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19.5 miles of hiking • 5000' elevation gain •

Spectactular sunny, 74°, and snow-free summit on Tanner Butte! We had it all to ourselves, after meeting the only two other people (PH TFFs, at that!) we'd see all day descending as we approached the summit. The entire Willamette Valley and P/V metro area appeared to be socked-in with fog, but the rest of the incredible 360° vista was nothing but bluebird skies. Views stretched from Rainier in the north to Three Finger Jack in the south, and even Saddle Mountain on the coast. Hung out on the summit so long, we ended up traveling the last hour-plus under headlamp. :-)

Views: Summit of Tanner Butte, the best view in the Gorge, on a gorgeous day! by Karl
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Comments

P9140528

Jen
January 27, 2015

I like that shot where you each have a mountain over your head.

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Karl
January 27, 2015

Thanks, Jen! (And the dreaded selfie-stick shadow, too! ;-)

acorn woodpecker
January 27, 2015

Great photos, Karl! Your zoom capabilities are impressive. Even Rainier looks good. Neat you could see Mt. Margaret Backcountry with the zoom on St. Helens. Definitely doesn't look like late January up there, especially with an inversion making it 72 degrees! I was on Tanner on Jan. 24, 2014 and there was at least some snow on the summit but it was hardpacked and only about a foot deep. Nice to see you ascended Wauna Cutoff, as well! What a day!

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Woodswalker
January 28, 2015

Great pics! I also like the St Helens shot. Looks like a fantastic summer :)day.

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Karl
January 28, 2015

Thanks, AW & WW! Oops, did I say 72°? It was actually 74°! Such an incredible day. Last time I was there was 1/5/14, and there was a bit of snow and the summit was very cold. This Sunday, I was getting perturbed at just how warm it was - actually broke a sweat coming back down!

Hard to beat Tanner Butte for the 360° views. Was trying to visualize that Worm Flows route up MSH. Looks like there may be exposed rock possibly up to 7000' or more? Crazy days! I know the drought/fire possibilities are grim, but it sure makes for some great hiking right now.