Pool of the Winds + Beacon Rock Hike + Lunch (Optional)
Details
Silently gliding on a column of warm air, turkey vultures circle overhead and survey the scene above the trail leading to the Pool of the Winds. It's a harbinger of good fortune.
Rising above an assembly of Douglas-fir, the sheer rock face of Hamilton Mountain adds a sense of strength and grandeur to the landscape. A cool breeze whistling through vine maple trees brings with it an invigorating woodsy scent that puts your feet into motion. Locked away, somewhere down this pathway, is one of the Gorge's hidden little treasures.
Pulling you up hills and across footbridges, your sense of adventure propels you towards a waterfall that has called out to you on the wind. What began as a faint and distant voice is now a chorus of watery voices cascading down a rocky hillside. A smooth rock staircase leads to an opening in a rock wall on the hillside. Curiosity urges you to lean over the railing to see what that opening has in store for you. As the secret is revealed, the Pool of the Winds blows your hair back and pulls you in for a big misty kiss. A smile spreads across your face as a shiver is sent down your spine.
After the Pool of the Winds has given her gift to you, a beacon down on the river sends an urgent message your way. It's another call to adventure.
Beacon Rock is the core of an ancient volcano. Towards the end of the last ice age, about 10,000 to 12,000 years ago, an ice dam 2,500 feet tall broke and sent the waters of Glacial Lake Missoula hurtling through the Columbia River Gorge. The force of that flood was enough to rip the exterior of a volcano to pieces. Beacon Rock was left standing there with no clothes on. Beacon now seeks the comfort of a few warm-bodied hikers to keep it warm. In exchange for your warmth, Beacon Rock offers excellent views of the Gorge.
After our hike, for those who are interested, we'll grab a bite to eat at Vancouver Station Food Carts. If you choose to carpool, you may have to hang out for a drink if everyone in your car chooses to get lunch. Just FYI.
So, come out for a great hike and socialize with a few fun people!
**DETAILS**
Difficulty: Moderate
Miles: 4
Elevation Gain: 1,380 ft
Pace: 2 to 2.5 mph - this is almost a quick pace.
Hike Type: Out-and-Back
Dogs: Yes, if on a leash.
Total Meetup Time: 4 hrs (driving included) - add an hour if coming to lunch.
**WHAT TO BRING**
Water/Snacks
Cash (for gas, if carpooling)
**WHERE TO MEET**
We'll meet at the Gateway Transit Center parking garage at 8:00am (at the NW corner on the ground floor of the parking garage) and carpool from there. Passengers, please pay your driver $7 for gas costs. You can also meet us at the Hamilton Mountain Trailhead at 8:55am. Parking is $10 (unless you have a Discover Pass). Everyone in the car will need to chip in if a parking pass is needed. The Google Maps link and directions to the Hamilton Mountain Trailhead can be found here: https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Hamilton_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.