Benson Plateau Hike

A hike almost up to Benson Plateau in the Columbia River Gorge. This was a solo hike to get a workout and to what had change on the trail. The snow at 2900 ft. elevation was a surprise but added beauty to the hike. Weather was nice. I had to contend with some big old trees that had fallen on the trail. They took some time to figure out ways around then. Also had adjust the hike for far less daylight then in summer.

The numbers- 14 miles, 3900 feet total elevation gain, 8 1/4 trail time.

Chehalem Ridge Nature Park

A hike at chehalem Ridge Nature Park with Lori, Jeanette and Sylvia. Cloudy, cool but not rain. Afterwards we went to Murrayhill Taphouse for lunch. We hiked 6.5 miles and 850 ft. total elevation gain. Time on trail was 3 hr. and 10 min. with a moving average of 2.3 mph.

Hamilton Mt. Saddle Hike

I did a hike with Lori, Jeanette and Sylvia on a sunny day to the Saddle on Hamilton Mt. We started at the Beacon Rock Equestrian Camp and took the Equestrian Trail up to and back from the Saddle. We did about 7.7 miles with 1500 gain in 41/2 hours. Afterward we went to Backwood Brewery for a late lunch.

Indian Point Conditioning Hike

I need to get some elevation gain workout in and we had some nice weather so I did a hike up to Indian Point High Point. This route combined Herman Creek Trail with Nick Eaton Trail, the Connector Trail and Gordon Creek Trail to make a lollypop loop. I had some Fall color and about dozen trees down across the trail.

By the numbers: 9.3 miles, a little over 3000 gain and on the trail for six and a quarter hour.

Oaks Bottom Urban Hike

Lori, Jeanette, Sylvia and I did a hike at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. We followed the same route as I had scouted a few months ago but shortened it some. Highlights were seeing a deer swim across the Willamette River and a playful Otter cleaning its self. Both happened to far away to get a photo of. After the walk we went to Muddy Rudder Public House. I had Stromboli, something I had never had before.