Karl

December 30, 2013 9 miles 1,250 feet gained

Really great walk through the woods, mostly along the northern section of the loop, to an absolutely devoid-of-people Ramona Falls. Had some nice breaks along the way, to just enjoy the beauty of that little creek and the cliffs above, while *one* of our party was almost completely lost in a world all her own due to the the discovery of some apparently delec...

December 26, 2013 12.5 miles 5,250 feet gained

Most awesome way possible to work off all those holiday treats! Allison and I climbed a vertical mile up to the highest point in the Columbia River Gorge, even though last night's (delicious) lasagna was weighing me down like a boat anchor, and enjoyed the wonders of an temperature inversion and magnificent views in all directions. Along the way, we walked a...

December 19, 2013 8 miles 2,000 feet gained

Did the classic Mirror Lake, up Tom Dick and Harry Mountain, and back down Ski Bowl loop today. First time ever in the winter. Wonderful day up there. But there was a very odd accumulation of ice, perhaps an inch thick, just under the snow. Finally put on microSpikes which aided greatly to the confidence of each step. Very little snow, for this late in the s...

December 14, 2013 8.5 miles 3,000 feet gained

Just an all-around excellent little workout hike! Spent most of the day in the clouds, but they cleared just enough to be highly dramatic while we were at Indian Point. From Herman Creek campground (about 9am), we went up Nick Eaton Way to the Ridge Cutoff Trail just below Pt 3152. That took us over to the Gorton Creek trail just about where the spur to Indi...

December 13, 2013 16 miles 3,250 feet gained

Decided that the misty-cloudy forecast called for a nice long walk in the woods. Hadn't ever explored much beyond the waterfalls areas at Moulton Falls county park before, so took a long ramble along the Bells Mountain Trail. Somewhere between 1/4 and 1/3 of the area covered had been clearcut in the not too distant past. In fact, I wandered right through an ...

December 7, 2013 7.5 miles 2,000 feet gained

Afternoon jaunt around the frozen waterfalls. Extremely cold, and pretty icy. Would seriously recommend traction for safety on this loop until the thaw hits. The area around the landslide (just below Wahkeena junction) is pretty gnarly.

December 5, 2013 9 miles 2,500 feet gained

Did the classic loop up from Grouse Vista, following the main trail to the west of Pyramid Rock, then came back down by Sturgeon Rock along the Tarbell Trail. Exceptionally nice day, given temps hovering in the low-20°s! Virtually no wind, but high clouds increasing as the day wore on. Very odd yellow-orange sky to the south!

November 29, 2013 17 miles 1,750 feet gained

An old standby. Found myself with a free morning, so I took a run up Eagle Creek to about 7.5 mile camp. Was virtually alone on the way in, and the mobs had descended by the time I was back down low again. Lots of ice along, and often on, the trail. Nice day! Full [trip report](http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=17614) now up on [Portlan...

November 23, 2013 16 miles 4,250 feet gained

Got a late start, not hitting the trail until nearly 10am, so this turned into a quickie "training hike" up to Sherrard Point and back. Most treacherous stretch was right at and just beyond the Multnomah Falls bridge with glaze ice covering the paved trail. Rest of the way offered an amusing assortment of icicles, and generally frozen ground, but no snow to ...

November 11, 2013 20.5 miles 5,750 feet gained

Had a totally crazy day up on Green Point Mountain. Hiked right into a storm. It was 32°F, winds blowing at well over 50mph, and sleeting sideways on the summit. Nick Eaton Ridge was basically just shrouded in clouds. The return along Herman Creek was lovely, though. I had no idea so much virgin old growth was still up there! Full [trip report](http://www.po...

November 10, 2013 9 miles 2,750 feet gained

No Discovery Pass required at State Parks this weekend, and the day was looking pretty nice, so I decided to do a quick test run with some new equipment on the classic Hamilton Mountain loop. Even though it's November, I sure seemed to run into a lot of folks out there.

