Bluegrass Ridge

This summer I tried my best to hike all my favorite Mt. Hood trails during peak wildflower bloom.  Although I didn't quite catch every one, those I did visit were spectacular.  One such outing was an early August visit to Elk Meadows, on Mt. Hood's east side.

Scary Newton Creek crossing

Normally I take the Elk Meadows trail, cross Newton Creek, and head straight to the meadow area.  However, the nearby Bluegrass Ridge Trail takes hikers high above the meadow for some nice views.  In 2006 a fierce wildfire raced across this ridge, burning all the trees and vegetation.  I tried to hike this trail post-fire a few years ago, but the sheer amount of downed trees blocking the track made for a difficult and frustrating outing.  Although I vowed "never again" I heard last year that crews had finally cleared all the obstacles, making it again passable.  I decided it was time to give the Bluegrass Ridge trail a second chance.

Safely on the other side!

I recruited my friend Catherine to join me for this latest hiking adventure.  There had been a few wildfires burning in central and eastern Oregon, and today's winds were blowing the smoke towards Mt. Hood.  Exiting my car at the trailhead we both noticed the hazy skies and smelled the strong odor of smoke.  Not exactly ideal conditions, but because we'd already driven and hour and a half, my friend and I decided we could live with it.  Carry on!

Overgrown trail

Our trek began with a relatively easy 1.5 mile romp along the Elk Meadows trail.  Then things got a little trickier.  My friend and I came to gushing, glacial Newton Creek, which we had to somehow cross.  Another hiker had positioned a large log over a narrow point in the flow and we had to walk across it balancing ourselves over the fast-moving water.  I'm a huge chicken when it comes to creek crossings anyway, but this one was especially nerve-wracking.  Catherine scampered quickly across, while I slowly shuffled along the log's length, tentatively moving one foot at a time while trying not to look at the rushing creek below.  To my relief I did finally make it across successfully.  Since we'd both been watching the Olympics on TV, Catherine and I joked that Simone Biles would've had no problem traversing that log - probably even doing a couple cartwheels in the process.

 

Huckleberry bushes everywhere

We then had a one mile steep climb, through lots of switchbacks.  Lucky for us, this trail was mostly shaded and morning temps were still fairly cool, so we ascended with minimal issues.

  

Looking out over Bluegrass Ridge

Just before the Elk Meadows trail junction, Catherine and I came upon the side trail to Bluegrass Ridge.  Decision time - should we go for it?  We both agreed the answer was YES!

 

Elk Mountain and old lookout foundation

The first part of this trail looked like it needed a bit more hikers on it.  It was covered by overgrown huckleberry bushes, so much so that we nearly couldn't see the tread.  The thick forest canopy was lovely and provided more shade, although the morning sun occasionally peeked through gaps in the trees.

A sea of gray tree trunks

After 3/4 of a mile we came upon a side trail to Elk Mountain.  Of course, we had to check this out - there might be a good viewpoint!  This trail wound along the edge of the old burn area.  Catherine and I rambled through lots of ghostly dead tree trunks until our path ended at a promontory.  Concrete foundations indicated there had once been a fire lookout here.  Sadly the smoky, hazy skies hid any long-range views.  

Smoky Hood views

No matter, from our perch we could see our goal, Bluegrass Ridge, ahead.  It's now-barren top was covered with old burned-out tree trunks, while many others littered the ground.  But upon our return to the Bluegrass Ridge trail junction, I was delighted to see that the trail itself had indeed been cleared.

Looking out over a smoky sky

Onward we went!  Although the trail was bit circuitous, the tread was log-free.  In some places the trail was easy to follow, but in others it was so faint we had to look around for clues.  This was another path that would benefit from more boots trodding upon it.  

I managed to catch one butterfly

There were small amounts of wildflowers still blooming amidst all the downed trees.  And one benefit of the fire - it had cleared the forest enough to allow several nice views to Mt. Hood.  (Although thanks to all the smoke they were kind of sepia-toned today.)  We got a few glimpses of Elk Meadows' green fields far below.  After we traversed the ridge, that would be our day's destination.

More mountain views

Catherine and I had a nice romp along Bluegrass Ridge, taking in the views.  Now that the trail had been cleared of blow-down trees, it was really quite pleasant.  After about a mile of ridge walking, we noticed our path taking a steep turn and heading downhill towards Elk Meadows.

Orange Indian paintbrush

This was the Bluegrass Tie Trail, which linked Elk Meadows and Bluegrass Ridge.  One of the first things I noticed as we began our downward trek was the wildflowers started to become plentiful.  First orange Indian paintbrush, then fireweed, and finally goldenrod and pearly everlasting.  The further we descended, the better it got.

