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: Mitchell Point, Hood River, OR

Getting There

From Portland, it's about 57 miles (92km) east on I-84, about 5 miles (8 km) from Hood River. You have to take exit 58 from the eastbound lanes: there is no exit from the westbound lanes. 

The trailhead/tunnel parking lot is just up the hill. Parking is limited. When I went there on a weekend (or holiday), cars were parked illegally on the shoulder - please don't do that. Come back during the week or when early or late in the day. 

I waited until mid-afternoon to decide to go somewhere. I knew I didn't have time for any of my usual hikes. The weather was great in town and I hoped it would be like that all the way to Hood River. When I was getting close (I was parallel with Wind Mountain across the river), the cloud cover was pretty thick. The sunset was going to be nice but it was a bit chilly.

Fortunately, the parking lot was only about 1/2 full (5-6 cars). I didn't have any gear, just a jacket, fanny pack, hiking poles. No water, or snacks. Raw dogging. 

The Hike

Distance: 1.85 mi
Ascent: 892 ft
Total Time: 1h 27m 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was my first hike of 2026 but not my first outdoor excursion. I've done a bunch of work parties with WTA and TKO but was finding motivation was still a bit elusive, a feeling that has lingered for several months.

Last time I stopped here, I didn't even have proper hiking boots and found my footwear was not appropriate for the steep terrain. This time I had a singular goal in mind: make it to the top!

Given the lack of cars in the parking lot, I figured I'd have the place to myself. I had just an hour or 1.5 hrs left before sunset.

The trail climbs about 900 feet (275m) in just under a mile (1.4km). I grinded up the switchback, crossed a couple of scree fields which lead me to the saddle. The trail climbs up to the service road for the power lines, before turning sharply back towards the river (north). The climb up the spine is kinda steep but not bad.

As I was ascending the last stretch I saw two people near the top. They disappeared out of view. I guessed they were enjoying the views. I continued upwards but wanted to give those folks some space. I peeked around the corner and saw them sitting. I backed up a bit and took some pictures.

After a few minutes I saw them coming back down. I pretended I was a bit surprised. I said hello and made a cringy (dad joke) comment: "What goes up must come down".. (ewwww, why?). LOL

I climbed up to where they were sitting and took a look. Not much further to go on the point before getting too sketchy. I was ready to start my descent but wanted those people to get a little further along so I wasn't crowding them.

I saw them stop to put on jackets so I hurried so I could pass. Unfortunately, they saw me coming down the hill and quickly started hiking again.. argh!

I stalled and walked really slowly but they kept stopping so I eventually caught up again.

As I crossed the last scree field, a bunch of softball to bowling ball sized rocks started to slide down right above were I was. Only my legs & ankles stopped them but they kind of piled up against me. Yikes. More rocks might have made me lose my footing and swept me down the scree field, or if they'd had started sliding higher up and picked up speed, it could have been more dangerous. Oof.

I made a noise in surprise then relief when nothing more happened. I looked up and noticed the couple had stopped. In fact, they'd stopped to make sure I was okay. I brushed off the danger and said "well, that was a bit spicy!" but thanked them.

Again, I adopted a slow pace so I wasn't right behind them on the trail. Back at the parking lot, one of them headed to the loo and the other putting their gear away. I should have thanked them again for waiting after the rock slide. 

 

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: Oneonta Gorge via Horsetail Falls, Corbett, OR

Getting There

The hardest thing about hiking, especially in the winter months, is getting out of the house. I know I have about 3 weeks to try to squeeze in a few more hikes and up my stats. Like my previous hike reports, I got a later start so I had to pick somewhere close to home since it gets dark around 4:30p on the Oregon side of the Gorge.

I knew Ponytail Falls was short hike and while I like Oneonta Gorge, it doesn't offer views like some other Oregon Gorge hikes or most of them on the Washington side. I thought I would fit in TWO short hikes. I've been wanting to get back to Mitchell Point and the view point way above.

It was overcast but I saw it would only be partly cloudy in the late afternoon, slivers of blue sky and sunset colors. I only found a couple cars in the parking lot, and they weren't hiking per se. 

The Hike

Length: 6.88 mi
Elev. gain: 1,929 ft
Moving time: 3:16:17
Avg pace: 28:31
Calories: 1,729
Total time: 3:30:50 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I geared up and set out on my hike. Not far up the trail, I saw some folks I'd seen leaving the parking lot making their way up the switchbacks. The trail looked familiar from my last visit with TKO to build the rock wall.

Not far after that I met a girl seemingly on her way down dressed in leisureware. She flagged me down and asked me to take a photo for her. As usual, I'll take a couple of shots: landscape, portrait, slight adjustments to composition, zoom level (0.5x, 1.0x). I pulled up the last shot on her phone and offered to take more if she wanted. She took me up on the offer and changed her pose. I noticed the lens on the back of the phone had a smudge. I fumbled for something to clean it with. She offered the sleeve of her sweater. It was vaguely intimate as I gently held her wrist while I clean the camera lens. She was appreciative and asked where I was going and how far the upper waterfall was. I assured her it wasn't very far up the trail, <0.5 mile. She seemed reinvigorated to turn around and make the ascent. I wished her well and took off at a quicker pace.

I zoomed up the trail and passed the group I'd seen earlier. I crossed behind Ponytail Falls and continued on the trail towards Oneonta. I saw that group across the way but not the girl. I hope she made it.

