Ponderosa Point

Activity Notes

Let's just make it easy and just copy Matt Reeder's description from PDX Hiking 365: "The moderate hike up to Ponderosa Point above the Hood River Valley is truly spectacular in October when the display of fall color along the trail is absolutely stupendous. This is one of the few places where you can see Western red cedars and Mountain hemlocks co-mingling with ponderosa pines, larch, and even a few aspen trees. While you can appreciate this in any weather, come here on a clear day to best experience the outstanding view of Mount Hood at Ponderosa Point."

Now that you are convinced to join us, here are a few details. Meet at Gateway at 9:00 am. No need to wake up early for this one. It's a fast 80 minute drive on I-84 then 35 to the trailhead. The hike is a comfortable 6 1/2 miles with 1100 feet of elevation gain. Just perfect for a sunny day in October and enough to work up an appetite for Solstice Pizza in Hood River! We should be eating pizza around 2 or 3 pm so don't bother bringing a full lunch. A small snack for the top should be sufficient or just a warm drink in your Hydroflask. Pizza is optional for those of you who want an excuse to get some fresh air and get back home on the early side.

Our cute little black dog Rudy will be leading this hike (or trailing it). If you have an extremely well behaved dog who would like to join the hike then please send me a message via Meetup.

<br> P.S. If you are new to AYM, please read https://mazamas.org/AYM for the general idea.<br> <br> P.P.S. If you don't have Matt's book yet then you should buy it direct from him for $5 less than you can get it at Powell's. Just go to https://www.offthebeatentrailpdx.com/books now!