An arched tree!

I hadn't taken a lot of photos thus far, but that all changed in a hurry!  We came across so many colorful wildflower patches that my stops became more and more frequent.  Each group of blooms were even better than the last (or so I thought.)

Heading downhill on the tie trail

Luckily, Catherine is very patient with me when I'm in photographer mode.  She walked ahead, taking in the fantastic scenery and capturing a few images of her own.

Lots of fireweed blooming here

Although steep, I thought the Bluegrass Tie trail was impressive, not only due to the sheer volume of blooming wildflowers, but also because there were some good views of Mt. Hood as we wound downhill.  It was certainly the highlight of the today's hike!

Colorful flower garden

Enjoy the next few wildflower photos.......

The tie trail was full of wildflowers

Another Wow view

Catherine poses in the fireweed

Pink power

Lots to photograph here

When Catherine and I finally made it down to the loop trail that encircled Elk Meadows we were both hungry.  So I located a nearby campsite and we enjoyed a nice lunch break.  After eating, I ventured out into the nearby meadow itself.  I was highly disappointed to see a large circular burn mark in the meadow - some moron had lit a campfire here!  Not only are backpackers not allowed to set up tents, let alone have campfires in the meadow area, with the extreme fire danger, this campfire could've started another forest fire.  Ugh, this is why we can't have nice things!

Almost down to Elk Meadows

After lunchtime, Catherine and I followed the loop trail around Elk Meadows.  We popped out into the meadow near an old wooden tumble-down shelter to take in the fabulous Mt. Hood view.  The meadow in this area was full of purple aster blooms.  Just beautiful!  Then we returned to the original trail junction and retraced our steps back down the Elk Meadows Trail.

Elk Meadows and Mt Hood view

After successfully navigating the log crossing this morning, I was nervous about the afternoon traverse.  Glacial streams always have higher volumes in the afternoon due to more snow and ice melting high up on the mountain.  I was afraid of falling off the log and into the churning waters.  However when I came to the crossing I immediately jumped on the log and scooted across quickly, before I had time to really think about it.  That tactic seemed to work better than my "slow and steady" morning shuffle.  I was glad to have this second crossing now behind me.

Asters in the meadow

As Catherine and I traveled our final mile back to the trailhead, we stopped to pick the numerous ripe huckleberries that were lining the trail.  Catherine came prepared with an empty water bottle to hold her stash of berries.  Since I didn't have a container, I helped fill hers.  And of course, quite a few berries also made their way into my mouth!

Another good hike in the woods, exploring a newish trail, photographing wildflowers, and picking huckleberries.  Summer days don't get any better!

Rhodie Season

Prepare yourself - I'm flooding this post with lots of pink!

Drippy rhododendron blooms

In early summer, the forests surrounding Oregon's northern Cascades erupt into a riot of pink flowers.  Wild rhododendrons thrive in these cool, mossy environments and it's always a treat to witness their blooms.  Affectionately nicknamed "rhodies" by the locals, these bright wildflowers almost seem out of place amongst the green vegetation. 

Sandy River

Every June I try to get in a hike somewhere rhodies are blooming.  One favorite rhodie-rich trek is the trail to Ramona Falls. 

Penstemon was blooming too

It had been several years since I'd visited this trail, so I planned a Monday morning in mid-June for my return trip.  My chosen day dawned with heavy clouds that threatened rain.  Although this might deter some hikers, for me I welcomed the lack of harsh sunlight.  As a photographer I know cloudy days not only produce even lighting, they can also make colors pop!

Raindrop-spangled flowers

Since I live in the Pacific NW, I'm quite used to hiking in the rain.  After checking the forecast, which predicted a good chance of precip, I prepared by bringing rain jacket, backpack cover, and a waterproof cover for my camera bag.  

Scary Sandy River crossing

The sky was lightly drizzling when I pulled into the trailhead parking area.  After already enduring several days of hot, dry weather this spring, it was most welcome.

The show began on the river's opposite bank

The trail started out meandering through a thick, mossy forest.  Rhodies grew profusely here, and it didn't take long for me to spot those familiar pink blooms.  Forward progress was delayed for bit as my camera came out again and again.

The trail was lined with pink!

