Munra Point morning scramble

While no ropes or technical skills are needed, this fun and short yet difficult hike is NOT for anyone with a fear of: heights, walking along cliffs with lots of exposure, loose rocks, or using hands and feet to scramble up steep rock faces. But we’ll be rewarded at the top with what some consider to be the best viewpoint in the Columbia River Gorge!

We'll need dry weather to do this safely. Friday’s forecast calls for a dry, sunny day. If the forecast changes, I will postpone this route and announce a relocation to a nearby trail. Either way, we’ll be hiking on Friday. I welcome group feedback.

Difficulty: Difficult (Steepness, exposure)

Hiking distance: 7.4 miles total

Elevation gain: 2270 ft.

Total driving distance: Just over 60 miles

Total time: Morning and afternoon

We will approach Munra Point Trail #436 from the John B Yeon trailhead and follow this trail as it becomes Gorge Trail #400. From personal experience, a brisk walk or light jog will be appropriate for this easy section. The Munra Point Trail itself also begins with a gradual grade.

Once the scrambling fun begins, we will take it slow and easy.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/a/d/4/600_430063732.jpeg

Photo by Gabriel Amadeus on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielamadeus/4665428576/in/set-72157624068545397

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/1/a/a/600_430065482.jpeg

Photo by ckharland on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ckharland/1031397874/

Once we reach the top, I plan to continue south along the ridge (it’s steep along both sides!) to the final climb… but we'll only scramble as far as everyone feels comfortable.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/5/b/a/600_430066522.jpeg

Photo by ckharland on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ckharland/1030551021/in/set-72157601263469229

I am limiting the group size due to the fact that, while I am familiar with this area and have done extensive research, as of this writing I have not previously completed this hike/scramble. Due to the terrain, I may adjust the group size and roster as appropriate.

Here is a detailed description of Friday's Munra Point awesomeness: http://www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org/wiki/Munra_Point_from_Yeon_Trailhead_Hike

My usual hiking style is fairly brisk, but we'll be emphasizing caution on this one instead. Since pace should not be an issue, the sole restriction is that only members who think they'll be comfortable with this type of scrambling should sign up for this event. We will take short breaks as needed for snacks and photos.

Gas: Just over 60 miles total driving; $6 to driver(s)

Bring: 2+ liters of water, food/snacks, warm layers of non-cotton clothing including rain gear, a camera, and shoes with good traction. Poles could be cumbersome for the ascent but may be useful for the descent. We will be traveling light on this scramble.

That being said, it's still always a good idea to have all of the Ten Essentials:

1. Navigation (map, compass, and an awareness of our route)

2. Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)

3. Insulation (extra clothing)

4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight and extra batteries)

5. First-aid supplies

6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)

7. Knife/tools

8. Nutrition (extra food)

9. Hydration (extra water)

10. Emergency whistle and general preparedness in the event that you become separated from our group and/or have to spend the night in the wilderness.

PARTICIPATE AT YOUR OWN RISK; Northwest Wilderness Group organizers are volunteers. We come prepared to lead you on a trail or off trail hike but assume no liability for your safety getting to or from the trail-head or on the hike. In case of accident, illness, or other incapacity, hikers must pay for their own medical and/or evacuation expenses, whether or not the hiker has specifically authorized them.