Mazamas — For the Love of Mountains
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
Join us for a fun (DOG FRIENDLY) hike to Hardy Ridge! It's going to be a Hardy Ridge Hiking Hoopla! Unique gorge views without the crowds of the more popular hikes routes!
We’ll begin at the Hardy Ridge equestrian trailhead on the Washington side of the gorge. This loop trail takes us up to the Hardy Ridge summit where we'll get some nice, but different gorge views! After a lunch/snack break at the top, we'll continue back the other half of the trail and end back at the trailhead.
The hike is just over 8 miles, with an elevation gain of about 2200'. Difficulty rating is moderate. (More info: https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Hardy_Ridge_Loop_Hike)
Pupticipants are welcome, but out of respect to other hikers we are limiting the number of doggos to 4. Please indicate when you register if you plan to bring your pup by emailing Heather. All pup-ticipants must be well behaved and get along with other puppers. Any participant who attempts to bring a dog who does not indicate to us by email that they will be bringing a dog will not be permitted on the hike.
| 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 |