The Ramona Falls trail is a relatively easy trek except for one thing - after about a mile, hikers must cross the raging Sandy River.  The Forest Service used to provide a seasonal bridge for hikers, but many years ago a freak flood wiped it out.  Sadly a hiker on the bridge at the time lost her life.  The bridge was never replaced, so now hikers wishing to reach Ramona Falls are forced to cross the river by whatever means they can.  Usually there is a log spanning the churning water that hikers can balance upon (or butt-slide if you're chicken like me) to get across.

Rhodies along the PCT

I was quite apprehensive about this river crossing.  Coming upon the mighty Sandy, I spotted the said log, suspended high above the river.  The water was churning mightily, making crossing this stream all the more intimidating.  There was no way I was gonna try to walk atop a log that was potentially wet and slippery.  So after ponding my options for a few minutes, I climbed atop and butt-slid across.  It wasn't pretty but I managed to get safely to the other side.

Peak bloom!

It's always a relief to get a river crossing done!  With that behind me for the meantime, I shifted my attention to the wildflowers.  Several patches of bright purple penstemon were blooming above the river bank, and their raindrop-spangled flowers were most photogenic.

Lotsa pink

A short path meandered through sandy soil before intersecting with the Pacific Crest and Ramona Falls Trails.  I took the PCT leg and immediately entered a rhododendron wonderland.

Peek-a-boo river views

This two mile stretch of the PCT was lined with rhododendron bushes, all in spectacular bloom.  And lucky for me, the rhodies were at peak!  The thick forest of mossy fir trees and misty weather added to the photo drama.  Every once and awhile the trees would part, giving glimpses of the Sandy River's barren, debris-lined channel.

Ramona Falls

It took a long time for me to cover the two miles between the river crossing and Ramona Falls.  The rhodie blooms were so impressive!  Their bright pinks practically glowed in the cloudy, wet weather.  Luckily, thus far the misty conditions were deterring most hikers, and I had the place nearly to myself.

 

Another view of the falls

Finally, the trail forked once again and a side path led me to magnificent Ramona Falls.  The waters of this 120-foot cascade stair-stepped down a rocky drop, looking much like a bridal train.  Again the cloudy, dark weather produced perfect light to photograph this beauty.  Usually a very busy area, I only encountered two groups the entire half hour I lingered here.

Ramona Creek Trail was like a fairyland

This hike offers a loop option, and I love taking a new trail on the return trip!  After basking in the glorious views of Ramona Falls, I packed up and ventured down the Ramona Creek Trail.  The forest here was a delight.  Full of all things green, it was a wonderland of ferns and moss.  Cute little Ramona Creek burbled through the middle of its mossy forest.

And more rhodies!

And of course there were more rhodies!  I discovered some of the biggest and brightest blooms along this trail.

Lovely Ramona Creek

After lightly misting most of the morning, it was here the sky decided to open up the faucets a bit more.  Although I tried to keep my camera in its bag, there were so many beautiful blooms I kept pulling it out again and again.  Soon not only did my camera get wet, so did the inside of its bag.  Although I tried to wipe it off every time before stowing, I couldn't get every drop.  After many repetitions residual dampness had begun to accumulate.  With so many beautiful rhodies yet to photograph I hated to stop.  However, although my camera was weather-sealed and could handle a small amount of moisture, I didn't want to risk damaging a very expensive device.  It pained me, but I finally had to pack it away for good.  

Droopy blooms

All day long I was dreading the recrossing of the Sandy River.  The angle the log was sitting would require an uphill butt-slide to get back across, and I wasn't thrilled about that at all.  However, upon reaching the river I observed a young couple beginning to cross.  Adjacent to the high log was a lower log at nearly water level that extended about halfway into the stream.  Both people shimmied across this lower log to its end.  There was a rock sticking into the flow on the other side, and the distance between the rock and log was short enough to jump across, which is what both people did.  That option looked much easier.  So I followed the same path that the young couple had taken.  And it was a piece of cake compared to sliding over a high log.  Now why hadn't I noticed this the first time?

  

Huge pink bush

No matter I was safely across the river once again.  I climbed up the opposite bank to finish the last mile.  Back through the rhodie bushes I traveled, resisting the urge to pull out my camera for yet more photos.  (I'd already captured quite enough for one day!)

Rainy, but wonderful

Oh what a glorious meander through rhododendron wonderland!  I came away with so many good images, it was hard to decide which ones to edit and post on social media.  I hope you've enjoyed my latest photo journey and didn't mind all the pink!

Rhodie Time on Mt Hood

Besides ski season, June is one of my favorite times to visit the Mt Hood area.  Why, you ask?  Because June is when lovely pink rhodies bloom in the forests.  Although the proper name for this flower is "rhododendron" we locals refer to them as "rhodies."

