Recent Hikes

September 26, 2015 Woodswalker 8 miles 2,000 feet gained

The cloud cover looked as though it wasn't going to live up to the forecast's promise of sunny skies. But twenty minutes into the hike it all cleared off. There was no sign at the trailhead, but the signage was excellent everywhere else on the hike. I didn't see a single person on the trail. I knew there were lots of folks up on the butte, so I enjoyed my so...

September 26, 2015 acorn woodpecker 3.5 miles 1,250 feet gained

Took my mother and son up today. What a gem. This short hike packs a punch with a viewpoint and summit views. Beautiful day for it, too.

September 25, 2015 JM 5.5 miles 1,500 feet gained

Friday evening after work ramble. It was 45 miles one way from Clackamas to the TH. I saw no other people the entire evening. The river was pretty low, the trees huge and the walk very lovely. Spotted a couple of frogs and a few birds I could not identify.

September 25, 2015 acorn woodpecker 3 miles 250 feet gained

Quick late afternoon stroll with my mother and son. Pleasant cool conditions after the day's rain. No distant mountain views but whatever. The construction of the underground reservoirs is done. Lots of bird activity, as usual. The low point was having both my mom and son step in dogshit at the trailhead at the end of the walk and track it into the car. Yuck...

September 22, 2015 Jen 3.5 miles 500 feet gained

I had a fun trip on a lovely fall day. I continue to suffer from hip pain. Really trying to keep my hiking mileage down, but I still need my weekly fix of the great outdoors. This time, I biked up the 1340 Jones Creek Road-a slow easy grind, and wandered around on Butcher Knife Peak Ridge. I then rode down to Lost Lake and explored the lakeside on a very qui...

September 21, 2015 Woodswalker 10.18 miles 1,750 feet gained

It had been a long time goal to see St Helen's Lake. Monday I finally made it, with sparkling skies and beautiful autumn colors. The views here are different and spectacular around every turn.

September 20, 2015 Roman 5.5 miles 500 feet gained

Other side of the same mountain - no chanterelles at all but quite a few boletes. Will get better if we have some wet, warm weather this fall.

September 20, 2015 Father Guido Sarducci 6.5 miles 2,750 feet gained

Hiked to both the North & South view points on Walker then drove a short distance to the Falls View Campground & hiked the short falls loop trail.

September 20, 2015 Mileage Mike 9.4 miles 2,000 feet gained

It was a gorgeous cool and breezy day on the Umbrella Falls trail! We didn't spend much time on the Timberline trail as we had to get back home on the earlier side. The parking lot for Elk Meadows was filled but they were spread out on the trail very well. We had Umbrella Falls to ourselves both going out and coming back! Some nice views of Mt. Hood and it w...

September 20, 2015 Rhonda 8.5 miles 1,250 feet gained

Took my first but definitely not last trip to the Indian Heaven Wilderness today. Day was overcast and it was lightly raining by 130 as we were leaving but I have to say seeing all the fall colors out there was amazing. The pictures I got did not do it justice at all.

September 19, 2015 Roman 3.5 miles 250 feet gained

Chanterelles going good already in many places, not enough to dry for winter but we picked a few pounds - it was the first real harvest of this season.

September 19 to September 20, 2015 JM 18 miles 4,250 feet gained 1 night

Great fall colors up at Jefferson Park this weekend. The meadow is just waiting for snow. I hope it comes! We hiked high above the lakes out of sight of the hordes and masses ringing every lake.

September 19, 2015 acorn woodpecker 9 miles 4,250 feet gained

A beautiful day in the Clackamas area abound with treasures of discovery. Great ridgeline views from many different perspectives. The color is changing on the maples. Fresh coating of snow above 7500' on Hood and Jefferson. Only downside was the sound of gunfire.

September 19, 2015 Rhonda 6 miles 2,000 feet gained

Had a day to myself so went a solo stroll to Pechuck Lookout. Beautiful blue skies and perfect temperatures. Hiked much slower than normal and just enjoyed the time alone. Had a lazy lunch at the lookout and lounged for a couple hours and then headed out. Just in time to, ran into a couple of backpackers coming in and then two sets of dayhikers as i wandered...

September 19, 2015 Mileage Mike 10.1 miles 1,250 feet gained

We were just looking for an easy trail so we could get outdoors and get some fresh air. We haven't been on this trail in many years and really enjoyed this forest walk in solitude! We met a bow hunter at NF65 and had a very nice talk with him. Apparently, he hasn't seen a deer or elk in the 6 days he has been out! On the way back to our car we saw four mount...

September 13, 2015 The Angry Hiker 11.5 miles 3,000 feet gained

September 13 to September 14, 2015 B-Dog 8 miles 3,000 feet gained 1 night

Camped at the trail head and got a nice early start around 6:00 am. The approach to Ingalls Pass went quick and we were up at the lake in no time. The Ingalls Pass area would be a great place to camp and spend a few days relaxing in the wilderness. There are plenty of climbing routes on Ingalls and it would make for some nice alpine climbing from camp. Can't...

