Even though half of this loop follows user maintained paths, it’s probably on the top list of those who like elevation gain on a hike. If that’s not enough, this hike has some scrambling sections and some incredible views of the Columbia Gorge. I’ve done this loop several times in the past and always get the same feeling as I’m going up… when is it going to end? This is the same feeling you get when you’re coming back down. The incredible part this time though was not the hike itself but actually being able to do it by the end of November when we’re usually snowshoeing. Normally, by this time of year, these hikes are covered in snow making it very difficult to navigate (I’ve been lost up there in the snow). As you’ll see in the pictures, there’s not even a sign of snow. We started quite early on a quite cold and crisp morning which promised some nice views from the different viewpoints along the way. Being this late in the year also meant that he sun kept all day at a lower angle giving us some nice orange colors on the cliff walls and interesting sun rays slipping thru the trees. From all the times I’ve done this hike, I think this is the first that scenery (and the pictures I was able to take) were more memorable than the huffing a puffing to get there.
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