Short loop hike down Quilomene Ridge Rd to Quilomene Beach, and back up via Quilomene Creek.
Access. Beacon Ridge Rd was paved up to the Wild Horse visitor's center, and the gravel road that continued through the wind farm was wide and smooth. The last mile past the wind farm was a bit rougher, but looked fine for any vehicle. Gates were all either open, or could be opened and closed yourself. Left the car in the last stand of trees east of the Cascades (or so it seemed), which also appeared to be a popular dispersed camping area.
Conditions. Quilomene Ridge Rd (a.k.a. Army Rd) was a bit rocky, but didn't get seriously 4x4 until it started dropping down. Was glad to have the wind in my back (and the views in my face). From near the end of the road, there was a short, informal trail to the beach/dune. The trail up Quilomene Creek started out promising, but soon turned into a bushwhack along game trails. Eventually I realized that when things got too tedious, I just had to step over the the creek to find the old road again. No issues once past the pond ~1.5 miles in, even if the old road wasn't always visible. At Hunt Creek there was a locked gate (and a wire fence that was easy to climb over), after which you're back on a 4x4 road. Quilomene Creek wasn't as protected from the wind as I'd hoped, but the wind was less constant than on the ridge. This was with only moderate winds forecast; would avoid this area if stronger winds are forecast.
Flora & Fauna. Flowers were in full bloom everywhere, including a lot of balsamroot (and a few clumps of hedgehog cacti) along the ridge, and Quilomene Creek was scented with lupine. Encountered 2 rattlesnakes, one on the road (damaged), and one along Quilomene Creek (this one I only got a brief glimpse of). The biggest concentration of birds was around the pond along Quilomene Creek. No bugs or ticks.
Crowds. Heading down the ridge, I was passed by 2 or 3 small groups of dirt bikers. There were two boats and one group of dirt bikers down at Quilomene beach, all of whom left shortly after I arrived (apparently this spot gets overrun later in the season). Just after I left, 2 4x4s who had somehow made it down the road arrived. Didn't see anyone on the way back up, and no other hikers all day.
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