A purely organic hike to Devils Rest via Angels Rest was enjoyed Thursday in the gorge. A good exercise while awaiting the opening of elusive mountain hikes, the elevation gain is approximately 2450' and about 8 miles roundtrip.
Densely lush foliage crowded the trails, shoulder high in many spots, making one feel truly a part of the landscape. A profusion of delicate Vine Maples mixed with dappled light created an impressionist sense, while huge conifers filled the canopy overhead. A very intimate feeling, indeed.
Butterflies abounded and Al was particularly delighted when one landed on him several times - sweet thing that he is. In past weeks, we've seen a number of species and will be purchasing a good butterfly field guide for identification. These beauteous creatures seem quite busy this time of year. Whether the behavior is mating activity or defense of territories is uncertain.
Of particular note today was the unusually clear air, allowing visibility unseen in most recent times. Pollution has become quite an issue, both environmentally and politically, and with good reason. There are days when we really don't want to venture out into the visible soup. Hopefully, resolution will come before it's too late.
A pileated woodpecker appeared silently and seemingly out of no where on the lower stretches of Angels Rest trail. Often, loud raucous calls will be heard when they're in the area, but not this time. Sightings have been sparse this year. It's always thrilling to watch this huge, colorful bird.
The previous week entailed, in addition to Cape Horn, a quick ascent to Devils Rest via Wahkeena Falls. Spring has been an especially techicolor event this year in the lowlands, and we'll look forward to the burst of mountain flowers in the coming month.
Friday, June 22, 2007
MISC. TRAIL INFORMATION
The trail information from the Forest Service is interesting this year due to extensive storm damage. Today, the FS reports that the Top Spur trail has been cleared of blow-down to Bald Mountain, but there is no report of conditions from there to McNeil Point.
Boulder Ridge trail is indicated as open, but no reports yet on condition of blow-downs.
Salmon Butte - road washout expected to be repaired in July, although trail can be accessed on foot - no reports on other conditions of trail.
Apparently the bridge to Ramona Falls is also out.
It is reported that the Mt. Hood Information Center near Brightwood at the RV Center will be closing in June. This location has been a mainstay as a hiking group meeting place, trail and weather information assistance, and as a rest stop for longer than we can remember. It will be sadly missed by all.
For those who don't yet have this website, trail information is supposed to be updated as changes occur: www.fs.fed.us/r6/mt.hood.
Boulder Ridge trail is indicated as open, but no reports yet on condition of blow-downs.
Salmon Butte - road washout expected to be repaired in July, although trail can be accessed on foot - no reports on other conditions of trail.
Apparently the bridge to Ramona Falls is also out.
It is reported that the Mt. Hood Information Center near Brightwood at the RV Center will be closing in June. This location has been a mainstay as a hiking group meeting place, trail and weather information assistance, and as a rest stop for longer than we can remember. It will be sadly missed by all.
For those who don't yet have this website, trail information is supposed to be updated as changes occur: www.fs.fed.us/r6/mt.hood.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
CAPE HORN - Columbia River Gorge
.jpg)
.jpg)
Last week, we hiked the edgy cliff trails on Cape Horn (Columbia River Gorge) above the river on Washington's north side of the gorge. This year's trip seemed more spectacular than last, but was immensely dulled by the 1 1/2 mile blacktop walk uphill to the temporary parking lot 1/2 mile above Highway #14. Apparently a dispute exists between local property owners and public rights, resulting in a long, hot, hard-surface walk back to the car.
Beyond the hardship, however, is a flat-out gorgeous view hike with several dramatic changes in environments. A temporary trailhead rambles through a glorious, mostly deciduous forest with scattered evergreens. Surrounded by bird song of numerous species, it seemed we were walking through a virtual aviary. The birds were everywhere and wonderfully loud.
With melodic sounds reverberating through our heads, we finally emerged onto a gravel country road and into the meadows at the top of our elevation gain. Now into a tranquil rural scene, our directions led us down hill between two farms, through wildflowers and tall grass past the house which has recently been purchased by The Friends of the Gorge. According to their literature, the house will become part of a designated park in the gorge. We can hardly wait.
