Yesterday, seeing the amazing weather, I returned to Table Mountain after having done it once from Hot Springs Resort two years ago. This time I was mentally prepared for the degree of steepness, the length of the talus slope and the lack of trail markings. Last time it was all somewhat a surprise (despite having read the field guide) but we still loved the hike.
I arrived at the Aldrich Butte TH at around 9:45 to see about 10 cars. Right from the start there was a dilemma as the guide said there is a fork and to take the "left", but actually there were 3 paths leading out. I quickly checked the leftmost path that led parallel to the powerlines and found that it continued along the lines and did not head into the forest, so the middle upwards one was the one to take. From here the directions were excellent describing the two junctions at Carpenter Lake. In the section where the trail crisscrosses with the PCT, it wasn't very clear to me which points corresponded to the junctions described in the guide, but I just followed the trail that looked the widest and like a "road," making sure I was generally heading north along the creek and it got me to the Heartbreak Ridge trail. An arrow of wooden branches on the ground also helped along the way.
What's up with the fancy sign at Heartbreak Ridge tail now telling you nothing about Heartbreak Ridge? The markings scratched below the sign on the wood were more useful... "East way ---> can loop back"/"West way." Anyway, the climb up to Heartbreak Ridge was about as hard as I remembered but the talus slope was more fun this time with my knee being in better shape. A little bit more climbing and I was at the top! Mount Hood was plainly visible from the south cliffs. It was a little bit hazy at noon and I think it would probably be better later in the day?
I idled on the south cliffs and had a snack, then wandered over to the north side to see Mts. St. Helen's, Adams, and Rainier. There were patches of flowers, but I am not good at flower ID (should have taken pictures!).
Then the descent on the west route, the part about this hike I don't like. I slipped down this stretch that feels so much longer than 0.8 mile and got back to the PCT. Back at the TH a little past 2pm, there were about 20 cars now, but still plenty of space. I think I like this route more than Hot Springs. I vaguely remember the first mile from Hot Springs being more confusing and overgrown, but that was in June.
Cheers.
- Table Mountain from Heartbreak Ridge
- Talus slope
- Mount Hood from Gorge Overlook
- 3 mountains in view from north side
- View of the gorge
