Beacon Rock State Park - Hamilton Mountain — Saturday, May. 28, 2011

Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA

Despite the cloudy day, the sun did shine through sometimes and I didn't see a soul on the trail until after I'd had my lunch and left the summit. I think it was around 10:30 then. The blue of the larkspurs were breathtaking against the cliff face and the entire trail was a joy to be on. Even though I didn't have the distance views, the clouds didn't prevent me from lovely views of the Columbia and Beacon Rock. I thought the rising mists actually added to the ambience of the day. I hiked this as a loop and took the "more difficult" direction to climb. I liked the angles that I viewed the peak from this way and would do it again in this order. The way back was easier on the knees this way and relaxing. There was only some mud around the falls areas. I didn't see a lot of wildlife. A couple rufous-sided towhee and a couple garter snakes as I neared the campground, but I was hiking with a dog.