Mazamas — For the Love of Mountains
This very popular trail has a feast of features for hikers, including waterfalls, craggy cliffs, deep forests, superb vistas, and a loop option for the trek. The outing can done at any time of year although you will want to pay attention to icy spots in the winter. The summit itself is thicketed and offers limited views, but a bench a few yards back gives you a vista to the east of Table Mountain and the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge. Other views come from the trail on the way up and at the Hamilton Mountain Saddle as you continue on the loop.
Activity Notes
This hike is in Beacon Rock State Park. We'll meet at the Hamilton Mountain trailhead in Stevenson, WA, about 50 miles from Portland. Discover pass is required to park at the trailhead. It is a popular trail, so we'll need to beat the crowd to get parking spots.
I plan to do the loop counter-clockwise, so after we pass Rodney Falls we'll have some switchbacks up the mountain with a longer, more gentle descent down the north side. Hopefully the clouds don't obscure the pretty cliffs and views of the gorge.
Bring your rain gear! Bring your 10 essentials. Bring micro traction - there will likely be some slippery snow or ice near the top of the mountain.
I expect we will be back to the cars by approximately 2-3 pm. Given the expected weather this time of year, I don't plan to take any long breaks.
