. It was slippery at times but no major issues.

A trail runner passed me. I'm always impressed that someone can run up the mountain and back with light clothing and just minimal supplies (water, snacks). The person had shoes with extra wide treads for extra stability and surface area for these kind of conditions.

Reaching the top is mostly ceremonial but the views are often really good when it's clear. The trees prevent are good 360° view but you can see Table Mountain, Dog Mountain, the Columbia River, and Bonneville Dam. The snow level at the top was higher than it was last time so you are a bit higher up. I was able to see the river to the west through the branches.

I've been wanting to do the Saddle-Hardy Creek Loops but it just hasn't been in the cards lately due to the snow. I saw footprints heading down the ridge. I know it's doable but judging by the conditions last Tuesday, the Equestrian Trail is about 6-8" deep. I have no idea what shape the Hardy Creek trail is in at the moment. (Need to budget another hour or so.)

At the top, I put on my mini-gaiters and microspikes for the descent. I discovered I'd lost one of my hats. There wasn't anyone around so I knew I'd see it on the way down. Right after I started the return, I heard some grunts from a guy. Just when I saw him, I saw my hat. Woohoo. He asked how much further. I said another 50 yards and noticed the running shoes. SMH.

Further down, I encountered this guy's two buddies, also not dressed for the conditions. One guy was having a helluva time in this tennis shoes and cotton hoodie. They were loud but I tempered my annoyance.

The guy from earlier appeared from the top. He said he was underwhelmed by the top. I get it but also recognize that a lot of people don't appreciate the simple things. Every time I hike here, there some doubt that I'll make it due to conditions or fitness or injuries or something. I'm 50 years old with a disability. (Oh, the youths :)

I passed another group where the lead person was in shorts, t-shirt and was carrying cotton sweatshirt. Why!?

I made my way up the side trail for my requisite visit to Little Hamilton. Not many folks had been up there since the last snow fall and they hadn't followed the actual trail very well.

The views were gorgeous as usual.

As I made my way out of the snow, I stopped to remove the microspikes. Good to be back on dirt/mud.

My boot and pant legs had been cleaned with the snow but now I was getting dirty again.. Oh well.

Near the Hadley Grove junction, a guy and girl were hiking up toward Rodney Falls. Guy had his shirt off.. It was 40 degrees. I don't get the bravado thing.

I headed towards Little Beacon. When I reached the saddle, there was a couple taking photos. I zoomed up the steep hill and had the place to myself. The lighting was amazing. I took off my pack for a min. It wasn't long before I heard that couple. Since I'd been up there numerous times, I figured I'd let them enjoy it. Their English was broken. I hope they didn't think I was leaving because they'd showed up. I was giving them space but doubted I could convey that quickly. I smiled and pointed over my shoulder that there were more great views behind me.

Another great hike. My left ankle and heel felt pretty good. Overall, a success.