This hike has been on my list for quite a while and finally got the chance to do it. This rare find is located in the eastern part of the Gorge on the Washington side and offers some pretty interesting views. From the description, it seems it would be an easy, piece of cake hike but it’s quite a workout, especially if you haven’t been active for a while. That good thing is that, being on the eastern side of the Gorge, wildflowers usually bloom earlier… or at least that’s what I was expecting. We were a bit early. Most of the hike is in the forest with little to no views, yet it’s a different kind of forest than the forest you encounter closer to town. There’s still a lot of greenery but not as many ferns and low bushes so the forest is more open and can give you a sense of dryness. It’s also a steady march uphill thru several switchbacks and old logging roads which strip some of the interest in the trail. Towards the peak, things change quick though. As soon as the trail comes out of the forest, you are met with sweeping views of the valleys across the Columbia looking towards Mt Hood. From that point, a small, almost dilapidated sign, indicates you should turn right and follow the ridge which very soon hits the access road to the top. At first the road seems to be out of place until you see that, at the top there’s an old hut. It’s kind of weird as it’s definitely not a fire lookout but it does have a big room and some extra storage. We did get some flowers there and good vies of Hood while we ate lunch. The return was quick an easy.
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