Hamilton Mountain is one of my favorite Gorge hikes thanks to its waterfalls, beautiful old growth forests, creeks, and striking views. I've hiked it now three times and have never been disappointed. Although - I've also never had a clear view from the summit. Some day.
The forecast calls for rain on this late-January Saturday, but we commit to going anyways, hoping we won't encounter inches of ice towards the summit like we did in December 2014. It has been a true Pacific Northwest winter but my wife and I have made an unspoken commitment to continue venturing outside to explore new trails despite the rainfall. I've actually begun to enjoy a moody day in the forest and I think I will miss the fog and interesting layers during the summer. I love the character of the forest on a dark and rainy day.
We've never hiked with microspikes but decided to buy them just in case. I now keep them in my day pack along with a headlamp and first aid kit - just to be safe.
There are a few ways to hike Hamilton Mountain but we have always opted to take the loop. The ascent is steeper and full of stunning Gorge views - some of my favorites - of course, if it is not completely socked in - and the descent includes an additional 1.5 miles through a lush forest and along Hardy Creek - I've never seen any other hikers on this beautiful return route.
About a mile into the hike we can hear the powerful waterfalls pounding down Hardy Creek. I even notice a few waterfalls that hadn't been present the last two times - no surprise there as this has been one of the rainiest winters on record for the area.
It is nearly impossible to get a shot of the impressive Rodney Falls as the spray is so intense it soaks my camera lens. We climb over debris from a fallen tree to make our way up to the Pool of the Winds - where Hardy Creek is channeled through a narrow chamber. It is so loud that I can hardly hear my wife just a few feet behind me. We pause to take in the power of this place.
After a few minutes of enjoying the falls to ourselves, we continue onwards. The trail becomes steeper and we begin climbing through a beautiful forest.
We encounter no other hikers in this section and have the forest to ourselves. We don't talk very much and I find myself almost in a meditative state - not thinking about anything in particular, allowing my mind to focus only on my surroundings. A few hours to unplug, remove myself from the daily grind, to just be present. My mind and soul crave this now.
We continue to climb switchbacks for another few miles. We head out on an overlook hoping for decent Gorge views. Despite the fog, we still enjoy the eerie scene.
At this point, a cold steady rain begins to fall and we increase our pace to get to the summit as fast as possible. We encounter some snow on the trail but nothing like the few inches of ice we faced a year prior. We reach the summit and spend only a few minutes there. The views weren't great and the wind was intense - but nevertheless we were glad we came. I've realized these last few months that I don't hike for the views at the summit. What I often enjoy most are the quiet moments in the forest - taking in simple, nondescript beauty. On a clear day (we are now 0 for 3) there are panoramic views of the Gorge as well as Cascade peaks. Not today.
We continue along a ridge to take the loop trail. Here winds gust intensely. We pause still to enjoy the views. I feel wonderfully small.
Hamilton Mountain obscured by clouds.
Knowing we have three or four miles to go before reaching the car, we pick up our pace as the rain continues to fall steadily. When we reach Rodney Falls we encounter a number of groups there to view the falls - and, presumably, go no further.
Wet, cold, and tired, we reach the car. I am thankful for the relative solitude we experienced on much of the hike. And, despite the weather, I feel renewed.
Bridge crossing.
“Come to the woods, for here is rest. There is no repose like that of the green deep woods.”
Distance: 7.5 miles / Elevation gain: 2,000 feet