This is a steep, rocky trail leading up past a pair of pretty waterfalls, to a high peak on the western end of the Columbia River Gorge. The views are unmatched: Mount Hood is so close it could almost be touched. The array of waterfalls that crash down the steep walls of the Oregon side of the Gorge present themselves as silver ribbons on the dark-green background of the forested slopes. There's also a slight chance hikers will get to see humans take flight from this peak: Paraglider pilots launch from this high butte, soaring out over the gorge and landing near the river.

The trail leaves the day-use area of the park, cuts under a cluster of powerlines, and then angles out around a ridge face to dip back into a deep river canyon. Here, at about 1.3 miles, you'll pass Hardy Falls and just beyond, Rodney Falls.

Push on past the falls, though, and start climbing steeply northeast. The trail rolls up around sheer cliffs, which present spectacular views over the river. The trail switches back and forth as it nears the summit plateau, then runs straight up the last steep pitch through an expansive field of wildflowers to the true summit of Hamilton Mountain at 2438 feet.

The trail continues across the top of the mountain until, at about 4.5 miles, it turns back to the southwest to begin winding down around the northern ridgeline. You'll drop in long, sweeping switchbacks, generally following an old roadway-turned-trail, to reach upper Hardy Creek at about 5.4 miles. The tumbling creek can often be heard but seldom seen as the trail stays up on the forested valley wall above the creek itself.

As you hike south down the valley, keep an ear open. Blue grouse are frequently heard here in the early summer. The big upland birds drum their wings and bellow out resonating calls of "Whomp, whomp, whomp" to attract mates. If you hear the distinctive call, stop and try to locate its source. The grouse are either stupid or fearless, and you can usually get within a yard of them for pictures.

The trail follows the Hardy Creek valley back to Rodney Falls. You'll rejoin the trail you hiked up just above Rodney Falls, about 7.3 miles into the hike. Turn right to visit Hardy and Rodney Falls before striding back to your waiting car.