Last year I missed the entire rhodie season after spending June and July in South Dakota recovering from brain surgery.  In 2022, I vowed to make up for those lost flower-viewing opportunities.

The rhodies are blooming!

In mid-June I made an exploratory trip to the lower elevations of the Mt. Hood National Forest.  I found a few pink blooms, but overall things were just getting started.  Two weeks later I returned and although the flowers were beginning to fade down low, in areas above 4000 feet elevation the rhodie bloom was going strong.

Mt Hood view from Trillium Lake

My first stop was Trillium Lake.  This small water body has a killer view of Mt. Hood from it's shores, which is often reflected in the lake during calm weather.  Luck was with me that morning, because I was greeted with glassy waters that mirrored Mt. Hood perfectly on the lake's surface.  A mid-level cloud bank just added to the photo drama.  (I love clouds - I think they make images more interesting.)

Trillium Lake fishing dock

With my early morning arrival I was able to beat the hiking and sightseeing crowd, but not the fishermen.  (Being married to a fisher-guy, I know that they love nothing more than to get up obscenely early to purse their sport.)  But the fishermen weren't any trouble - they were all busy trying to lure the resident trout.  I kind of liked having them in my frames.

My attempt to get lake, mountain and rhodies in one frame

I'd hoped to get a shot of a blooming rhodie bush with the lake and mountain in the background.  But after walking most of the south shore, all I found was one sad bloom.  The one bush actually located along the lakeshore wasn't quite ready to flower.  So the above photo was as close as I got.

I found a big patch near Timothy Lake

Naturally there were tons of rhodie bushes along the road into Trillium Lake.  But these weren't anywhere close to the lake.  Even so, I got lots of good images of the roadside pink blooms.  Too bad one or two couldn't move closer to the lake.  (I considered trying to patch one rhodie bush into a lake image, but I'm not that good at Photoshop!)

Pink goodness

Remembering that nearby Timothy Lake had an abundance of rhodie bushes I decided to head over there.  My family used to camp at Timothy Lake frequently in the 90's.  I have fond memories of fun times with my hubby and kids at this beautiful lake.  Back in those days we could arrive on a Friday in the summer and still get a camping spot for the weekend.  Sadly population growth in the Portland area, coupled with more people discovering outdoor recreation, has made this lake a wildly popular spot.  Nowadays if you don't reserve a site 6 months in advance, forget about camping here.  Spontaneity is a thing of the past.

Even the butterflies like rhodies

At least the rhodies were still around.  I found lots of the gorgeous pink bushes lining the entrance road and at many of the campgrounds.  However, at three of the developed Forest Service campgrounds, I discovered day users weren't allowed to drive in and park anymore.  Naturally there weren't any rhodie bushes at the designated day use area.  Ironically the best displays were along the entrance road, which happened to be under construction.

Bright spots in the forest

Was I about to be skunked again in my rhodie quest?  Luckily I found a pull-out along a stretch of road that wasn't being worked on that happened to have a high concentration of pink blossoms.  Finally - I was able to get my rhodie shots.

Backlit blooms

The Timothy Lake area has lots of great scenery.  I drove past an old guard station, now renovated for overnight use.  In a large swampy clearing, I spotted the ancient cabin my kids and I used to visit while camping nearby.

Old cabin near Timothy Lake

Since it was in the neighborhood, I then decided to drive over the nearby Little Crater Lake.  Situated near another Forest Service campground, this tiny body of water displays a unique blue color, similar to it's larger cousin to the south.

Lupine blooms near Little Crater Lake

From the parking area, visitors hike a short trail to see the lake.  Although there wasn't any rhodies here, the path cut through a large grassy field full of lovely purple lupine flowers.

Little Crater Lake

Here's my favorite photo of Little Crater Lake.  The lake is fed by an underground spring that gives the lake it's unusual blue hue.

Anemone and ladybug

Although not an area known for rhododendrons, for my last stop of the day I decided to swing by Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort and visit Umbrella Falls.  A quarter mile trail from the resort's access road takes hikers to this stunning waterfall.  Along the way, I spotted several different wildflowers blooming (although not rhodies!).  I loved this shot of a deep purple anemone flower with a ladybug hanging out on one of its leaves.

And the waterfall was pretty spectacular too.  Although there were no rhodies in the area, I always enjoy visiting this lovely cascade.

Umbrella Falls

It was a successful rhodie-hunting trip around the mountain.  I love having these beautiful places just a short drive from my home.  

Now to get caught up on the other wildflowers I missed last summer!