Mazamas — For the Love of Mountains
This very popular trail has a feast of features for hikers, including waterfalls, craggy cliffs, deep forests, superb vistas, and a loop option for the trek. The outing can done at any time of year although you will want to pay attention to icy spots in the winter. The summit itself is thicketed and offers limited views, but a bench a few yards back gives you a vista to the east of Table Mountain and the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge. Other views come from the trail on the way up and at the Hamilton Mountain Saddle as you continue on the loop.
Activity Notes
We will enjoy the cool forest loop hike with three falls: Hardy Falls, Pool of the Winds and Rodney. Also we will get multiple views of the Columbia River Gorge including Beacon Rock on our ascent along a ridge to the 2488 ft. summit of Hamilton Mt. Lunch will be along the Hamilton Saddle where we have views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens and Table Mountain. Then we will descend down a gradual slope through Douglas-fir and Alder forests.
After Hamilton loop, those interested can join me hiking the 574 ft. 1.5 mile round trip up Beacon Rock (about 1 hour).
Meet at 8:00 am at the Hamilton Mountain Trailhead (not the Equestrian Camp). I'll send out an email ahead of time if any of you want to meet at 7:00 am at the Mazama Mountaineering Center (527 SE 43rd Ave, Portland) to carpool from there.
Discovery Pass is required at the trailhead.
Traveling down the Washington side is shorter in miles and time if you come from West of I-205 and saves you the $3 each direction for the Bridge of the Gods toll.
Bring hat, sunglasses, sun protection, lunch, plenty of water (1-2 liters), camera or phone, hiking poles (optional). You can also bring a water filter to refill with cold water at the falls. You may also enjoy having a cooler with a cold drink when you return to your car.
There is a restroom at the trailhead which usually is open. Nearby Beacon Rock parking lot also has a restroom.
