Treks and Adventures
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.
I had the notion of hiking up to Benson Plateau to see if there was still snow up there. I also thought this would give me a good workout. The Pacific Crest Trail makes up most of the elevation gain part of this hike and it is usually in good shape. This time it proved more of a challenge. There was more blow down, warn and damaged trail tread, poison oak and ticks then I have experienced before. In spite of all of that it is still a beautiful and interesting trail. By the numbers: 15.2 miles, 4220 ft. elevation gain and about 10 hours on trail.
