Devil's Rest loop
Details
The most effortless third of the Triple D challenge in August is also the only summit I’ve never bothered to reach multiple times. Or ever.
Our Mount St. Helens climb was postponed this week due to the mountain forecast, so let’s replace it with this quickie and pray for that 39% chance of sunshine.
Difficulty: Moderate-Easy (some steep sections; no first-time hikers, please)
Hiking distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation gain: 2550 feet
Total driving distance: 60 miles
Total hiking time: 3 hours max
http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/a/f/1/600_434659185.jpeg
Photo from one of my recent hikes at Wahkeena Falls
Starting from the Wahkeena Falls trailhead, we’ll hike past Wahkeena Falls and Lemmon’s Viewpoint, through Wahkeena Canyon, and up past Fairy Falls before we turn left onto Vista Point Trail #419. Another left onto the Wahkeena trail will take us to the junction of the occasionally steep Devil’s Rest Trail #420C, which gets us to the 2450’ summit.
For the return, we’ll hop on the user maintained Foxglove Trail and then take Angel’s Rest trail #415 over the Mist Creek crossing and past Wahkeena Spring. Descending to the trailhead via the Wahkeena Trail will allow us additional opportunities to take in the amazing views that we enjoyed on the way up.
Here is a detailed description of this Devil’s Rest loop hike:
http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Devil%27s_Rest_via_Wahkeena_Hike
My usual hiking style is fairly brisk (2.5-3 mph), but I welcome all hikers of all reasonable hiking speeds. Beginner hikers may find this trail a bit steep for their taste. But we will enjoy short breaks as needed for snacks and photos, or if anyone needs to catch their breath.
Gas: 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 useful.
It is also recommended that hikers always carry the Ten Essentials:
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Navigation (map, compass, and an awareness of our route)
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Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
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Insulation (extra clothing)
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Illumination (headlamp/flashlight and extra batteries)
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First-aid supplies
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Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)
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Knife/tools
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Nutrition (extra food)
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Hydration (extra water)
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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.