Snowshoe: White River Canyon, Government Camp, OR

Getting There

It was the last day of the year. Being behind on my hiking goals, I wanted to squeeze in one more outing. I saw the weather was looking favorable in the Gorge and around Mt Hood. 

A couple people posted amazing pictures from Silver Star. One person on AllTrails reported the road (L-1200) was in terrible shape while another said the road was fine. As I was driving on Hwy 30/N Killingsworth toward the I-205 turn, I considered hiking Silver Star but my decision was made when I turned right onto the southbound lanes towards Troutdale. I was going to Mt Hood like I said I was, stick to the plan). 

White River Sno-Park, an old favorite, was my destination. I passed the Mirror Lake parking lot: full, as expected. I still go a late start but figured I'd still have plenty of time for my usual route to the end of the trail. I stopped at Government Camp for a pitstop. 

The road were pretty clear to the Hwy 35 turn and to White River. The parking lot was less than half full. I wondered how much snow there actually was on the ground up in the canyon. No matter, I wasn't going anywhere else. (Trillium Lake didn't look promising, too crowded, flat loop.)

The Hike

Length: 5.53 mi
Elev. gain: 1,640 ft
Moving time: 2:38:41
Avg pace: 28:43
Calories: 1,398
Total time: 3:14:42 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I got suited up with my snow boots and snowshoes, and powder baskets on my poles. The snow on the ground was well packed and there weren't any post holes. Despite the clear skies, the sno-park wasn't very busy compared to other times I've been here. 

Once I got passed that last sledding hill, I veered off into the middle of the canyon, to the right (north) of the trees. I crossed the creek before putting on my snow shoes. 

 

The clouds were amazing when I started the hike. I only encountered one other snow shoer on the trail. He had a light pack, no poles and looked like a cotton sweatshirt. ಠ_ಠ

The end of the trail was in sight but also looked far away. I was feeling good and had plenty of time (i.e. daylight). I made a mental note that I wanted to start heading back down by 2:30p. I had one hour to reach the end of the road.

I heard some voices far away. I could see the Palmer chairlift moving on the ridge but probably too far. I thought there might be some people looking from the rim near Timberline Lodge. Nope, it was at least one person (probably two having a conversation). on the a steep hillside to my left (southwest). They were probably climbing up to have some fresh turns on skis or snowboard. Short but sweet section. 

The clouds had moved out by the time I reached this point, 2pm. In fact, the air seemed "warm". I guessed it was around low 40s. The snow was getting pretty mushy in spots. I don't know what my packed weighed but played a factor. I saw some snow shoe tracks that were on the top of the snow, probably made when it was a lot cooler.

I also noted that the snow coverage was pretty minimal compared to previous visits, lots of rocks showing. 

I made it to my destination. The end of the road. This looks like an ancient glacial valley.

Here is my last picture of Mt Hood as I was winding my way back to the car. 3pm. 

I couldn't find a suitable route to climb into the trees for my descent so I returned the way I'd come. I'd seen a few sets of human-made tracks lower down coming from the trees. My biggest concern was creeks next to the small cliff. 

I saw a short section that looked promising. I was able to climb my way up and over the berm. The snow in the trees was softer than I'd expected. I thought the shade would have slowed the thaw. I found a couple of ski tracks. I followed some other snow-shoe tracks for awhile but ended up leaving the trees before that last sledding hill. I took my snow-shoes off where I'd put them on earlier, just before a creek crossing.

The direct sun was gone, just the blue light over everything. There were still lots of sledders having fun.

A little kid on a saucer zoomed by and skidded to a stop. They looked up and stared for a few beats before I waved and said "howdy". I'm sure I was a bit of a sight: sunglasses, trucker hat, big backpack with Garmin InReach & red MSHI patch. S&R? Mountain man? Astronaut? LOL.

Hike: McNeil Point, Mt Hood, Zigzag, OR

Getting There

I took Hwy 26 from Portland to Zig Zag and turn left onto E Lolo Pass Rd. After 4.2 miles, turn right onto Muddy Fork Rd. After 0.7 miles it becomes 1828. Continue for another 5.6 miles until the paved road changes to dirt & gravel, veer right. The Top Spur trailhead 1.5 miles from the last junction.

The parking area was completely full and dozens of cars parked along the shoulder. I only encountered a handful of hikers on the trail leading me to believe most of the cars belonged to overnight backpackers. I crossed paths with many loopers on my way back to the trailhead. But I also noticed that virtually all the cars that were parked on the shoulder had left. 

The Hike

Length: 8.32 mi
Elev. gain: 2,539 ft
Moving time: 4:04:02
Avg pace: 29:19
Calories: 2,150
Total time: 4:20:36 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was my first hike in almost a month that wasn't a trail work party. Unforunately, I got a late start and didn't get to the trailhead until about 2pm. I knew I had plenty of daylight, I still didn't linger for very long at any one spot to enjoy the surroundings and scenery. When I'd decided to hike this trail, I wanted to hike up to Ho Rock (Cathedral Ridge) but I didn't get there until about 5pm.

Nevertheless, the views on this route are incredible. The last time I was here in late Aug 2023, it was raining and Mt Hood was obscured by clouds. The first time I did this hike in July 2022, I'd gone all the way up to Ho Rock.

I crossed paths with so many backpackers, esp. when I was on my way back to the trailhead. I wasn't feeling great but kept going anyway. When I got to the lakes with the White Pasqueflowers, I met a couple that asked me about my MSHI patch. We chatted for 10-15 mins before parting ways. I thought maybe I'd go as far as the McNeil/Timberline junction then turn back but reaching the shelter was still a goal. I decided it was faster to continue on the loop than double-back. It was the right choice.

