From the Equestrian Trailhead: The Equestrian trailhead is the only multiuse (equestrian, bicycle, hiker) access point for the park and the trailhead for Hardy Ridge. It is also a great place to start your hike for Hamilton Mountain on a busy weekend day, as there is usually parking available. Head up the moderate, multi-use double track meandering through mature second growth. After a varied climb reach the first trail junction at 1.22 miles.


Go left on West Hardy Trail to head up towards Hardy Ridge. A mile and a quarter up enjoy westerly views, at a little over a mile and half the trail intersects with Hardy Ridge Trail (hikers only). Hikers continue up Hardy Ridge Trail ascending the recently rerouted switchbacks to the spine of the ridge at 2580’ in two thirds of a mile. Enjoy panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge. The ridge is abound with wildflowers in spring and early summer. Descend eastward reaching East Hardy Trail (double track) in a little over a half mile. Continue on East Hardy Trail passing an intersection with Bridge Trail at .82 miles, in another .78 miles reach another four way junction with the Equestrian Trail. Go right on Equestrian Trail to return to trailhead in 1.8 mil

Activity Notes

Meeting Location: Troutdale Shell/TA Travel Center  (Google map link) Carpool encouraged to TH. 

Time: Meeting time to be discussed on Tuesday lecture and will be added by Tuesday 3/13.

Distance: Up to 11 miles (depending on time and conditions)

Elevation: Up to 3,000 ft (depending on time and conditions) 

This hike will be part conditioning and (hopefully) part skills practice. The route will include up to 11 miles of hiking, with options to trim down mileage if needed. There will be approximately 3,000 feet of elevation gain.

There is potential for snow at the higher elevations. Please dress accordingly (wet feet equal blisters).

Hike begins at Hardy Ridge Equestrian Trailhead on Kueffler road (link to Google map) . We gain the ridge via West Hardy Ridge Trail, where we will continue on to Phlox Point (could be snow). We will hike approx. 1 mile to Phlox Point, where we will have skill session and practice 40 ft rappels on very steep incline.  

Following skill session, we will descend via Hardy East Ridge trail. From there, (time, weather dependent) we will take “Don’s cut off trail” to Saddle Viewpoint, after which we will descend Hardy Creek trail looping back into the Equestrian Trail and back to our cars.  

Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 88 miles
Distance - Round Trip 7 miles
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
Awards Qualified Awesome Ridges Award
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