6/14/15 - Mt. Hood Hike - Oregon

This weekend, we visited the Portland, Oregon area. Our visit included meeting up with a few different friends who live in and around Portland. Our adventures included breakfast at Pine State Biscuits (highly recommended), the 4.5 acre rose garden, a stop at the downtown Portland REI to pick up some trial maps, another breakfast at food truck "Fried Egg I'm In Love" and then a day of hiking at Mt. Hood.

As for the hike, this was one of our more challenging trail heads to locate and drive to; including a two lane Forest Service Road, a one lane paved forest service road, and a one lane unpaved forest service road. When we got to the Top Spur Trail Head near Bald Mountain, there were at least 30 other cars parked, so we knew we were in the right place. The first 0.5 mile was a continuous climb up a trail covered in large rocks and many tree roots, acting as stairs. After that 0.5 mile, we joined the Pacific Crest Trail for about 300 yards until the trail split into 3 directions. Two of those directions were the Timberline Trail No. 600 going in both directions. We hiked one way on the Timberline trail for about 0.8 miles, into the woods mostly along a ridge. Then we turned back and hiked the other way along the Timberline Trail and after about 0.5 miles came to the lookout over the muddy fork river valley and unobstructed views of Mt. Hood. This was a fantastic day on the mountain, and was definitely fun but challenging for the kids. Highly recommended.

Trail Head

The first 0.5 mile was large rocks and tree roots all the way.

This hike started at around 4600 ft elevation.

Crossing a stream bed.

At the Pacific Crest Trail junction.

Trail marker along the way.

We had to climb over about 6 of these along the trail.

Wild Rhododendron plants.

In the forest.

Mt. Hood

Claire and Levi

Luke and Jessica

No room for error.

Mt. Hood from the side of Bald Mountain

Muddy Fork River valley

On our drive back down the mountain, we saw two owls perched in trees. It was the first time either of us had seen an owl in the wild.

6-7-2015 Naches Loop Trail - Mt. Rainier

Today is Jessica's birthday and we are back on Mt. Rainier! The Naches Loop trail is around 5400 ft elevation, located at Chinook Pass. There was not a cloud in the sky and it was sunny and hot. We left the trail-head around 10am and hiked the 3.8 mile trail in about 4 hours. The views of Mt. Rainier were absolutely majestic. This trail was 90% easily walked by both Claire and Levi, with a few snowy patches that required assistance to cross from Mom and Dad. What a great day and a great hike.

Trail Map at Trail-Head

Levi - Luke - Claire

Mt. Rainier

Mt. Rainier

Mt. Rainier from the Naches Trail

Luke - Levi

Walking along the trail.

Naches Loop Trail.

Happy Birthday Jessica!

Snack time on top of the world.

Hey Kids!

Along the trail we go.

Mt. Rainier from the trail.

This was a popular photo spot.

I am smiling.

Dewey Lake in the distance.

Cliff walk.

Crossing the snow. Snow and 80 degrees outside, fun.

Waterfall.

Up the Naches Peak.

Mr. Hiker, Levi hiked all 3.8 miles himself!