Old Baldy Mountain hike

This short ridge hike will be a fun, easy diversion to break in my newly repaired orthotics for upcoming adventures. We’re also relaxing the start time a bit to 8:30 a.m. to allow my buddies who will be bouldering nearby to meet up with us. With a gentle high of 75, the weather should be outstanding!

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate (a couple of steep sections around Githens Mountain)

Hiking distance: 7.6 miles, including a short spur to a cliff viewpoint

Elevation gain: 1470 feet

Total hiking time: 3-4 hours (depending on group pace and photo breaks)

Total driving distance: 1 hour 20 minute carpool each way, 100 miles RT; $10 to drivers please, unless drivers determine otherwise

Dogs: On a leash only; please use your best judgement about canine ability and endurance

Hopefully the rhododendrons will be in full bloom when we arrive at the Baldy Trailhead from the Gateway TC. The best canyon and mountain views should be along the trail itself, since the actual summit of Old Baldy is reportedly surrounded by trees.

We’ll hike the Baldy Trail around Githens Mountain, up to the 4,160 foot summit of Old Baldy Mountain. Along the way, we’ll both gain and lose elevation as we pass old growth forests, a couple of trail junctions, and viewpoints of the Eagle Creek Valley, Mount Hood, and Mount Adams. There are no views at the summit, so we’ll return to an off-trail viewpoint that we passed earlier to enjoy our break. After allowing time at the cliff viewpoint for snacks and photos, we’ll return to the trailhead with plenty of energy left for our day.

Plan on being gone for about 6 hours total for this outing, possibly a bit more depending on our pace. As always, no guarantees about our actual return time. Here is a description of our hike: http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Old_Baldy_Hike

My usual hiking style is fairly brisk (2.5-3 mph or faster when not running), but this particular hike is a casual one. A good pace would be great, though I don’t want anyone to feel rushed. We will enjoy short breaks as needed for snacks, photos, and viewpoints.

Bring: Gas money, 2+ liters of water, food/snacks, warm layers of non-cotton clothing including rain gear (you just never know), a camera, and shoes with good traction. Poles could be useful.

It is also recommended that hikers always carry 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 wild.

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.