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

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.

Upper part of trail

Rainbow over Table Mountain

Beacon Rock from Little Beacon

Hamilton Mountain from Little Beacon

Columbia River

View through the trees

Columbia River from Little Hamilton

N Bonneville

Columbia River

Heavy snow but it's soft

Snow on trail near the top

The Hamilton summit

Upper trail

Hike: Hamilton Mountain Trail plus Little Beacon Rock, Stevenson, WA

AllTrails maps

 

Getting There 

See previous posts for directions. Spring for the annual Discover Pass for $30/yr instead of paying $10/day at the trailhead.

I got a late start, not leaving Portland until around 12:30-1pm. I picked this hike because I wanted some place close and challenging.

The Hike

Distance: 6.30 miles*
Elevation Gain: 2,307 ft**
Moving Time: unk
Avg Pace: unk
Calories: unk
Total Time: unk

* I accidentally canceled my trail recording on the ascent. I restarted it from the top of the hike to capture the descent but just to estimate the distance to add the section to Little Beacon.
** Elevation Gain is based on a previous hike.

This hike has become my go-to spot to keep in shape. It’s close to home, just the right distance and elevation gain for a quick afternoon hike. 

I know I made my best ascent time to-date. I crushed it. I love my new pack and the hiking pole side strap. Actually, I never used the poles. This was the first time ever that I didn't deploy them one. I kind of liked having both hands free for scrambling. For practice I took the difficult route down from Little Hamilton. I only had one slip/close-call after I'd made it to the trail. Dammit. Those 1" rocks that act like marbles. I need to be able to identify this kind of stuff better and slow way down ... or get out the dang hiking poles.

Little Hamilton Mountain

The real treat of this hike was the side trip on the way down to check out Little Beacon Rock. By the time I've reached the power lines and the end of the trail was in sight (not really but it's the first/last segment of the trail), I've always said "next time". Well, this was the time! I peeled off to the Hadley Trail. It traverses below the power lines so you still feel immersed in the forest. 

Wow! This is what I love to find, a craggy peak to climb and get some views. This reminded me of the little spot (6070') I found next to Pinnacle Peak. This trail is well-worn and easy to follow. I climbed out onto the point to rest and enjoy the views.

My selfie from Little Beacon Rock (Beacon in bg)

Northwest view from Little Beacon Rock

Beacon Rock + Columbia River

Pontificating:

I don't do this part enough, stopping to enjoy the views. Often, I'm weary of the time and making sure I have enough to make the trip back to the trailhead. Joey Coconato comments in many of his videos that he never gets an early start, often leaving after 12noon. This is about route planning and not trying to cover too much ground, leaving time to smell the wildflowers, enjoy the views, cook & setup camp.

With day hikes, if I just start a little earlier, I would not feel rushed to 'get back down'. I'm cautious about hiking too early in the morning or too late in afternoon/early evening as there is likely to be peak feeding periods for critters.

Note: I was surprised walking through the Hadley Campground that none of the trash cans were bear-proof. I'm pretty sure I've seen bear poop near Phlox and Hardy Creek. I would like to get to a higher level of comfort when hiking alone. I follow good practices (carrying bear spray but not always, carrying noise makers (bell) and talking/whistling, looking for signs like poop or scratched trees, etc). After seeing Joey's video where they had a bunch of encounters, it says a few things: (1) it's gonna happen if you spend time outdoors, (2) it doesn't mean a sighting = an attack, (3) follow you gut instinct, caution, (4) I need to find some people to do back-country hikes with.