Cooper Spur & Newton Glacier via Cloud Cap TH

This spectacular hike begins at the Cloud Cap Trailhead and quickly climbs to several soaring viewpoints above the spectacular Eliot Glacier en route to the rocky crest of Cooper Spur, the highest point on the mountain that can be reached by trail.

TRAIL HEAD: CLOUD CAP (I know it's a long 9 miles of grueling & slow drive, but it is doable even in a sedan. It will take us to an elevation of 5840ft, so the climb from there isn't the same 5000ft up as it is from Tilly Jane)

From the TH, we will go up to the shelter, and up to the glacier, but only as far as we feel comfortable and safe. Faster hikers can climb up, slower hikers can hang out or walk up as far as they want (no higher than 8300 ft). Milage from TH to glacier: 3 miles, elevation 2500 ft (max).

Ideally, with everyone's agreement, we can hike up a bit to the glacier, and then go to Gnarl Ridge, which is around 6350 ft. and 4 miles from the TH.

If we split the difference between these two points, we should gauge for about 10-11 miles with 3000 feet of elevation.

Weather forecast calls for a high of 70° ☀️🌤️

DISTANCE: 10-11 miles (approx)
ELEVATION GAIN: 3000 feet (approx)
DIFFICULTY: Challenging

Due to distance and elevation, you MUST be in a great physical shape‼️
Hiking style: moderate and enjoyable, but with a STEADY pace (2-2.5mph). We’ll stop for pictures and eat lunch around 11-12pm.

Our hiking community never leaves a hiker behind. We stop to wait for slower hikers to make sure all are safe. But please be sure to keep our enjoyable pace!
Please bring:

• plenty of water (3 liters minimum!)
• snacks/lunch/power bars
• appropriate hiking shoes/attire
• clean shoes for the ride back
• positive attitude 🥳
• lots of sunscreen/hats

Donations to drivers if carpooling -- $15 (to cover 150 or 160 miles depending if we take Hwy 84 or 26) Drive time will be approximately 1.30 hr from Target. NW Pass is required.

CARPOOL: Carpool is organized at the specified meeting hour. If you're running late, you may need to drive yourself. + Bring your NW Pass. Carpool is never an issue, as long as we have enough drivers.😉

MEETING SPOT: Target, Mall 205 9800 SE Washington St Portland, OR Right in the middle of the parking lot of Target.

AFTER-HIKE DINNER": If the group is H-angry and wants to stop for food, we just tried another great place! And it's a great way to wrap up the day.

A Community Effort🤝
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