Past the house, we enter another delightful deciduous forest that stops at Highway #14. Immediately across the highway, another trail takes us through a wooded area before breaking out into some pretty fantastic wide views of the river and gorge area to the east. Some view points seem almost like a cruise experience. Wildflowers cling to the pillar type rock formations leaning against the cliff, from waterline all the way to the top. Our lunch spot would equal the Riviera's best - and no one else was around. Bliss!
Properly tranquilized by the sun and lapping sounds at water's edge, we continued on through rock switchbacks leading to yet another forest. Large yellow monkey flowers greeted us along the way to a waterfall. Although not the prime time for this particular waterfall, it was still dramatic as we passed behind the falling spray of water and began our final trek to trails end.
Although the asphalt return was unpleasant, the hike is over the top in beauty and sensations and a return will be made when the new parking area has been completed on Highway 14.
Beyond the hardship, however, is a flat-out gorgeous view hike with several dramatic changes in environments. A temporary trailhead rambles through a glorious, mostly deciduous forest with scattered evergreens. Surrounded by bird song of numerous species, it seemed we were walking through a virtual aviary. The birds were everywhere and wonderfully loud.
With melodic sounds reverberating through our heads, we finally emerged onto a gravel country road and into the meadows at the top of our elevation gain. Now into a tranquil rural scene, our directions led us down hill between two farms, through wildflowers and tall grass past the house which has recently been purchased by The Friends of the Gorge. According to their literature, the house will become part of a designated park in the gorge. We can hardly wait.
Past the house, we enter another delightful deciduous forest that stops at Highway #14. Immediately across the highway, another trail takes us through a wooded area before breaking out into some pretty fantastic wide views of the river and gorge area to the east. Some view points seem almost like a cruise experience. Wildflowers cling to the pillar type rock formations leaning against the cliff, from waterline all the way to the top. Our lunch spot would equal the Riviera's best - and no one else was around. Bliss!
Properly tranquilized by the sun and lapping sounds at water's edge, we continued on through rock switchbacks leading to yet another forest. Large yellow monkey flowers greeted us along the way to a waterfall. Although not the prime time for this particular waterfall, it was still dramatic as we passed behind the falling spray of water and began our final trek to trails end.
Although the asphalt return was unpleasant, the hike is over the top in beauty and sensations and a return will be made when the new parking area has been completed on Highway 14.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
UPDATES
Weather, work and storm damage has kept us off the trails we so love this time of year, and the blog has suffered.
By now, in previous years, we would already have hiked up Salmon Butte, Central Salmon River and Burnt Lake to the Zig Zag overlook while looking forward to the annual McNeil Point hike. However, storm damage from the winter has taken part of the road out on the Salmon River Road, zapping two hikes, and a bridge is down to Burnt Lake trailhead. Reportedly, the repairs will not be made until July. It's been a tough year in the wilderness areas.
Mostly, we've stayed in the gorge with numerous treks up Wahkeena Falls, Angels Rest and Dog mountain to keep the exercise level up. The wildflowers have been exceptional this spring, along with the jungle-like growth of succulent vegetation. Today, on Angels Rest, we found an abundance of tiger lilies and columbines, wild strawberries almost ripe, and were serenaded throughout the hike with the delightful melodies of numerous birds. Not a bad way to spend Sunday morning.
Tuesday, we'll make our first trip this year to Cape Horn on the Washington side of the gorge. Our weather is to improve this week and open up a number of good options until we're able to hike the mountain.
By now, in previous years, we would already have hiked up Salmon Butte, Central Salmon River and Burnt Lake to the Zig Zag overlook while looking forward to the annual McNeil Point hike. However, storm damage from the winter has taken part of the road out on the Salmon River Road, zapping two hikes, and a bridge is down to Burnt Lake trailhead. Reportedly, the repairs will not be made until July. It's been a tough year in the wilderness areas.
Mostly, we've stayed in the gorge with numerous treks up Wahkeena Falls, Angels Rest and Dog mountain to keep the exercise level up. The wildflowers have been exceptional this spring, along with the jungle-like growth of succulent vegetation. Today, on Angels Rest, we found an abundance of tiger lilies and columbines, wild strawberries almost ripe, and were serenaded throughout the hike with the delightful melodies of numerous birds. Not a bad way to spend Sunday morning.
Tuesday, we'll make our first trip this year to Cape Horn on the Washington side of the gorge. Our weather is to improve this week and open up a number of good options until we're able to hike the mountain.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)