I did this hike last Saturday, and I felt lucky, because that day was supposed to be a bit cooler than subsequent days. I started my hike around 0915, and the parking lot was mostly full, but the weather was blissfully cloudy and cool. I chose to hike the trail counter clockwise, and I was glad I did. The full trail opened up the prior week. I felt the trail was easy to navigate for about the first 4 miles. The first mile plus is a slow, but steady uphill, but the switchbacks make it easier to climb, and there is plenty of tree cover to protect against sun. The trail gets even easier once you get to the top and the series of viewpoints were very nice overlooking the Columbia River Gorge.
It wasn't until I made the first crossing under SR 14 and saw the final couple viewpoints that the trail became more challenging to navigate. I'm sure very agile hikers would have little difficulty, but it does get rootier and rockier as the trail descends in a series of switchbacks, but then levels out as the trail heads east. After the final viewpoint overlooking the cliffs, the trail climbs again and now the trail is basically piles of rocks. I am glad I was ascending on this part of the trail, because I probably would have sprained an ankle if I tried going down the trail. After the waterfall view, the rest of the trail to the road isn't as rocky, but I still needed to pay attention so I didn't trip and fall.
I was definitely tired by the time I hit the road, but after that it really is only a little over a mile of steady uphill. By this point, the sun was out and it was much hotter than when I started the hike, and the road is exposed as opposed to most of the actual hiking trail. Not surprisingly, the parking lot was much less empty when I arrived back at the trailhead.
The trail is supposed to be about 7.4 miles, and it took me 4.5 hours, but I was definitely taking a lot of breaks on the uphills, and really watching my step on the rock and rooty parts of the trail. Much fitter and agile hikers were passing me and getting the hike done much quicker. I enjoyed the views and the exercise this trail has to offer, and the trail head is easy to access.
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