The backside of the route is incredible. Great views of the nearby Cascade Mountains (St Helens, Rainier, Adams) and northwestern flank of Mt Hood. 

From the bench near the shelter, the views were incredible. I could see the lakes I passed through earlier. Plus, more views of the Cascades. 

   

I already knew I was taking the "shortcut" back to the Timberline Trail. This was going to be my third time going down the "elevator" shaft. It was familiar but also lots of room for error. I made sure to be take each step carefully. 

Like last time (2023), I met a solo hiker coming up. I thought that they were ascending pretty late and also questioned my need to get back before it got dark. I probably could have stayed up there for awhile and still had plenty of daylight. Plus, it's a well marked trail, there were dozens of backpackers, and I had a flashlight. I may go back again soon and do the extra hike to Ho Rock. (Or, hike from Vista Ridge to Barrett Spur).

This photo was taken at about 5:30pm. See how high the sun in the sky. Plenty of time to linger.

Hike: Tamawanas Falls + Cloud Cap Inn/Tilly Jane, Parkdale, OR

Getting There

You can reach this trailhead from Hood River but I was still unsure where I would land when I left the house. I drove I-84 from Portland to Exit 16 and headed toward Mt Hood via Hwy 26.

My tentative plan was to hike up to McNeil Point from the Top Spur Trailhead but when I reached the turnoff for Lolo Pass, I kept driving.

My next thought was hiking up to Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain via the Mirror Lake Trail #664. As usual the trailhead parking lot was packed to the gills. I might have found a spot in the Ski Bowl parking lot but wasn't sure. A full lot means a lot of people on the trail. 

The burrito I got at New Seasons was not sitting well. I stopped in Government Camp to use the loo and get some fuel. I searched for a hike nearby and found Tamawanas Falls.

When I passed by White River, where I've snowshoed several times, there was plenty of room in the parking lot but I was kind of in a funk. I kept going. I sorta thought I drive all the way down to Hood River and try to hike Lyle-Cherry Orchard.

When I reached the Tamawanas Falls Trailhead, it was overflowing with cars. Argh! I zoomed by. I sorta thought I drive all the way down to Hood River and try to hike Lyle-Cherry Orchard. Not far down the road, I saw the Polallie Trailhead. I had no idea what trails this would give me access to but I pulled over and parked.

I geared up and poked my head around the corner down the road. I opened my Google Maps app and realized the trails were across the street. I ran across the road and started up.

The Hike

Length: 4.89 mi
Elev. gain: 1,078 ft
Moving time: 2:00:34
Avg pace: 25:11
Calories: 1,220
Total time: 2:10:33

 

There was a junction not far up the trail, after the first short switchback. I looked at the map again and saw that one trail followed the road and I imagined hearing the traffic. Nope. So I opted to go the other way, Elk Meadow. I still had no idea where this was leading but I didn't really care. 

To be honest, I was a bit relieved when a couple passed me in the other direction and asked what I knew about the "road not taken". I said I didn't know and picked this one since it was away from the road. I hoped there was a viewpoint somewhere and kept heading deeper into the forest.

When I reached the trail junction for Tamawanas Falls Trail, I had a new plan! The waterfall and I didn't have to hike with the throngs of people I saw parked at the trailhead.

I passed another pair of hikers heading the other direction.

Eventually, I reached the junction for the Tamawanas Falls Trail, the out-n-back part. There were lots of people here but I was glad I had a plan. I would take a spin to the falls, snap some photos and at least have got some trail time.

I only lingered for a little while then started my return hike to the car. Instead of returning the way I came, I followed the Tamawanas Falls Trail to the East Fork Trail.

Such a beautiful trail along the North Fork Cold Spring Creek.

Indeed, the North Fork Trail parallels Hwy 35 and I could hear the car noise. I reached the Polallie Trailhead and my car.

Now what? It wasn't a very difficult or long hike.

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I thought about driving back to Portland the way I'd come, Hwy 26 through Gov't Camp & Sandy. Instead, I continued northbound on Hwy 35. Less than a mile from where I'd parked, I saw the turn for Cooper Spur. I considered going to Laurence Lake and trying to get some views of the Parkdale Lava Flow.

When I got to the Cooper Spur Mountain Resort, I noticed Cloud Cap Road on the left. Hmm.

I followed it up to the Tilly Jane Sno-Park parking lot and made a mental note. This must be the start of the difficult trail up to the Cloud Cap Inn and the Cooper Spur next to Eliot Glacier.

I knew I was on the road to the Inn. I'd been wanting to visit this place for several years!

The road wasn't too bad, I passed a bunch of lower clearance cars on their way down. It's narrow in spot and not devoid of potholes and dips but it was much better than the road to Cold Springs Campground to the South Climbing route on Mt Adams.

A couple of vehicles appeared in my rear view mirror. I found a spot to pull over and let them pass.

When I got to the junction for Tilly Jane, it said one mile and I calculated I was adding three miles to the drive but was surprised that the campground was just around the corner, more or less. (Maybe it said 0.1 miles). I wanted to see the A frame but somehow missed it. I photographed the Ranger Station and walked through the campground. The A-frame was just 100 meters from where I'd parked. Oh well.

I hopped back in my Jeep and headed to Cloud Cap. Wowwee! The views were endless.

I hiked around to the side of the Inn that faced Mt Hood. It was hidden in clouds on the SW side, including the summit. It made for some dramatic photos. I could see Eliot Glacier and it seemed like you could almost touch it.

I sorta wished I'd come here first so I could hike to the end of Cooper Spur! Next time! Maybe before the end of this summer.