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 western end of the Columbia River Gorge.
The trailhead is large and easily accessible, the trail doesn’t see a lot of use, it provides a good workout (eight miles with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain), and the views along the top of Hardy Ridge are open and far-ranging.
It was a bluebird day in early February. The sunshine was warm and the grass was green under the feet. The summit was bare, but in another month it will be covered with large patches of purple/lavender spreading phlox (where the summit got its name).
The vistas were magnificent, including the sparkling fresh snow on Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams.
A very nice way to spend a day in the outdoors.
Mt. Hood
Hikers on the lower summit
A pleasant stretch of the lower trail
Mt. Adams
Hiker approaching Phlox Point
Witch’s-hair Lichen
Mt. Hood from Phlox Point
Poor witches, always getting a bad rap.
Some folks call it “Old-man’s Beard” Lichen