I followed the trail west towards Oneonta Gorge. There was a viewpoint but already two people enjoying the scenery. I skipped it and kept going. I'd seen the route and switchbacks way down below from the other side so I knew what to expect. Somewhere along the way I decided to only hike here and not try to hit Mitchell Viewpoint. I would hike up to where we had lunch with TKO.

And, that's what I did. I kept plodding forward. Noting trees that were down over the trail but not taking GPS coordinates or photos. I'm sure TKO will be back in Spring to deal with them like we did last late winter.

I only saw two other hikers at Triple Falls and beyond. I felt comfortable but knew I'd never reach any end of the road or view, I would just timebox my hike: Reach that upper bridge by 3pm or turn back.

I stopped at Triple Falls to take my requisite photos and inspect the work we did last winter with TKO. I remember when we finally kicked the huge root ball over the side or the tree dropped on the edge of the trail as a border/reinforcement for erosion.

The descent requires a lot of attention to foot placement as there are tons of rock, slippery surfaces, and sketchy steep cliffs. It is mentally taxing. I breathed a sigh of relief when I started down to the bridge back to the east side of the gorge and on my way back to Ponytail Falls and my car.

I stopped at the viewpoint I'd skipped on my ascent. The skies were colorful as it was almost sunset.

By the time I reached Ponytail Falls, it was getting pretty dark. I wasn't worried because I was just a 0.25 mile from the trailhead and I could finish the hike without digging out my flashlight. I took a few photos of the waterfall. The long exposure made for some cool, ethereal shots.

The hike was almost done. I'd seen a photographer perched on the cliff side before I got to Ponytail, waiting for the perfect lighting. On a longer section of the lower switchbacks, I saw a couple with a dog on a leash. I thought I saw some recognition as we got closer to each other. One of them sat down on rock or stump. When I got about 6 ft away, I said "Good evening". The person sitting down gasped and I'd clearly scared them. I apologized and said I'd thought they'd stop to rest and let me pass. But they hadn't actually seen me. Oops. I repeated my apology and bounced down the trail.

Sure enough, I saw their car and photographer's car in the lot. I changed my shoes and into dry clothes. Not super long hike compared to recent outing to Angel's & Devil's Rest and Dog Mountain. I was glad to get one more hike under my belt.

Next hike will be on my birthday. I hope I don't get too tired from two work parties at Beacon Rock. 

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

Getting There

I saw the weather this coming week was rainy. I haven't hiked since Hamilton almost a month ago. No excuses! I knew this was my window of opportunity. I wasn't the only one with that idea.

As I drove out on I-84 in the Gorge, I contemplated my hiking options. I wasn't going back to Hamilton. I clearly wasn't going to King's Mountain, and Dog Mountain was too far given my late start. I thought about Devil's Rest but also Ponytail and Horsetail Falls. Maybe even that perch above Mitchell Tunnel. I'd missed my opportunity to go to Silver Star when I'd jumped on I-84 vs I-205.

Almost at the last minute, I took the Bridal Veil exit and headed towards Wahkeena. I was still under the impression that the road was closed there and I saw a sign that the highway was closed in 3 miles. (I didn't do the math.) I optimistically and quite naively, figured there would be a vacant parking spot. My heart sank a little when I saw cars parked on the shoulder well before the trailhead. Not a good sign. I went ahead to have a look.

To my surprise, the road was NOT closed here anymore: cars could go all the way to Multnomah Falls. And, there were no empties. I did a u-turn. I knew there wasn't an eastbound on-ramp where I'd exited so I would have to backtrack and lose some precious time.

Instead of driving all the back to Corbett on Hwy 30, I got back on the freeway and got back on the eastbound lanes at Rooster Rock. I told myself, "if the Multnomah Falls parking lot was open I would take a look." Sure enough, there were several spots open." 

The Hike

Length: 11.66 mi
Elev. gain: 3,130 ft
Moving time: 4:49:27
Avg pace: 24:49
Calories: 2,550
Total time: 5:25:46 

 

 

 

 

It had been a month since my last hike. It's been difficult to find the motivation. Plus, the time change has made it so if I didn't start early, I'd run out of daylight. I'm way behind on my hiking goals this year.

Even when I was on-trail, I still didn't have a clear plan, just lots of options. The first choice was whether or not to repeat the track I did last time: Wahkeena > Angel's Rest > Devil's Rest. I thought maybe I shouldn't go for the big hike and just get up to Devil's Rest and could loop back or continue to Angel's Rest if I felt good.

When I got to the Wahkeena Springs turn toward Angel's Rest, I settled that choice. But... I could just hike out to Angel's Rest and back to Wahkeena, skipping Devil's Rest.

As one can see in the final trail route, I went all the way to Angel's Rest and up to Devil's Rest. I'm really glad I pushed myself.

There were a dozen people chilling at Angel's Rest. I more-or-less skipping Devil's Rest cuz there were two people sitting and I didn't want to disturb them.

When I got back to the Wahkeena Trail, I considered going to Multnomah Falls, or venture out to the view point. I figured the distance was about the same for the two. The view point has been a regular stop on my hikes out here, like always stopping at Little Beacon. 

I timed things just about right. As I was descending the switchbacks below Lemmon's Point, it was getting pretty dark. By the time I was on the Return Trail, it was really dark. I had difficulty seeing the rocks on the trail. I thought about the handful of people that I knew were still up on the trails above. Hope they had flashlights!

Successful hike. Awesome weather to boot.