Fall Hikes In The Cascades
My first Fall in the Pacific Northwest was spectacular. With a mix of conifers and deciduous trees, including many maples, the colorful season drew me into the mountains.
Vancouver, Washington
I like hikes that require moderate effort, yet offer big bang for the buck, such as water-related destinations, or expansive views. My perfect hike is about a 4 to 6-mile loop walking through woods and along high mountain slopes, arriving at a lake or waterfall for a picnic lunch. I think I’ve got a few favorites to share along with the recommendation to arrive early, before parking lots fill.
On The Way To June Lake
JUNE LAKE TRAIL, WASHINGTON
June Lake Trail is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. It’s a 2.6 mile roundtrip hike with a 415 foot elevation gain and although the route is short, it steadily climbs uphill to the lake at 3,140 feet. Along the way, if weather permits, Mount St. Helens comes into view.
View of Mount St. Helens Along The June Lake Trail
Who was Gifford Pinchot (1865-1946)? He and his brother founded the Yale School of Forestry. Pinchot was the first Chief of the US Forest Service from 1905-1910. During his tenure National Forests increased from 32 million to 149 million acres. In his later years he invented a life-saving fishing kit used in WW ll lifeboats. The oldest tree in Connecticut, The Pinchot Sycamore also named for him, stands 100 feet tall and measures over 28 feet around.
The trail to the lake meanders uphill on the south side of Mount St. Helens along a tributary of Swift Creek, and the lake itself sits in the bowl of an old lava flow. It’s a very pretty setting with the bonus of a 70-foot waterfall cascading down cliffs.
Mount St. Helens During the 1980 Eruption
Looking up at Mount St. Helens, it’s a bit unnerving to realize that in 1980 it blew its top, causing the entire north face to slide away. Glaciers on the volcano melted, creating huge lahars (volcanic mudslides) that raced 50 miles southwest to the Columbia River. The more I learn about the chain of volcanoes that make up the Cascade Range, stretching 700 miles from British Columbia to Northern California, the more aware I become of the seismic forces so alive beneath our feet…a bit eerie. It’s risky, walking all over a sleeping giant. You hope he doesn’t wake up with a massive hangover.
June Lake Trail #216:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=41595&actid=50
June Lake, Washington
“Conservation means the wise use of the Earth and its resources for the lasting good of men.” —-Gifford Pinchot
MIRROR LAKE TRAIL, OREGON
Route 35 Near Hood River, Oregon
This was my third attempted hike at Mirror Lake in the Mt. Hood National Forest. First time I arrived too late on a Friday morning, 11:30am and after waiting about 20 minutes for a parking space to open up in the small lot, I bailed and picked another walk further on down the road. Totally understandable, its popularity, due to close proximity to Portland, Oregon. Second attempt was aborted due to arrival during a hail-producing thunderstorm. Third time’s a charm…I snagged parking and took off for the lake. Payoff for the 2-mile uphill hike is big. Mirror Lake is cradled inside a true glacial cirque, 400 feet above the trailhead, at an altitude of 4,108 feet.
The Trail To Mirror Lake, Mt. Hood National Forest
It’s a beautiful forest walk through sweet-smelling conifers. If there is little wind and the sky is clear, you will see the reflection of Mt. Hood in the water.
Mirror Lake In October
There is a narrow trail that circumvents the lake, adding another half mile to the hike. Choose a spot to plunk down and take in the scenery. The view is sweet from every angle.
Walking Around Mirror Lake On A Beautiful Fall Day
Mirror Lake Trail #664:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recarea/?recid=53430
TIMBERLINE TRAIL, OREGON
During the Great Depression, as part of the Works Progress Administration, local artisans from stonecutters to painters, wood-carvers, iron workers, leather-toolers, landscape designers, seamstresses and other talented men and women, were hired to do a job. Construction of a grand Craftsman/Prairie style lodge nestled into the mountain at 6,000 feet was undertaken in 1936 and completed in 1938. The main architect, Gilbert Stanley Underwood, was also responsible for the Ahwahnee Lodge (now the Majestic Yosemite Hotel) and the dedication was presided over by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on site, September 28, 1937. You can sleep here, eat here, admire the architecture and the view and then you can get on a trail right outside the back door and do some hiking in extraordinary high alpine terrain. In winter, Timberline attracts skiers, boarders and snowshoe enthusiasts.
4-Sided Fireplace at Timberline Lodge
Just walk uphill behind the lodge on Timberline Trail #600. Mt. Hood hovers in the background at an altitude of 11,250 feet.
George Lichter At 6,000 Feet Behind Timberline Lodge
Pretty soon the trail will veer west and connect up with the Pacific Crest Trail #2000. There are other trail options as well but one does not have to go very far for outstanding terrain and vistas.
On The Timberline trail in July
First time up here in July, I imagined what it would be like to ski down these slopes.
I will ski down this Timberline Trail In Winter. Mt. Jefferson is visible to the South.
On October 28th a friend came to visit from San Francisco and we drove up to the lodge. First snow of the season was falling, lightly, mixed with a bit of sleet, but employees were excited about the early precipitation. We hiked until the trail became too slippery for good traction. Then we headed inside to warm ourselves by the fire.
Brianne Lucke On The Timberline Trail Late October
As it turns out, yes, it has been a brilliant start to the winter ski season. Mt. Hood appears to be directly in the path of what meteorologists refer to as an “atmospheric river”. It is late December and the storms keep coming. Currently at Timberline Lodge the temperature is 25 degrees Farenheit and it’s snowing. Goodbye hiking shoes…hello ski boots. It’s been a heck of a Fall.
December 24, 2018 at Timberline Lodge and Ski Area
Timberline Lodge Trails:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recarea/?recid=53628
A Flight of Beer at Everybody’s Brewing in White Salmon, Washington
