Trails at Beacon Rock State Park

Connecting several backcountry trails at Beacon Rock State Park to make a loop. Surprises: snowlevel lower then I thought they would be, finding my gear was not up to how cold it was with 20 plus mile and hour winds, the longest patch of blow down on a trail I have ever made my way through and how much fun it was to get through it.

The number: 10 1/4 miles, 1965 total elevation gain, Time on trail 5hr 20min.

Hardy Ridge Hike

I got my new Washington Discovery Pass so I decided to put it to use with a hike up to Hardy Ridge at Beacon Rock State Park. The forecast was for a nice clear sunny day and I needed to get some exercise so more reason for hike. I went up the East side trail and went to Phlox Point. Returned the same route. This may have been the first time this year to have clear views of Gorge and Mountains. I was surprised when I pulled into the parking lot at the Equestrian Trailhead and found the lot almost full. Turned out at WTA was having a workday and had a good turnout of volunteers. Just a few people on the hiking trails.

By the number: 10 miles, 2341 TEG, Time on trail – 4:51 moving, 1:15 stop and 2.1 moving average.

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.