November 1, 2013 12.5 miles 4,250 feet gained

Managed to snag the last bluebird day in daylight savings time for a magnificent loop from Timberline Lodge, over to Paradise Park, then up, up, up and over Mississippi Head where the 1949 wreckage of a B-26 is still scattered over the mountainside at about 7100'. Then it was up to 8000' in order to get across the top of Zigzag Canyon, before descending alon...

October 26, 2013 21.5 miles 5,000 feet gained

Really great hike from Johnston Ridge Observatory over to Mount Margaret and back. Had a bit of time to kill on return so we went up Coldwater Peak too. Full [trip report](http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=17408) now up on [PortlandHikers](http://www.portlandhikers.org/).

October 20, 2013 12.5 miles 3,000 feet gained

Traversed from the High Prairie trailhead, up and over Lookout Mountain, then along the Divide Trail to Flag Point, and back. First time there. Incredible scenery in the Badger Creek Wilderness! Full [trip report](http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=17346) now up on [PortlandHikers](http://www.portlandhikers.org/).

October 13, 2013 9 miles 4,500 feet gained

Wonderful day on Mt. St. Helens. _Viva la Shutdown!_ Full [trip report](http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=17283) now up on [PortlandHikers](http://www.portlandhikers.org/).

October 6, 2013 8 miles 2,000 feet gained

Hadn't been up on TDH for over 3 years, so a suddenly free sunny Sunday was all the excuse needed. This is a really great loop, but hardly anyone actually does it. They do the 3 miles from Hwy 26 up to the first clearing on top, then turn around and return the way they came. I hadn't encountered hardly a soul on the way up, but found a flock of perhaps 30-40...

October 4, 2013 12.5 miles 2,500 feet gained

Great little loop, on SW flanks of Mt St Helens, with some great new trail friends! The mountain had a fresh coat of snow, and down below the mushrooms were 'sploding all over the place. Full [trip report](http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=17186) now up on [PortlandHikers](http://www.portlandhikers.org/).

August 9, 2013 18.5 miles 4,250 feet gained

First time ever to Goat Rocks Wilderness. Did a fabulous loop up Goat Ridge to Hawkeye Point, down past Goat Lake and along the Lily Basin trail, before cutting up to Sawgrass Flats and following the PCT for awhile. Awesome scenery! Wildflowers were at their absolute peak. Full [trip report](http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=16698) now ...

August 4, 2013 20 miles 4,500 feet gained

Very nice loop that started with a first ever visit to Elk Meadows, then uphill to Gnarl Ridge and Lamberson Spur, then back down and along the Timberline Trail over to Mount Hood Meadows, before finally heading down past Umbrella and Sahalie Falls. Fair number of thought-provoking stream crossings, as most came nearer the end of the day. Full [trip report](...

July 25 to July 26, 2013 13.5 miles 7,000 feet gained 1 night

Had a wonderful day on Mount Adams, climbing it along the South Route, starting at 4am and finishing around 6pm. We arrived at Cold Springs campground with just minutes of twilight left; enough to pitch a couple tents. Got a few hours of shuteye, then hit the mountain and just had an all-around excellent day. Full TR on PH - see Resources link below.

July 20, 2013 23 miles 4,000 feet gained

Wonderful 23- or 24-mile loop around, including a 2.1 mile bushwhack up to the saddle of, Three Fingered Jack in Central Oregon. The loop starts and stops at Santiam Pass trailhead, and spends much of the day in the area burned by the 2003 B&B Complex Fires. The views are spectacular. Definitely worth doing - once. Not sure I'd do it again until the forest g...

July 13, 2013 15 miles 4,500 feet gained

Great trip up to McNeil Point, taking off from the Top Spur trailhead. When we left the TH, there were already about 30 cars parked there, but somehow (because we chose the Climber's Scramble route?), we were the first to the shelter and the gorgeous lunch spot at 7000' above. After lunch, we moseyed down towards the shelter, and then cut north for a loop th...

