Tag: TimberlineTrail North Side

Lori, Siobhen and I went for a hike on the Vista Ridge trail to Elk Cover on north side of Mt. Hood. We had great weather this time out with blue sky, sunshine and not to warm. I had not hiked this trail in long time and do not look to it again any time soon. It is a long drive to the trailhead and that cuts into time on the trail. The trail goes through the heart of the dollar lake fire. We could see how this area was recovering from the fire and how the fire scorched the earth in some area but skipped over other spot. Vista Ridge trail meets Timberline Trail at Wy’east Basin. Wy’east Basin has many natural springs that keep this area green and helped protected it from the Dollar Lake fire. We headed over to Elk Cove to enjoy the view and it was our lunch spot and turn around point. We did not stay long as the black flys were out. We returned by the same route. There were still wild flowers out that added to outing. We did about 9.5 miles and under 2000 ft. gain in 8.5 hours.

Parking is very limited at the trailhead.

Lori is ready to set off on Vista Ridge Trail.

After a little while the spur trail meets Vista Ridge trail and the sign in area.

The trail goes through the width of the Dollar Lake Fire.

A view over to the Pinnacle that the Pinnacle trail goes by.

Our first view of Mt. Hood.

Trail parallels the wilderness for a ways and then finally enters it.

The blooms on the trail was this patch of bear grass. Most of the trail through the burn is dominated by fireweed.

We found a few small patches of glacier lillys blooming.

As we got out of the burn we found some blooming heather.

We finally got out of the trees near the end of the trail and got views of Mt. Hood.

At the trail junction.

Spring fed Wy’east Basin.

From Wy’east Basin you get great views of Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier and Mt St. Helens.

On Timberline trail heading to Elk Cover there were still a number of small snow fed creeks flowing.

The trail dropping into Elk Cove gives you one of the most scenic views of Mt. Hood.

This is the area where the Dollar Lake started and later spread.

On Timberline Trail heading into Elk Cove.

Looking down at the end of Elk Cove and the fire burn area.

Part of what makes it a cove it the stone side walls.

The ladies enjoy the view as we reach the flat of Elk Cove.

Out in the meadow of Elk Cove looking up at Mt. Hood.

This was our lunch spot and turn around point. Camping is no longer permitted in the meadow.

Heading back on the Timberline Trail out of Elk Cove.

We past lots of glacier lillys in bloom on Timberline Trial.

The ladies cool off at Wy’east before we head down the Vista Ridge Trail.

Last look at Mt. Hood and Barrette Spur before heading into the trees.

Looking at Vista Ridge and burn area we will soon be hiking in.

This on area along the trail we caught the bear grass at its peak.

Bear Grass blooming around the burned trees.

Soon to be bleached white now that the dead tree has lost its burnt bark covering.