Oregon: Mt Hood

Mt Hood National Forest! After about 1,300 miles of walking the PCT, I’ve come home. You see, working for the Mt Hood National Forest was one of my first jobs after college and it is around her slopes where I have recreated during most of my adult life. I’m very partial to this mountain and I started walking faster and faster with her in my view; my excitement to be in these beautiful forests again bubbled over with every step.

Approaching Mt Hood from the south requires walking through the scars of the 2020 Lionhead Fire which devastated the forests around Breitenbush and Olallie Lakes. The fire burned so hot it scarred the ground and completely disintegrated some of the trees. It took us several hours to cross this expanse and it was really sad to see so much grey and black with very little green growing back.

Finally we made it to Olallie Lake Resort, which was saved by the firefighters who lived here and defended the property. The setting sun gave us lovely views looking back over the lake to Mt Jefferson.

Next, we crossed the west side of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. We loved their signage and were appreciative to hike in their lush and beautifully managed forests.

After that, Timothy Lake provided a refreshing swim!

Then the race was on…. Mt Hood kept getting closer and closer!

And just like that, I made it to Timberline Lodge. This lodge is revered up and down the trail because they have an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet where the stinky and dirty PCT hikers are welcomed into the fine dining room to gorge ourselves silly. I was so excited for all the variety, I promptly spilled waffle batter all over myself, the buffet table and the floor. Way to make an entrance, Becky!

Since I’m hiking so close to my former home of Portland, my friend Gayle brought me a resupply box and homemade cookies! We spent a lovely non-hiking day, or “zero”, at Trillium Lake.

The night sky during a meteor shower above Timberline Lodge

The next day, Frozen and I headed back on trail for the final miles of Oregon to Cascade Locks. Knowing that we could possibly see another meteor show, we headed out to camp high in the alpine along the flank of Mt Hood’s Paradise Loop Trail.

We found the perfect campsite just before the fog rolled in and soaked us through the night.

The next morning the fog drip was heavy, but it showcased the spectacular meadow flowers!

We also got to enjoy the locally well-loved Ramona Falls.

At Lolo Pass, we walked into some great trail magic where the sunglass company, Obroz, cooked up some tasty sloppy joes for us. It was all a promotion leading up to PCT Trail Days. They even gave us free sunglasses. That was a fun night on the trail!