2013.7.21. McNeil Point

McNeil Point. ~10 miles RT, 2200' gain. The best is towards the end, a large slope bursting with pink heather dotted with paintbrush, like red carpet. Amazing color.

From Top Spur trailhead, we took Timberline Trail south (at the 4 trail junction ~0.5 miles in, go straight - signed Timberline Trail) for a traverse around Bald Mountain where we see the Muddy Fork of the Sandy River rushing more than 2,000 feet below and first glance of Mt. Hood. Beargrass would be gracing this area just a month earlier. Then we climbed a ridge through a forest. Took an unmarked trail on the left that climbs a low saddle, and quickly cut over to the other fork of the Timberline Trail. (If you miss this informal route, you will reach a log stile after just a few feet.) Turn right, more noble fir forest, passing the McGee Creek Trail (no. 627) at mile 1.6 (4370') and another wilderness registration sign. At ~2.5 mile, reached the first of two steep meadows, with better views of the mountain to a stream crossing and colorful meadows. After the second steep meadow, a short side trail leads up to a high spot at 5133' elevation. This is a good spot for lunch or another possible camp spot. The main trail crosses more streams, before leveling off in more open country, with lush meadows and stands of ancient mountain hemlock. At mile 3.9 (5600') jnt Mazama Trail (no. 625, or Cathedral Ridge Trail) on the left. A short distance down this side trail is a pond and a campsite, and 3.1 miles down to the Mazama Trailhead. In about 0.1 miles the main trail reaches a seasonal stream coming down an alpine valley. Just before the stream is a side trail going up to a campsite. Continue another 0.2 miles to the new route to McNeil Point, which replaces this older route, marked with a sign "McNeil Point".

Take the McNeil Point Trail. Soon, you'll be in the Eden. Loss Lake, Mount Saint Helens, Mount Rainier and Mount Adams, also far below, our route across Bald Mountain. Pink glory goes on for awhile. There's a historic stone shelter one-quarter mile from the crest. This is at mile 5 (5900'). Around the hut, lots of Anemones going to seeds. A family was playing frizbee in the snow (in T-shirts of course), when we walked by. Lofty and beautiful camping area.

On the way back, we encountered Rick Johnson's small afternoon group. They were going to McNeil point via a short cut. I'm curious what that is.

8 people. As with Mary Vogel's hike, I had a refresh course on flowers.

2013.7.14. Portland Wind Symphony performed at Directors Park

One hour free concert at my favorite square in downtown Portland. I thought there'd be some event for Bastille Day. Well, there was, but was on Saturday 7/13.

2013.7.13. Grassy Knoll and Big Huckleberry Mountain

7/13. Sunny Saturday. Warm. Clear sky with a few down-like clouds. ~10.5 miles out and back, ~2400 ft gain. Grassy Knoll is quite lovely (only 2 miles in, about 1000' gain): a large piece of almost flat meadow with views to Hood, Adams, and some Columbia river + the remnant of a fire lookout. Much more scenic than the top of Big Huckleberry Mt: 3 miles more ups and downs, the view is mostly obstructed by trees on both sides, and the top is rather small and uneventful. Just enough exercise to justify the long drive (7 miles of gravel with some serious potholes).

At least 2 weeks too late for flowers (or this year's flowers are earlier). Still saw some remains of balsamroot, beargrass and lupine, lots of tiger lily and mariposa lily, penstemon is still coming. I picked a couple wild strawberries. They are tiny.

Total 8 today. 1 left earlier. I rode with Claudio and Valarie. Very nice couple, who erected an orange parasol for lunch! Started hike at ~9:45am, back at the car ~3:30pm. About 25 minutes from trailhead is the first viewpoint, towards Mt. Adams. 5 minutes later, a nice ridge like meadow. 10 minutes later, a flower strewn slope with view of Hood. 5 minutes later is Grassy Knoll. 40 minutes later is Gold Spring camp, where I didn't find any spring. 30 minutes later is the top of Big Huckleberry Mt. Dry trail, almost no water.

Direction: Cross the Bridge of the Gods and turn right on Highway 14. Drive east for 5.9 miles, through Stevenson. Turn left on Wind River Road, following the signs for Carson. Drive north 4.0 miles, through Carson. Turn right on Bear Creek Road. Bear Creek Road is a narrow paved road. After 3.6 miles, the road turns to gravel and becomes NF-6808. Continue another 7.2 miles to an unsigned road junction at Triangle Pass. Turn left here and drive 2.1 miles on unsigned road NF-68. Turn right on unsigned road 511. The trailhead is right at this last junction. Parking is on the right and the trail heads uphill to the left. (Latitude: 45.79742, Longitude: -121.74096)

Took these photos of flowers, so I can ask Mary next weekend when I see her.

2013.7.5. Artist Point at Mt Baker

Sunny in the city, but cloudy enough that we didn't see Mt. Baker, nor Mt. Shuksan. Hwy 542 is open all the way, but the parking lot at Artist Point is surrounded by snow as high as me. With the warm weather, it should melt out in a couple of weeks. Except dad, the rest of us slide in a snow chute for fun.

On the way, we stopped at Noosack Falls. Quite nice for such an easy access.

2013.6.30. Silver Star

Unusually hot weather started on Thursday. High in mid 90s this Sunday :(

Ed's Trail - Silver Star trail loop. ~5 miles, 1200' gain. Ed's Trail part is longer, with a tiny bit steep section, a natural gate, rolling hills. Silver Star trail is shorter, also pretty. The two join on an ugly old road (no view, nor wind) close to a camp site 1/4 miles from the summit. Great view and flowers starting from the parking lot! At the summit, excellent 360° view: Columbia River, 5 glaciated peaks (St Helens, Rainier, Adams, Hood, Jefferson). A bold eagle soaring in front of us.

Come now for the flower bananza. Beargrass is in full bloom. Lots of paintbrush, penstemon, bistort, valerian, thimbleberry. Some iris, bleeding heart, tiger lily, glacier lily, avalanche lily, solomon's plume, phacelia, plectritis, phlox, columbine, mountain golden pea, wall flowers, desert parsley, inside out flower, queens cup. Gentian and lupine are still budding. Saw some violet-colored violet.

9 people, 2 cars. Terry knows the way. This is the 2nd time I hike with Mary. She's slow, but she knows her flowers and eager to share!

Direction is not straightforward. High clearance vehicle is wise, even though the rough part is not too long. I'm copying from WTA: From Battleground
- Drive north on State Route 503 for 5.6 miles
- Turn right on onto Rock Creek Road
- Continue 9 miles to the Moulton Falls County Park (seems a very nice place to have a dip.)
- Just past the park, turn right on Sunset Falls Road
- Continue 7 miles to the Sunset Falls Campground
- Turn right into the campground
- Continue past the bathrooms on your left and cross the East Fork Lewis River on FS 41
- Go 3.5 miles and turn right on FR 4109, it is a sharp hairpin turn going down.
- Continue on FR 4109 (it is rugged road not suitable for low clearance cars).
- About a mile past turning off of FS 41, stay on 4109 at the intersection where Road 1100 veers off to the right.
- Continue approx. 3 miles to the trailhead.