Arrived at the trailhead around 8:30 to just a handful of cars in the parking lot. The parks maintenance crew were repairing bathrooms (roof) but portables were open and stocked. If you are doing this hike for wildflowers you are a bit early. Several weeks I would guess for peak viewing. If you are doing this hike for conditioning and the views it is a great spring choice. Don't let the beginning of this one fool you. The path is wide and covered in dirt and needles. I chose the traditional route up passing the cut-off to Hardy Creek. To the waterfall it is lovely. (Don't miss the short walk up to Pool of the Winds). After this point the terrain gets a bit more challenging and the trail is a climb all the way to the summit.The trail itself is in good condition. No blowdowns or obstacles on the way up. There are some steep places and some water over the trail in spots but otherwise in great shape. On a clear day the peak views are great from the tiny summit at Hamilton Mountain. Rather than go down the way you came up I'd suggest taking the trail to your left (when you are facing Mt Hood) back down. This trail takes you over a ridge with great views and down through the forest. There are more blowdowns here but nothing unpassable and it's much easier on the knees. The directions here on WTA are spot on. With my wandering going down I logged around 8 miles with 2100 ft of gain. A beautiful snow-free hike to get some elevation and the views of the Gorge going up are spectacular !
More photos on my blog linked below.
https://insearchofthevery.com/2021/04/06/trailshot-tuesday-15/
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