Hardy Ridge / Phlox Point loop hike
Details
Friday is the only partially sunny day in this soaker of a week, so let's get those quads burning! This scenic loop hike in Washington is a nice alternative to the nearby, more popular Hamilton Mountain.
- Difficulty: Moderate (Not too steep, but steady uphill). Expect some bushwacking near the summit block, although this particular route will be 100% on-trail.
- Hiking distance: 8-9 miles
- Elevation gain: 2200 feet
- Total time: Plan to be done by early afternoon, but anything can happen
- Total driving distance: 72 miles RT from Portland (Gateway Transit Center, for instance), or 56 miles from Fisher’s Landing Transit Center
- Permits: Discover Pass
- Dogs: Sure, if they’re peppy
The plan:
We will meet at the Equestrian Trailhead on Kueffler Road near Beacon Rock State Park. Long story short, we will take the Equestrian Trail to reach the East Hardy Ridge Trail up, and then take the West Hardy Ridge Trail down to make it a loop.
Before we make that return, however, we will continue up to Phlox Point (assuming we are keeping a reasonable pace) for a lunch break and enjoy those weather-permitting Gorge views.
- Here are more details about our route: http://www.summitpost.org/hardy-ridge/973304
My usual hiking style is fairly brisk (2.5-3.5 mph or faster when not running), but anyone who enjoys an energetic hike at any reasonable pace is welcome. No one will be left behind. We will enjoy short breaks as needed for snacks, photos, and viewpoints. There is no such thing as too many photo opps.
- Bring: Gas money (if carpooling from a transit center), 2+ liters of water, food/snacks, warm layers of non-cotton clothing, a camera, and shoes with good traction. Poles could be useful. And since I don't know if Phlox Point has snow, it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring microspikes.
It is also recommended that hikers always carry the, um, "Eleven" Essentials:
- Navigation (map, compass, and an awareness of our route)
- Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
- Insulation (extra clothing)
- Illumination (headlamp/flashlight and extra batteries)
- First-aid supplies
- Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)
- Knife/tools
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water)
- 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.
- The bends
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.