Wind Mountain Hike
Details
Do you have a spirit animal? Have you lost yours? Did you ever have one to begin with? Would you like a new one? Wind Mountain is the spirit animal lost and found. Adopt a spirit animal on this hike and its first rabies shot is free ;)
Between 200 to 1000 years ago, members of local tribes hiked up Wind Mountain, assembled piles of rocks, and awaited visions from their guardian spirits. Although Wind Mountain is mostly used as a recreational hiking site, tribal members continue to visit this sacred area.
Wind Mountain is one of the best short hikes in the Gorge. Soon after heading up the trail, there's a spur trail that leads to a magical outcropping of rock with a fantastic valley view. Before long, you'll be perched atop the summit, at 1,900 feet, where we'll meet a few titans of the Gorge: Mt Defiance, Dog Mountain, Table Mountain, the mighty Columbia River, and Beacon Rock. On a clear day, you can also see the snowy peaks of Mt St Helens and Mt Adams.
So, come out for a beautiful hike with a few great people! And, maybe take home a new spirit animal ;)
**DETAILS**
Difficulty: Moderate (with some steep sections)
Miles: 3
Pace: 2 mph
Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft
Hike Type: Out-and-back
Dogs: Yes, if on a leash.
**WHAT TO BRING**
Water/Snacks
Hiking Shoes/Boots
Cash ($10 for gas, if carpooling, plus a $3 bridge toll each way)
**WHERE TO MEET**
We'll meet at the NW corner on the ground floor of the Gateway Transit Center parking garage at 8am. Passengers, please pay your driver $10 for gas costs. You can also meet us at the Wind Mountain Trailhead at 9:05am. No parking pass is needed. However, there is a $3 bridge toll each way, so everyone in the car will need to chip in for that. We'll depart shortly after the meet time, so please be on time. The Google Maps link and directions to the Wind Mountain Trailhead can be found here: https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Wind_Mountain_Trailhead
**DISCLAIMER**
By attending this meetup, you agree that you are responsible for your own health and safety and that the organizer will not be held liable for any injury or health issue you may sustain while in attendance. You attend this meetup at your own risk. Not that any injuries are expected, but be cautious :)
The cropped photo above is called "Summit Creek Ravine and Wind Mountain" and was taken by A.F. Litt https://www.flickr.com/photos/aflitt/8705831213
Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en