September 13, 2015 Mileage Mike 11 miles 1,500 feet gained

It's obvious that hunting season has started and it's not my favorite season to hike, although the cool weather is definitely a bonus! I also make sure to don the orange high visibility pack covers so we aren't mistaken as food! The temperature stayed in the 50's the entire day and it was refreshing and rejuvenating! Yes, we we're on the PCT again but had hi...

September 13, 2015 Woodswalker 13.26 miles 3,000 feet gained

Due to intermittent car starting issues, which can't be diagnosed until it will occur for the mechanic, I am heading places that have reception, or people with phones or radios nearby. I thought Timberline would be crazy crowded, but it really wasn't except right around the lodge in the afternoon. The fall colors were stunning, crossing the Zigzag was ridicu...

September 13, 2015 Rhonda 11.5 miles 2,750 feet gained

Took a trip to Mary's Peak. It was our first time there and we came in via the North trailhead so we could get a little mileage as well. We've had a busy few weeks and haven't hike since late August so the elevation gain was kind of grueling today but we pushed through and made decent time. We have been adding some trail running on our trips out especially o...

September 12 to September 13, 2015 JM 16 miles 3,000 feet gained 1 night

Awesome overnighter to a new area for me. The fall colors were just outstanding. Even though this was one of the most crowded trails I have ever hiked on, the views were spectacular and it was just a perfect weekend outing.

September 12, 2015 B-Dog 3.5 miles 2,000 feet gained

Did my annual scramble up the cream of some young guye. Took my buddy Tyson up the South Rib Route. We had a great time and enjoyed the last real hot day of summer. Afterwards we drove to Teanaway and car camped at Esmeralda trail head. The next day we climbed up to Ingalls Peak. This was a nice slam to end the summer season. Looking forward to some fall cli...

September 12, 2015 Mileage Mike 11.2 miles 2,000 feet gained

I guess we couldn't stay away from the PCT and thought that reaching the PCT via the Huckleberry Mtn. Trail from Lost Lake would be fun! Lost Lake was absolutely packed with people and the campground was full. We stopped at the general store to find directions to the Huckleberry Mtn trail and the older gentleman was full of interesting PCT info! On the outbo...

September 12, 2015 Rich 15 miles 3,000 feet gained

September 10 to September 14, 2015 Roman 26.86 miles 9,000 feet gained 4 nights

After busy Labor Day, got out on Thursday to explore Alpine Lakes Wilderness for the first time. Started at Rachel Lake trailhead and camped at Rampart Lakes, which was a must-see after reading epic TR's from the area (probably THE most crowded area I ever camped in, but justifiably so). When I came it was already getting dark, and found all campsites busy o...

September 9 to September 11, 2015 Jim 16 miles 2,500 feet gained 2 nights

"Central Oregon" wilderness exploring -- mostly off trail. Very hot. Small lakes. Bull elk annoyed with my choice of tent sites.

September 7, 2015 Mountainkat 17.59 miles 3,500 feet gained

We parked at Dee Wright and took the PCT to the Matthieu Lakes trail, eventually getting back on the PCT to go out to Opie Dilldock Pass. We stopped at Yapoah Crater and hiked to the top along the way. We had not intended on hiking to the top of Collier Cone, but we went up a bit to see a better view of North Sister and kept climbing the ridge, so we just co...

September 7, 2015 Woodswalker 11.5 miles 1,750 feet gained

Ponds and more ponds! Tarns, lakes galore as well. We took established trails for the first part of the day, then some version of the various older and unmaintained trails to get back. The PCT is great, but I really prefer the older trails though the meadows. The sun never fully emerged but it was out enough to make lots of great reflections in the water. Gr...

September 7, 2015 Mileage Mike 9.4 miles 1,750 feet gained

This was our last hike to try and meetup with PCT through hikers and handout Oreo Cookies. Indian Heaven Wilderness is always an excellent choice for hiking the PCT so we started at the Crest Camp access area. We saw quite a few day hikers and backpackers on the way out, but no PCT through hikers. Fortunately, we hit pay dirt on the way back, after we turned...

September 6, 2015 Mountainkat 10.66 miles 500 feet gained

The Cascades were socked in and rainy, so we headed over to the Badlands Wilderness to enjoy complete quiet and an empty trail, despite seeing cars at the first trailhead and horse trailers at the trailhead where we parked. This hike was a great variation from mountain hiking. We enjoyed spending the day with twisted old juniper trees, sagebrush, and lizards...

September 6, 2015 Karl 11 miles 1,500 feet gained

Was shocked back into Fall, as we hiked through the rain and enjoyed the onset of autumn colors. Lots of folks along the short 1.7 mile trail from parking lot to spectacular 335' Falls Creek Falls. But hardly anyone on the trail above, that leads to views of the upper tier and eventually all the way to Indian Heaven. Perhaps the most amazing thing we saw all...

