It was a winter wonderland on a mid-November day. Temperatures in the 20’s, a cold easterly breeze, dense cloud cover, and best of all – – – hoarfrost covering everything above 1,000 feet. The brilliant white coasting of ice crystals brought a sense of magic to the mountain environment.
But, back to the beginning. The Kreps Family, owners of a large cattle ranch north of Bingen, Washington are kind enough to open their property to hikers. The area is beautiful, south-facing, Oak Savannah with much steep terrain.
The trail, a 8.7-mile lollipop loop, passes over the summit of 2,300-foot Burdoin Mountain. Hiking leader extraordinaire Debbie gets credit for bringing this fine hike to my attention several years ago.
On a clear day the bright white summits of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams would punctuate the skyline, and views would extend miles down the Columbia River Gorge. Instead, I was treated to the natural beauty of hoarfrost artistry.
This is why we hike in the outdoors in all seasons.

Rose hip

Oak leaf

Lower stretch of trail

Wild Rose

Frosty fence

Dark-eyed Junco on a cold perch

Fir boughs

Frozen puddle

Wild Rose

Top of Burdoin Mountain

Wild Rose

Cold stretch of upper trail

Mature Ponderosa Pine stranding guard over the Oak Savannah

Oregon Grape

Finally, some blue sky as I reached the end of the hike
Beautiful images–again–John. Hard to imagine that I could introduce YOU to a new trail but I’m so glad that I did.
Thanks Debbie. It’s a fun hike.
A haunting feeling in your pictures of pure beauty.
Blessings
Ed Lyon
Community Director, FCA Ventura County
P.O. Box 6033, Ventura, CA 93006
805-746-4725
elyon@fca.org
See our Vision
http://www.venturacountyfca.org
FCA UCLA Sports Camp
www
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” Mathew 6:21
Please Donate: http://www.venturacountyfca.org/Ed
Thanks Ed for the kind comments. Hope to see you soon.