What Goes Up… Must Come Down
by david sword
The Columbia Gorge has many fascinating sites and recreational opportunities. A series of geographical evolutions produced glaciated peaks, rocky outcrops and the hydro-carved chasm that centers us all. Of the seemingly endless potential for adventure that awaits, hiking, peak bagging and climbing offer more than just a blip on the adventurer’s radar screen.
The greatest challenge of exploring all the pedestrian adventure options is to actually pick one. There are trails and peaks for just about every hiker or climber, and if it is your first time, don’t sweat it, virtually every option is worth the effort. Remember that a majority of the hikes in the Columbia Gorge, and surrounding the Cascade peaks, require a fair amount of elevation gain. Although the topography is steeper than that of many Northwest areas, the incredible vistas and world-class panoramas are well worth the weight of your sweat.
TROMPING ABOUT
Some consider the series of switchbacks leading to the top of Dog Mountain a great trail run. For the rest of us, a steady pace will get nearly all hikers to a point where they can observe one of the area’s most tremendous views of Mount Hood. During the wildflower season, which generally runs between April and July, hordes of flower identification book packing hikers descend upon the Washington side trailhead. As holds true with many of the Columbia Gorge hikes, once up the trail a few minutes, even the busiest of days will often give you plenty of alone time on the trail. Make sure you pack a lunch, because when you pass the final switchback, you will want to spend some time reaping the benefits of your uphill grind…
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