HAMILTON MOUNTAIN LOOP
Hike Type: Out and Back with a loop!
Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation gain: 2100 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Seasons: March to November
Family Friendly: No
Backpackable: No (Liars)
Crowded: Yes
Hazards: Falling
For all the general details, let me send you to my friends at Portland Hikers. LINK. Everything was up to date when I was there and as this is printed.
Our hiking group used this as a training hike as we prepare for a trip around Hood at the end of the summer. IT WENT GREAT! This has to be the most friendly trail I have been on yet! On the way down people we asking how much further to the piano bar at the top... there isn't one, by the way.
We went up the backside and came down the steep side on the hope this would be an easy break in for the team. I think we were successful.?
From the top, the views were wonderful. From Cascade Locks to Portland with Beacon Rock standing proudly below. Looking at the Oregon side of the Gorge, we could see many of the popular waterfall. It was well worth the trip.
Overall this was a great success and a lot was learned. We didn’t get to hike Beacon Rock due to time constraints and a late start. Considering this was our first team hike, I will consider that a win just the same!
A few things we may do better on future hikes
1. Blisters start slowly and are caused by friction and rubbing. If you think you are starting to get a blister, you probably are. Take time to check it out while it is still small. We have first-aid stuff (mole-skin) to protect the area before a blister forms. Pushing your skin to the point where it wants to blister but doesn’t, then protecting it further helps put a callous on that spot. Blisters just hurt.
2. If a member needs to fall back for any reason the team will wait at the next fork in the trail even if that fork is a scenic viewpoint. If we don’t have radios, the returning member should yell the code word, “Marco.” The receiving group will reply with, “Polo!”
3. If you have walking pneumonia, you may consider taking a day of rest instead of hiking for two days in the woods. A hike like this was ok, but being further from civilization when a bad cold turns worse can turn out badly. Everyone should be familiar with the plan and a leader should be ready to step up if one falls out.
4. For God’s sake remember the paper map! Seriously, what was wrong with me? I blame walking pneumonia.
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