July 5 to July 6, 2013 12.5 miles 5,250 feet gained 1 night

Started climbing South Sister a little after 10pm, and arrived at the summit at 3:50am, well in time to fully savor the most glorious sunrise ever! We were absolutely alone up there, though we passed by no fewer than 117 people coming up as we descended. What a great night/day!

June 29, 2013 21.5 miles 4,250 feet gained

Did a run up past Ramona Falls and beyond to Yocum Ridge, until the snow turned me back somewhere around 6200'. Not a horribly bad day, lots of great time in the woods, too.

June 22, 2013 18.5 miles 4,250 feet gained

Had a great day in the blast zone, again! Went up South Coldwater Ridge on trails #230A and #230, to meet the Boundary Trail at the saddle above Saint Helens Lake. That's always a special place. Then wandered past the Rock Arch and down towards Spirit Lake and Harry's Ridge. Closed the loop by traveling through the tourist-infested stretch to JRO, and then i...

June 17, 2013 19.5 miles 4,750 feet gained

Did a solo loop up Hunchback Mountain to Devil's Peak, then back down the Kinzel Lake and Salmon River trails. The rhododendrons were nearly at peak, the beargrass was busting out on the descent side, the trails were deserted! Went 16.5 miles without seeing another person on the trail. (Did see a few at both the lookout and the lake.) Highly recommended trip...

June 8, 2013 13.5 miles 4,500 feet gained

Perfect bluebird conditions led to an awesome day going up Ruckel Ridge, meandering all around the Benson Plateau, and then descending the (brutal) Ruckel Creek trail. It's really a one-way hike, so if you go plan to go in that direction. Wouldn't be very fun the other way, despite how hard the descent trail is on the knees. Very fun ascent, though! Fascinat...

May 31, 2013 16.5 miles 5,750 feet gained

Had a great time exploring Augspurger Mountain for the first time. We went up via Dog Mountain, but pretty much left the rest of the crowd in the dust after passing the cutoff for the Dog summit. From there, it was just enjoying the trail less traveled!

May 18, 2013 24 miles 3,750 feet gained

Went with three friends from PortlandHikers, and had a terribly terrific time hiking close to 24 miles in the rain on this 33rd anniversary of MSH "big one." We started at Elk Creek campground just after 7:00am, and finished at Keenig Creek trailhead about 5:30pm, with numerous little side trips along the way. Saw lots of waterfalls, clouds, rock formations,...

May 12, 2013 22.5 miles 5,000 feet gained

Went up Hamilton the normal way, with a detour along the cliffs of Little Hamilton. Then just continued NNW, out past the state park boundary, until I hit a clearcut. Looped around to the far side of Hardy Ridge, bushwhacked up to Phlox Point, and enjoyed a few more views. Coming down, I realized there was still lots of day left, so I took the chance to expl...

May 4, 2013 10 miles 4,500 feet gained

Took the south ridge route up Silver Star. Lots of snow up high, especially in the woods, but most everything below 3500' was dry and snow-free. Lots of time so we looped the southwest ridge, tagging Pyramid Rock, before returning back down the south ridge again.

May 2, 2013 10.5 miles 4,000 feet gained

Afternoon run up Table, because it was clear. Last time up, we were in a whiteout and couldn't see squat. Gorgeous today! Still daylight left, on the way down, so I detoured up to the top of Aldrich Butte too.

April 27, 2013 13 miles 3,750 feet gained

Great loop with a great group!

April 21, 2013 13 miles 3,750 feet gained

Did a grand tour of the entire Coyote Wall area. Started out going up through "The Labyrinth," then cut over to Catherine Creek, up from there into the woods to the northwest, and across over to Coyote Wall which we followed back to the river as our grand finale.

