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Activity Notes
I have not done this hike before which in Mazamas parlance makes it an "exploratory" hike.
I've been wanting to do this one for some time to experience the views overlooking the Ladd and Coe glaciers on Mt. Hood and for the challenge getting there. We'll take the Vista Ridge Trail through the Wy'east Basin. After crossing the Timberline Trail, the user route up the Spur climbs 2000 feet over 2 miles to an elevation of 7800 feet. Totals for the hike are about 10 miles and 3500 feet of elevation gain. We may have to cross some lingering snow patches.
From OregonHikers.org: "Adventurous hikers can slog up to the north end of Barrett Spur's summit ridge. The rock is loose and there are a number of tracks, none of them totally on solid footing. When you get to the ridge crest, you'll see much more of the Coe Glacier below and its jagged seracs. This is also a good place to stop and admire the views. If you want to go on, the last pitch is up a spine that requires using your hands and has steep cliffs on both sides. Then you'll follow along a somewhat level spine with steep drop-offs on both sides to the Barrett Spur high point. The farther up you go, the more dangerous it is, so be very careful. However, closer views of the glaciers are the reward for your efforts." The trail is an out-and-back, so hikers can go as far up the spur as they are comfortable and wait for the group to return.
Given the length of the drive (about 2 hours from the MMC) and the challenging nature of the hike, we'll get an early start and depart from the MMC at 6:45 am.
