Phlox Point is the 2,957-foot summit of Hardy Ridge and one of the best destinations for a hike near the Portland area.
It’s located in Beacon Rock State Park at the northwestern end of the Columbia River Gorge.
The trailhead is large and easily accessible, the trail doesn’t see a lot of use, the hike provides a good workout (10 miles with close to 3,000 feet of elevation gain if the bridge loop is added), and the sights to see along the top of Hardy Ridge are open and far-ranging.
In early November I was surprised to see three different varieties of wildflowers in bloom. To put this in perspective, in less than two months “spring” wildflowers will begin blooming in the east end of the Gorge.
There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, providing spectacular 360-degree views from one end of the Gorge to the other.
Table Mountain from Phlox Point
Self-heal
A hazy view of Mt. Hood
Pine Squirrel “hiding” from me
Alders along the Bridge Trail
Big-leaf Maple leaves
Fleabane
Fresh snow on Mt. Adams
Snowberries
Tributary of Hardy Creek
A very fancy loo, considering it’s two miles from the nearest trailhead
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