In Search of an Ancient: The Eagle Cap Wilderness

When: September 1 - 5, 2012
Distance: approx. 24.5 miles

Shortly after moving into Oregon, I came across an article that documented the search for a 2000 year old tree that exists in the eastern half of the state. Hidden on a remote mountain, the old gnarled and twisted Limber Pine grows as a symbol, a remnant of a time long passed.  I decided on the spot to go out in search for the tree, to enter the Eagle Cap Wilderness and hike my way over to Cusick Mountain, where the tree grows on one of the steepest pitches of one of Oregon's most remote environments, an alien landscape of granite, limestone and dark brown basalt.

My friend Josh, who I had met just a few months earlier, volunteered to accompany me on the trek. We left, packed and ready to go, early on a Friday morning and six hours later, we found ourselves embarking on the trail.  Although we wouldn't make it to the tree that weekend (due to limited time), we tackled one of the highest peaks in the region and spent three days in some of the most beautiful wilderness I've ever witnessed.

Dawn in the Columbia River Gorge.  

Walking along the Ridgeline of the Great Meadows, our goal; Eagle Cap Mountain in the distance.

Kino enjoying a mid-day swim in Mirror Lake

Kino and I heading up the last legs of Eagle Cap Mountain.  He was doing so well, but just needed that last bit of help below the summit.  

Looking out over the Eagle Cap Wilderness.  Cusick Mountain (not seen) would be below me and too my back right.  Unfortunately, it would've taken us another two days to get there.  

The Summit of Eagle Cap Mountain.  Elevation, 10,000 ft.

A Day on Saddle Mountain

Date: August 25
Distance: 5.25 miles  Elevation: 1600 ft.

In preparation for a long hike through the Eagle Cap wilderness in a few short weeks, my friend Josh and I joined up with a few friends to tackle Saddle Mountain.  I had done a lot of day hike ascents in the gorge and around Mt. Hood, but never this far out toward the coast.  This was a day of making some new friends and taking in a summit view vastly different from what I had gotten myself used to.  This is truly a spectacular hike that I would recommend to anyone near the coat with a pair of hiking shoes and a few hours to spare.

Josh and I on the midway viewpoint on Saddle Mountain

The Saddle Mountain Crew, the Tillamook Mountains in the background. 

Descending through the Trees of Saddle Mountain

Stretching our legs on the in Cannon Beach after the hike.

Vista Ridge Hike

Date: August 11-12, 2012
Distance: 11.5 miles

With Kino in tow, I decided to explore one of Oregon's most recommended hikes around Mt. Hood: Vista Ridge. Following a 30-mile drive along a steep, one-lane dirt road, the trek starts way up alongside the north slopes of the mountain and wraps around the ridge, through a series of basins and meadows, ending at the lush fields of Elk Cove. The views along the way are offering clear vistas across the western and northern cascades.  Little did I realize that most if this hike is now surrounded by a desolate burn zone from fires that occurred late in the summer of 2011.

We spent two days exploring the ridge and a few nearby side hikes, easily discovering why this was named as a favorite among Portland hikers. I can't wait to revisit it this summer to see how the stark beauty of the burn zone has evolved in just two years.

Heading East on Hwy 26, just before Zig Zag, OR.  Mt. Hood can be clearly seen rising above the trees in the distance.

A mile in, hikers are met with a desolate burn zone that continues for miles. The ground was still a pillow of ash and heat was still radiating from the trees.  Because of the way the extreme temperatures warped and twisted the branches, I often felt as if I were walking through a Tim Burton film. It was beautiful.  

Kino, taking pause in Wy'east Basin, with Mt. Adams visible on the horizon. 

Elk Cove, the large sprawling meadow that started steps away from our campsite.  Mt. Hood and its north-facing glaciers seemed to be just feet away from where we were standing. 

The Alpinglow of Mt. Hood, viewed from our campsite on the edge of Elk Cove. 

The twisted, blackened stems of Vista Ridge were once part of a lush green alpine forest that offered extensive shade and a cool, comfortable atmosphere.  Now, on a hot summer day, a walk among these trees is scorching.