Treks and Adventures
Weather called for rain so Lori, Jeanette and I decide to stay closer to home and do the Clackamette Loop. This route combines walk ways through several different parks and a little bit of road walking. We did about 4 miles and managed not to get to wet. Afterwards we drove a shot way to Rivershore Bar & Grill for lunch.
I had plan on doing a traditional hike of Hamilton Mt. but he parking lot was full with BCEP student so this was my plan B. There were several trails in Beacon Rock State Park I had not done so I took this opportunity to check them out. I started in the Equestrian Parking lot and started on the Equestrian Trail. My first new trail was to take off on the Lower Loop Trail. This trail had more old growths stumps then I have seen else where and gave an idea what was here before logging. Next I switch off onto the Hardy Ridge East that I had just hike as part of doing Hardy Ridge. From this trail I could take the Bridge Trail that was new to me. After crossing over Hardy Creek I arrived at Upper Hardy Trail that takes you to that the back side of Beacon Rock State Park. This trail quickly climbs and finally lead to The Saddle behind Hamilton Mt. summit and some good views of the area. From there I took the Don’s Cutoff trail to put me back on Upper Hardy Trail this in turn put me back on the Equestrian Trail and back to my car. Exploring the new trails was fun but doing a lot of road walking gets old fast so I was happy to be heading home.
By the numbers: Almost 10 miles, 1950 elevation gain, about 5 1/2 Hours on that trail.
I did a hike of Hardy Ridge Lollipop Loop. Forecast was for much better weather then I found but I had the gear along to accommodate the conditions. This hike normally ends at Phlox Point but with no view and questionable trail condition I skipped the climb up the rocky path. By the numbers: 8.8 miles, 2025 ft. elevation gain, 4.5 hours on trail.
Hike Notes: The access gate is locked open and there are no hours posted.
Lori, Jeanette and I did a hike at Mamaloose to see how the wildflowers were doing. It was an easy 3.25 mile wandering.
We had nice weather, that gave use a chance to head to the mountains for a hike. Lori, Jeanette, Sylvia and I went up the Lower Salmon River trail to do a 6.5 mile out and back hike. This trail runs next to the Salmon River in one of the last old growth forest left in Oregon. Afterwards we went to have a late lunch at Smokey Hearth in their out door seating area.
