Ted S
Avid adventurer, road trip driver, hiker and aspiring mountaineer. I love to travel and share my experiences. Follow me here and as @travelerted.
Made the long drive to Toketee Falls (now I know to spend an entire weekend camping around the forest) and wow. The hike to the falls is a straight forward trek with some nice river views along the way and an incredible vantage right down to the falls from a viewing point.
5.0
Made my first ever visit to Tilly Jane a couple weeks ago and I was back the next weekend to explore the area again. With snow currently at early season levels, the crowds were thin but enough to make for some good company along the way and at the cabin while the trek up was straight forward. Consistent use makes for a good path though we ended descending in snowshoes on my second visit just to get some additional footing in the icy terrain that day. The A-Frame cabin its self is beyond impressive and a great place to warm up, if it's open for the day and the trails from there further into the backcountry seemed to offer some incredible views though we opted for the out and back route. Definitely plan to go back as the snow levels rise this winter.
5.0
Beacon may not be a huge hike but it's a fun little hike that winds right on up the mountain side with great views out along the entire way. However, the trail "broke" this year and remains closed as for Spring, 2016.
1.0
The reviews below bring up some good points about Larch -- the way up is really more of a forest climb that starts with waterfalls but soon becomes pretty repetitive. Arriving at the top to find the parking lot is a bit of a let down as well which is why I highly suggest making this hike in the winter when it becomes an entirely different world. Walking through the snow for miles, it's common to have the place to yourself and since the road up top is closed till spring, you'll know everyone you encounter "earned it" too. Even the walk becomes more interesting, often with ice (gear up appropriately) around the falls and a majestic winter landscape higher up.
4.0
If you're looking for a moderate hike with views, waterfalls and a good burn all in one, welcome to Hamilton Mountain. The trailhead is easily accessed and one of the closer hikes to Portland in the Gorge (though it's on the WA side of the river) making it a quicker pick. The trail starts out pretty tame as you make your way over to the falls for a great first stop but after that it's all up to the top and at a solid rise / run rate too. The first viewpoint around 2/3rds of the way up is my favorite part of the trail though a clear day at the summit means a nice view out to Adams and the river below.
5.0
I hike Dog Mtn frequently as a local training route and it's always a fun adventure but especially in mid spring when the flowers are out and late winter when the upper mountain becomes a winter wonderland. Definitely worthy of being on your list though if you want bigger views from this side of the Gorge, wander over to Hamilton or Table.
4.0
Been out here a few times and while it's a long ways off from Hood, the valley view up really sets a spectacular stage, especially if there's a little weather lingering around. Hopefully they'll add a restroom sooner or later!
5.0
Mount St. Helens may not be the biggest peak or the most exciting climbing but between the crater rim and the view out to Rainier & Adams, the summit is by far one of my favorites. Similarly, the winter ascent is definitely a long slog but snow beats ash and calm beats crowds (free also beats paying for a permit if you climb before 4/1!). Totally recommend it.
5.0
Munra Point ranks right on up there with the likes of Yosemite's Half Dome Cables, Zion's Angel's Landing and others in that awesome view, awesome experience, awfully exposed vein. That's a good thing for the adventurous of course but also not one to be taken lightly, especially when you consider the wet nature of the PNW and hikes in it. No dogs, no kids, no one afraid of heights. But if you're cool with the exposure of walking a ridgeline, fine with 1,000' / mile sections of hiking and don't mind getting your hands dirty scrambling up and over some rocks, it's awesome here. The summit rocks at the top make for a killer lunch spot (sunrise as well I'm told) and you'll certainly take a billion photos. Of course with all the elevation, things tend to take longer than expected to don't forget to pack heavy for this one.
5.0
Found myself at Bryce for just a day and wanted to see it all so ended up on this hike after driving the full road. Totally worth the wandering as a quick way to get below the rim and walk right through it.
Epic hike for sure though I can't stress the "the end isn't for everyone point." There's a reason they have multiple signs about kids on the top -- it's worth doing, but you have to be up for it!
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