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Hamilton Saddle
On a cool, but mostly sunny morning, I parked at the Hardy Ridge Equestrian Trailhead in Beacon Rock State Park. My goal was to do an 8 1/2 loop hike to the open saddle underneath Hamilton Mountain.
I began an ascent mostly on old logging roads on the west side of Hardy Ridge, dropping to a bridge over Hardy Creek in about two miles.
Table Mountain
Turing left, I began the pleasant one-mile hike up the east side of the creek, finally ascending the canyon wall. Following a short, steep side trail, I reached the 2,390-foot top of the ridge, only 48 feet lower than the summit of Hamilton Mountain.
From there it was an easy 1 3/4-mile hike to the 2,100-foot saddle below Hamilton Mountain. Fog covered the Columbia River up and down the Columbia River Gorge, adding an ethereal beauty to the views, some of the best in the Gorge.
On the three-mile return hike, I enjoyed the sunshine and solitude.
Early morning sun shining through the trees
Small waterfall along the trail
Mushroom and Fleabane
Fog covering the Columbia River (Nesmith Point in background)
Fancy outhouse, over two miles from the nearest trailhead (although next to a maintenance road)
The trail winding into the great unknown
Upper footbridge over Hardy Creek
Sunshine highlighting the bright green of mosses and lichen
Summit of Hamilton Mountain rising above the “Saddle” with Mt. Hood in background
John, You bring many blessings to me with your pictures and narratives. Thes pictures truly warmed my heart. God Bless Ed
On Tue, Dec 8, 2020 at 7:38 AM John Carr Outdoors wrote:
> John Carr posted: “Welcome to John Carr Outdoors! Please visit the blog > and follow. The follow button can be found at the bottom of the page. If > you are seeing this on Facebook, click the link to visit the blog to see > all of the photos. Hamilton Saddle On a co” >
Thanks Ed. I appreciate the nice feedback. Be well.