Some hikes remain engrained in your memory for years to come. This is one of them.
We have done a lot of hiking within 100 miles of Portland - but somehow never anything northwest of Mt. Hood off of Lolo Pass Road near the PCT. We hoped to encounter our first glimpse of winter's beginnings on the mountain.
We reach the Top Spur trailhead and find only a few other cars parked and a few inches of packed icy snow on the road. We hop on the Top Spur trail and quickly begin our ascent towards the junction with the PCT and Timberline Trail. The trail is covered in a thin layer of snow and the towering trees that surround us are dusted with a coat of ice - creating an enchanting scene. We are alone.
Top Spur trail blanketed in snow and ice.
Soon, we reach the junction and hop on the Timberline Trail for less than a mile when the trail breaks out to an unexpected view of Mt. Hood along the ridge. Although she was always obscured by dancing fog, the sight of the mountain under blue sky captivated us.
Pausing to glimpse the mountain in her grandeur.
A few thousand feet below us the Muddy Fork of the Sandy River rushes. We traverse around Bald Mountain and have stunning view after stunning view before re-entering the forest. With that, our blue sky disappears. We manage to overshoot our trail turn off but enjoy the sight of a quiet forest.
Solitude in the forest.
Thankfully, we only walk a mile or so out of the way and realize our mistake. We walk briskly back to the cut-off trail to quickly re-join the other leg of the Timberline Trail. We climb only a few hundred feet and find ourselves in a magical place.
Micro spikes would have been nice - but we survived.
We climb through a noble fir forest and I witness one of the most beautiful forest scenes I've ever come upon. Sun pours through the trees. I keep thinking this moment will pass but it doesn't. I pause to try and breathe in the beauty of this place. Time slows to a stop.
With a full heart, I continue onwards up the spine of a narrow ridge. The air feels warmer and I know a viewpoint is near.
Mt. Hood under blue sky.
We rest and enjoy the warmth of the sun as we take in the views of the mountain. A mid-afternoon commitment prevents us from continuing onward to McNeil Point - but we'll be back.
We return the way we came and began our descent towards the car. Unexpectedly, we come across a similarly beautiful scene of sun pouring through the forest. We pass a photographer who seemed to be in complete awe of the moment - just like I was.
We enjoy the sweet silence of the forest and try to take it all in.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself overwhelmed as I reflect on all I am thankful for. Thankful for family and friends both near and far. Thankful for good health. Thankful for the love and beauty that surround me every day.
My partner in all things.
Thankful for moments like this - moments that bring me to pause, to reflect, to breathe in the forest air and remember all I have been given.
“Between every two pine trees there is a door leading to a new way of life.”
Distance (with detour): 7-8 miles / Elevation gain: 1,100 feet or so