Hardy Ridge Loop - March 1 2015

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rainrunner
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Joined: June 29th, 2011, 6:55 am

Hardy Ridge Loop - March 1 2015

Post by rainrunner » March 1st, 2015, 9:06 pm

We chose Hardy Ridge Loop Trail as our hike for this weekend since our annual Discovery pass expires on the 15th and we needed one more hike to get our money's worth out of it. At first we weren't all that excited about doing this hike because we thought there wouldn't be any great vistas, but we were pleasantly surprised by the view from the top of Hardy Ridge, especially from Phlox point.
We started at the Equestrian trail head around 7:30 am and hiked up to West Hardy Ridge trail which we followed up to the 4 way intersection at the top of the ridge. I first headed out to the rock outcroppings to take pictures, then we followed the ridge north to Phlox point where there was a great view of Mt Hood and the Columbia Gorge with glimpses of Mt Adams and Mt Rainier. We then headed back down East Hardy Ridge trail and back to the trail head. The total mileage was 9.2 miles with 2330 elevation gain. I would recommend this hike on a sunny day to everyone.

Hardy Ridge view.
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Getting our moneys worth out of our Discovery Pass
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The trail starts and finishes as an old dirt road.
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On the West Hardy Ridge trail, it turned into a real trail.
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Feather Frost
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View of Mt Hood from the rock outcropping near the four way intersection on top of the ridge.
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Some of the moss covered areas heading up to Phlox Point.
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Moss patch up close.
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Looking back to Mt Hood and Hamilton Mountain (to the left of the ridge).
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Glimpse of Mt Adams.
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Glimpse of Mt Rainer from the top of Phlox Point.
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View of Mt Hood from Phlox Point.
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Swag enjoying the sunny weather.
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Looking over to Table Mountain.
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Looking down on Bonneville Dam.
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Lunch break.
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Swag posing by small waterfall.
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The mountains are calling and I must go.
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aircooled
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Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:03 pm
Location: Portland, OR

Re: Hardy Ridge Loop - March 1 2015

Post by aircooled » March 2nd, 2015, 4:37 pm

One of my favorite hikes on a nice day, though the wind can sure blow up there. Amazingly it hasn't been "discovered" and turned into an impossible circus like Eagle Creek and Angel's Rest THs. Maybe we should thank that Discovery Pass!!

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woodswalker
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Joined: November 25th, 2012, 4:51 pm

Re: Hardy Ridge Loop - March 1 2015

Post by woodswalker » March 3rd, 2015, 6:51 am

Thanks for posting this!! I'm doing an easy hike today as a flu recovery hike, then the next sunny day with minimal wind I am there! It's been on my list for a long time. Beautiful pictures. I like the moss.
Woodswalker

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MarsIsCobra
Posts: 569
Joined: November 27th, 2012, 7:57 pm
Location: Camas

Re: Hardy Ridge Loop - March 1 2015

Post by MarsIsCobra » March 6th, 2015, 3:54 pm

a Hub IPA? I want to hike with you guys

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