Salmon River Trail; Salmon Huckleberry Wilderness, Mt. Hood National Forest. March 1st, 2015

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recarea/?recid=53608

Above is the link for the the 7.8 mile Salmon River Loop we hiked today. It is a glorious hike (fairly busy) along the Salmon River, through the Salmon Huckleberry Wilderness. There are several gorgeous and perfectly placed campsites along the trail, with easy access to the water, and plenty of room for a large group of campers. Be advised, if you bring your pups on this hike, we saw at least 7 or 8 other dogs, and most of them were unleashed so be ready to grab and lift if that's your protocol. The climb to the lookout is gradual and not too intense, an has several lovely creeks you cross over on swithbacks. The old growth through this forest is breathtaking, and you will spot several giant spruces to drool at.

We saw a wild basset in the river bed.

Toilet, that-a-way!

As you reach the viewpoint, be careful of steep cliffs, which have been fatal to some hikers who were a bit too curious. Make sure and leash the dogs here. This is the Salmon River Canyon, apparently in the 1960s this was a planned route to be paved to connect to Highway 26. However it is now forever protected based on a Forest Service Legislation in the 80s. Thank goodness for that! She's a beaut Clark! Apparently there are some waterfalls just out of sight below the ridge, however we weren't brave enough to investigate this day. We spent an hour hiking in the dark back to the car, we got to try out the dogs new collar lights! And also realize how badly we needed new batteries in our headlamps :)

Really lovely view up top. We saw an owl gliding all about just before we headed back down but lost it before we could grab at the binoculars!

My best girl. Love you Mags.

Trillium Lake, Mt. Hood; Snowless February 2015

Trillium Lake is generally a snowshoeing trail this time of year, but it has been a crazy warm/dry year in the PNW, so although it was a bit soggy out today, the road to Trillium, although closed to vehicular traffic, was almost comletely snow-free. It's a quick 2 miles (or so) from the gate to the lake. There is also a 1.9 mile loop around the lake which we have done before, but didn't have the daylight to do it this time.

Maggie and Virginia in the usual pose



Maggie testing out the ice

This ice patch looks just like an upside down salmon

ELK MEADOWS: Mt Hood Wilderness; Newton Creek

Maggie excited to be out on an adventure. It's been almost a month! (poor dogs right?) :)

Tim and I took a week day and drove out to Mt Hood Wilderness to do the ELK MEADOWS HIKE (click the link for the Portland Hiker's Field Guide reference page). This hike is moderate, 5 miles, and best time to go is Summer to Early Fall, any later the Newton Creek crossing gets a little sketchy. It was such a beautiful day, here are some pictures!



Stopped by the Barlow Trail and Pioneer Woman's grave turnoff to take a look at this view. One of my favorites. (same viewpoint as the cover photo for the blog).




Not sure how this tree got these hash marks... It looks very intentional and geometric, any ideas?




A nice peak at Mt Hood just after you start the uphill switchbacks from Newton Creek.



Branch Jenga

waterfall of branches, a secret spring was coming from underneath. Fairy land!

Adventure Dogs.

A lovely view from a clearing along the trail, this is about one mile in on the uphill switchbacks past Newton Creek.




The trails are really well marked in this area. There are several turn offs but you shouldnt have trouble staying on the right path! About 3/4 of a mile past this sign, we saw about 3 female perigrine falcons taking a bath together. It was so awesome!!!

Chloe Breault-y at Elk Meadows. This is a great place to camp, read, take a nap, and just take it all in!

SQUAW MT TRAIL aka TUMALA MT: Eagle Creek Wilderness

Portland Hikers Field Guide link:

http://www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org/wiki/Squaw_Mountain_Hike

So we had to try this one twice before we could get to the summit, because we ran into surprisingly deep snow both times, but we were able to get the top with a little effort and wayfinding the second time.  Take note that the trailhead directions on the above link are not the way we went.  Follow OR-224 just past Estacada, take a left on Surface Rd, then a right on Tumala Mtn Rd, then go approx. 14.4 miles to the trailhead. We opted for the Fulton trailhead, as the more common Old Baldy trailhead was snowed in. They both get you where you need to go. The hike is a quick 4.4 out and back with a fantastic panoramic view of Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, and the Squaw Lakes basin. There is even the remains of an old fire lookout.

Old Baldy Trail and Twin Springs Junction

Snow line.

Family photo on our second attempt, a few weeks later, late May.

Still hit snow, Tim made it to the top to the "ruins" of an old fire cabin. The pups and I stayed down about 1/10 of a mile from the top, the snow mounds were just a little much for our lady feet.

Nice view of Hood/Jefferson at the top of Squaw Mt.

This is a great trail for a "deep woodsy" feel, relatively close to Portland.



MIRROR LAKE

Click the Portland Hikers Field Guide link to get directions and the details. 

http://www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org/wiki/Mirror_Lake_Hike

  

Mirror lake is a quick and easy hike to a breathtaking lake with a spectacular view of Mt. Hood. You've no doubt seen this image in postcards, calendars, or promotional ads about Oregon and its many wonders. It is 2.9 miles round trip, easy hike, and family and dog friendly. They close the hike when the snow hits late fall, but it is open to snowshoers.

You can continue past the lake to access the Tom Dick and Harry Mountain hike, which is a 5.8 mile round trip with knock-out views as well.