2026 Hikes

I've enjoyed documenting my hikes over the years so much, that I'm continuing this practice in 2026.  No big hiking challenge, just creating a list of good memories.

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Hike No. 1 - 1/1/26 - Angel's Rest, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon.  I was bound and determined to get in a New Year's Day hike, even if the weather wasn't being cooperative.  So I headed out to one of the few Gorge trails that wasn't damaged by the recent rain and windstorms, Angel's Rest.  It's been a few years since I've hiked this trail and because it's kind of short, had big plans to continue exploring some trails once I got to the top.  However, the weather had other plans.  The wind was gusting in the parking lot and didn't let up in the least as I climbed the trail.  Add to the wind just enough intermittent rain to get me wet, and it created quite miserable conditions.  By the time I finally got to the top of Angel's Rest, the wind was blowing so strongly, I didn't feel safe.  So I tagged the summit and headed straight back down!  Oh well, at least I got outside.  4.5 miles, 1700 feet elevation gain.

Hike No. 2 - 1/3/26 - Herman Bridge Trail to PCT to Dry Creek Falls and back.  Taking advantage of a dry day, I rallied my hubby and friends John and Young to do a hike in the gorge.  It had been awhile since I'd hiked to Dry Creek Falls from the east and I'd forgotten what a beautiful trail it is.  The woods were full of green ferns and moss carpeted much of the forest floor.  Nice to catch up with my friends and see a couple of pretty waterfalls in the process.  9.4 miles, 2100 feet elevation gain.

Hike No. 3 - 1/19/26 - Hardy Ridge Trail to junction and Hardy Bridge Trail, Columbia River Gorge, Washington.  A sunny, dry day was perfect for hiking so I rallied hubby and friends Young and John for a trek up Hardy Ridge.  However, I neglected to check the weather and howling winds greeted us at the trailhead.  The wind was so fierce and cold, my hands froze for the first mile and a half.  We bundled up and after a bit of climbing everyone was warm enough.  However, due to the high winds, we decided not to venture up on Hardy Ridge, and instead wandered through the forest below.  There was lots of trail damage from the December storm that had recently been repaired, but we discovered a large tree that had fallen on the Hardy Creek bridge.  It made for some fun photo ops!  Despite the wind and cold it was still a good time.  8.8 miles, 2700 feet elevation gain.