April 20, 2013 22 miles 2,000 feet gained

Great trip up EC, which was just raging with both the spring snowmelt and recent rains. And, the trail was about as deserted as it ever gets!

April 13, 2013 19 miles 2,000 feet gained

Did a car shuttle to the small town of Klickitat, then hiked nearly 14 miles the converted rail-to-trail down along the federally-designated "Wild & Scenic" river to its confluence with the Columbia in Lyle. After retrieving the jeep, there was still lots of daylight, so we headed over to Dalles Mtn and climbed Stacker Butte. Great day in the desert!

March 30, 2013 18 miles 7,250 feet gained

A group from PortlandHikers.org decided to have a "Big Dog Party" by doing two runs up Dog Mountain the other day. The weather was idyllic. We were the first to the trailhead, and of course the first to the summit. But the hordes were ascending as we were going down the first time. After a quick refueling break, we again went back up the "More Difficult" rou...

March 22, 2013 19 miles 1,000 feet gained

I was getting a little tired of the ever-present wetness, so I headed east to escape it. Swale Canyon's converted rail-to-trail offering was the perfect antidote. It was like hiking in summer again, only with long johns on! The creek was still covered in a thin sheet of ice, and the wind was a constant 20-30mph producing a well-below freezing chill in the ai...

March 8, 2013 14 miles 3,500 feet gained

Picked an ideal day to head up to the Hummocks area, at the end of SR-504, and do a little exploring. We started up South Coldwater Ridge, with zero fear of running into the whiteout that hit our last attempt a month ago. Ended up lunching at the intersection of Coldwater Peak Trail and Boundary Trail, in a beautiful little saddle overlooking Saint Helens La...

February 24, 2013 12.2 miles 4,000 feet gained

Was told to "go take a hike!", so I did. Wasn't sure where I'd end up, but I started at almost the closest trailhead (Multnomah Falls). Went east on 400, turned south and climbed the 1000'+ rockfall known as the Elevator Shaft, found a really cool overlook above the MF parking lot, went east across the Multnomah Basin, lunched at the Bickle Point (probably b...

February 15, 2013 10.5 miles 5,750 feet gained

What a day! One I'll never forget. First ascent of a glaciated volcano since 1985. And we probably picked the very best day of the year to do it on. It's almost impossible to conceive of better conditions. It was about 28°F at the Marble Mountain trailhead when we left there about 7:40am. The skies were crystal clear blue in every direction. As the day wore ...

February 9, 2013 9.9 miles 2,750 feet gained

This trek up a virtually barren ridge on the south side of Coldwater Lake, just north of Johnston Ridge, could be spectacular! On a clear day. Today we climbed into the clouds and near-whiteout conditions, at times almost surreal. It was another good test of the new snowshoes. We wandered through and past much blowdown from the 1980 eruption, and even passed...

February 2, 2013 11.6 miles 3,500 feet gained

Another beautiful February day in the gorge. The lower flanks of Hamilton were bare, the sky was blue, but there was a very strong wind blowing from the east. The summit had a couple feet of snow, but the saddle was also bare. I made the fateful decision to wander the jeep trails north of the saddle, and ran into far more snow than I really had wanted to dea...

January 19, 2013 7.4 miles 3,000 feet gained

The Portland-Vancouver region was in the second week of a very strong inversion. I had just bought a new pair of snowshoes. Silver Star called out for an adventure. And what a great adventure it was! I never could have seen it in this sort of glory without the new toys. I started at about 1600' elevation, which was about as far as one could reasonably drive ...

January 13, 2013 7.5 miles 1,750 feet gained

Fabulous loop for whenever you have a spare morning or afternoon, and are looking for a hike near the cities! Portion below SR-14 closed from February 1 through July 15, though. My team (Seahawks) were losing bad, so I threw the pack together and headed up the gorge. It was really a beautiful day for January, and the trail was in fine shape. Good to get anot...