Winter On Hamilton Mountain

One thing about attempting this "52 Hike Challenge," it's taken me to places I normally wouldn't venture in winter.  Not only have I completed several snowshoe treks, but one mid-February weekend I decided to visit a familiar trail in the off-season.

Young is ready to hike!

The Hamilton Mountain Trail is one of my favorite "go-to" hikes.  Located on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, it's relatively close to Portland.  Plus the 8 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain make for a respectable jaunt.  I've covered this trail in nearly all months and seasons.  That is, except winter.

Snowy woods

It's not that I don't like hiking in cold weather - I just like skiing more.  Trips to the slopes usually consume most of my winter weekends.  But trying to complete my goal of 52 hikes in a year meant I needed to swap a few ski days for hiking ones. 

Approaching Rodney Falls

Luckily my friend Young also loves getting outside in the winter, and was all for joining me on this latest adventure.  We'd initially planned on hiking Hardy Ridge, but finding the access road unplowed and closed, we quickly decided nearby Hamilton Mountain was "Plan B".

Steps completely filled in with snow

February had been brutal weatherwise, producing low-elevation snowfall in the Gorge.  Nearby woods were decked out in beautiful white.  However, the feet of many hikers had pounded Hamilton Mountain's snowy trails into slick ice.  We didn't venture very far before microspikes were pulled out of backpacks and put to use. 

Partially frozen waterfall

Traction devices securely on boots, Young and I could now safely enjoy the lovely winter surroundings.  After a mile we passed by Rodney Falls, ice-rimmed but still flowing despite the chilly temperatures.  We noticed huge icicles hanging from the cliffs above, and saw evidence of a small icefall.  Not wanting to linger, we snapped a few quick photos and headed back up the canyon's other side.

First grand Gorge view

The well-built trail into Rodney Falls canyon featured a set up stair-steps down (or up depending up which way you were traveling) to the viewing area.  Today Young and I discovered those steps totally filled in with snow, creating a steep, slick slope.  Good thing we had our traction devices!  (But even so, we moved cautiously)

Kicking steps in snow and ice

Past the top of Rodney Falls canyon, we came upon our first grand Gorge viewpoint.  Beacon Rock and the Columbia River were front and center.  Lingering fog and the snow-filled slopes of the Oregon side made this vista even more lovely. 

Awesome Gorge view No. 2

Past this viewpoint, the climbing began in earnest.  Young and I slowly navigated the icy trail, kicking steps up a few steeper sections.  We were passed by a few people with just running shoes (no traction devices) and marveled how they were able to stay on their feet.  (They were younger and more limber than us so maybe that's why - or they were more fearless!)

Heading towards another open viewpoint

A little ways up the trail, we came to another open viewpoint boasting more fantastic Gorge vistas.  We could see over to Hardy Ridge, our day's first choice destination, it's forested slopes looking mighty lovely.

Looking towards Hardy Ridge

Further up the trail, Young and encountered a bit of fog.  Unfortunately it occurred at the viewpoint beside a set of impressive basalt cliffs.  Usually a good place to glimpse the Bonneville Dam and Columbia River below, today we had to settle for just looking at the snowy cliffs.

Foggy cliffs

The higher Young and I hiked, the deeper the snowpack.  Our original plan had been to follow the traditional Hamilton Mountain loop, descending another trail from it's summit past a saddle.  However, we ran into a hiking friend on his way down, and he advised us to return via the same trail. Apparently heavy snow had weighted down the bushes on the loop trail below the summit, making progress difficult.

Winter wonderland

Young and I once again dived back into the woods.  Snow covered tree branches made this forest absolutely magical.  Cameras came out to document the beauty.

The sun comes out

The sun even decided to make an appearance.  Yeah!

Lovely snow covered branches

The final summit push seemed to take forever.  Deep snow disguised our once-familiar trail, making it hard to determine exact location.  We also had to navigate several blow-down trees, and a few low bushes, sagging under heavy loads of snow.

Finally the summit!

But finally we glimpsed blue sky peeping through a warren of low-hanging bushes.  Struggling through our final obstacle, Young and emerged at Hamilton Mountain's summit to sunshine. 

The best Gorge view of them all

And, oh what tremendous views!  The Gorge looked even better coated in her winter white.

Young admires the snowy panorama

After enjoying a quick bite at the summit, Young and I debated whether to attempt the loop trail.  We decided to check it out first.  Apparently not many people had used it since the last snowfall, as there were only a few deep footprints in the snow.  Not up for a long jaunt of post-holing, we decided to heed our friend's advice and return the same way.

Dramatic Gorge cliffs

There's only one thing worse than climbing a steep, icy trail - descending it!  Even with traction devices on our boots, Young and I encountered a few areas that were downright treacherous.  Early afternoon brought above-freezing temperatures that began to melt the ice.  A thin layer of water over some of the icy trail sections made a surface that was slicker than snot.  Despite having microspikes, we each struggled to keep ourselves upright in several places.  Unfortunately, both Young and I each took a bad fall, but luckily survived with only bumps and bruises.  (But, boy did it hurt!) 

Perfect photo op spot

On our return trip, we were amazed to see a large percentage of the hikers without any type of traction on their feet.  We even met a man with a baby strapped to his chest!  After both of us warned him of the icy trail conditions, he said was turning around.  I really hope there were no serious injuries that day, but after seeing so many unprepared people, I wouldn't be surprised if there were.  (Folks - winter hiking is fun, but please have appropriate gear!)

Tiny snowman back at the trailhead

Young and I ended our fine day's adventure back at the parking area, where we were greeted by a tiny snowman at the base of a sign. 

What a great way to spend a chilly February day.  I've decided I really like winter hiking.  Outstanding scenery, no worries about overheating, and best of all - no bugs!  It's going to be difficult to decide which activity to pursue next winter - skiing now has a rival.

Hike number 7 of 52 is in the books!