September 6, 2015 Mileage Mike 11.1 miles 2,000 feet gained

Hiked solo today so wanted to stay fairly close to home. Thought I'd just hike the PCT south from Bridge of the Gods and stop off at Dry Creek Falls and The Pinnacles. I'll admit I was somewhat inspired by having watched the movie "Wild" last night on HBO. It was.....interesting, but not quite what I expected. I did enjoy the ending where she walked out on t...

September 5 to September 7, 2015 The Angry Hiker 8 miles 3,250 feet gained 2 nights

September 5 to September 7, 2015 B-Dog 13.5 miles 3,750 feet gained 2 nights

After going to Michele's Cabin the last 2 years for Labor Day, we decided it was time to get back to our roots and hit the trail for our annual Family Backpacking Trip. We had a great time up at Park Lakes near Salmon La Sac. The cast and crew consisted of the usual suspects.

September 5 to September 6, 2015 Father Guido Sarducci 25.25 miles 4,500 feet gained 1 night

Was suppose to be a 2 nighter but the rainy weather cut the trip short by a night. Camped @ Pete Lake then day hiked up to Spectacle. This will be on my re-do list as I expect the views @ Spectacle during favorable weather conditions would be very nice.

September 5, 2015 Roman 6.5 miles 1,250 feet gained

Brrr... (nice fall colors, though!)

September 5, 2015 acorn woodpecker 8 miles 3,500 feet gained

Unexpectedly had the afternoon and went a new way up a familiar haunt in Herman Creek area. Basked in the sun along a ridge. Good hiking weather; pleasantly cool with a high enough cloud ceiling to enjoy the immediate surroundings. Topped out at a high point before dropping down to Indian Point for more dramatic views. Exited via Gorton Creek Trail to comple...

September 5, 2015 Mileage Mike 11.8 miles 3,500 feet gained

It was a nice cool day to hike up some elevation to Huckleberry Mt. The Wildwood area was alive with families and noise but the Boulder Ridge Trail was quiet and serene. We must have seen a dozen or more hikers at about 4 miles out but those were the only people seen the entire day! We had Huckleberry Mt. all to ourselves and thankfully the cloud ceiling was...

September 4, 2015 Karl 8 miles 1,750 feet gained

The ongoing destruction of this trail is a serious disappointment to me. Yes, they've improved the viewpoint of the upper falls. But they've also removed a good number of other viewpoints, some of them seemingly entirely senselessly. Case in point, the railroad overlook! W.T.H...??? I swear, I was mumbling much of the loop about how boring they'd made it. Th...

September 3, 2015 Mountainkat 8.23 miles 1,250 feet gained

September 2, 2015 Jen 4 miles 2,000 feet gained

This was stupid, bouldering up wet basalt in the rain. I was with 2 other members of a local mountaineering club who are supposed to be safe while climbing, and we certainly weren't. Once the rain really kicked in, we became very concerned about downclimbing the way came in and decided to "bail up" . We scrambled up to Cook Hill, 2000 feet in less than half ...

September 1, 2015 Mountainkat 10.24 miles 2,250 feet gained

Quick hike while in Tahoe to Upper Velma Lake. It was a weekday, so the trail was not crowded. I bet it is very busy in the height of summer here. Poor planning on my part by not junctioning with the PCT and doing the loop through Fontanillis Lake.

September 1, 2015 Roman 4.5 miles 1,500 feet gained

Quick hike after work.

August 31, 2015 Jim 13.5 miles 3,500 feet gained

August 31, 2015 Woodswalker 9.08 miles 2,250 feet gained

Searching for clear skies, the Badger Creek Wilderness sounded promising, so I set out to the east. I wanted to do a different section than I usually do. So I planned a loop from High Prairie, up Lookout Mt., down to Gumjuwac saddle, over Gunsight Butte down to Jean Lake and back to the trailhead by way of the Bennett Pass road. I ended up only going as far ...

August 30, 2015 Chris 8 miles 1,250 feet gained

August 30, 2015 Mileage Mike 10 miles 2,000 feet gained

Last day of weekend and of my two week vacation, so we decided to head out on the PCT south to Sedum Ridge from NF-417. The rain was incessant and drenched us for most of the day. The rain coupled with hiking up a couple thousand feet (easy elevation though) left no piece of clothing untouched from moisture, including my new boots! We were well prepared but ...

August 29, 2015 BeaverDawg 1.5 miles 250 feet gained

Two short walks to popular Banff NP tourist destinations.

August 29, 2015 Jim 8.5 miles 2,000 feet gained

August 29, 2015 Father Guido Sarducci 5 miles 250 feet gained

Family reunion on Whidbey Island & plan was a hike @ Deception Pass. This was scuttled as area was closed due to high winds. Hiked @ Fort Casey State Park instead. Very high winds @ the fort kept the crowds down. Three of us took the guided fort tour which requires a minimum of 4 people to attend but the tour guide was nice enough to count the dog as a perso...