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Activity Notes
This is a very challenging hike with a stunning payoff of views overlooking the Ladd and Coe glaciers on Mt. Hood. Starting on the Vista Ridge Trail, there will be many fallen trees to navigate over, around or under during the first two or so miles. After crossing the Timberline Trail, the user route up the Spur climbs 2000 feet over 1.8 miles to an elevation of 7800 feet. Totals for the hike are about 10 miles and 3500 feet of elevation gain.
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."
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 6:15 am. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for reaching the trailhead.
