Oregon Hikers

Full gallery of pictures from last night's hike up Vista Ridge.

http://www.naturespixpdx.com/Landscapes ... dge-71217/

Opening pic:



This is my 4th trip up Vista Ridge. I never hiked it before the fire. I was stopped by 1) A flat tire 2) A dead batter and 3) The fire itself.

I'm so happy to visit now each year to see the regrowth!

Lots of lilies just getting going, but not nearly as much bear grass this year. A big thank you to those who have helped clear the trail of downed trees and snags (t was rough last summer).

Lots of tree and lily pictures coming, you've been warned



First wildlife I've seen on this hike:


The snags seem to be falling more and more each winter opening up better views to the east:



There wasn't crazy bear grass like I've seen before, but it was decent!



Then there were the lilies. Not as widespread as I remember them, but perhaps it's because they are still getting going further up the trail.



Spider in a lily



I saw ten people total. I turned around below the Eden Park trail as the snow was 5-6' deep in areas and it was getting later in the evening.





The screaming tree is starting to fall apart



I couldn't get enough of the evening light on the trees...











Heading down the last stretch of trail the sun was setting...



Sunset:

Damn, you're brave making that drive back as it gets dark.....
We went the day before. The trail down to Eden Park is pretty easy to follow and almost free of snow. Flowers just getting started in Eden Park. Nice reflection ponds. That was our goal so we turned around there. I didn't see much point climbing back into the snow to go further.
Looks like a great fireweed display to come.
The lilies were best right after the fire in 2014 and have been a little less impressive each year since.
Logs crossing Ladd Creek are super slippery just to the touch and you couldn't pay me to use one. It's best to just wade on thru. Bring xtra dry socks...
Don't forget, even just from 11-noon while we were there it was a noticeable difference in the water volume crossing coming back.

I'm thinking the lilies will slowly give way to other flowers/bushes/trees as things go along. That seemed really noticeable this year. Either way, I love seeing the transformation

weathercrazy wrote:I'm thinking the lilies will slowly give way to other flowers/bushes/trees as things go along. That seemed really noticeable this year. Either way, I love seeing the transformation

I'd totally agree with that. Especially down lower where the fireweed has really taken over.
It is nice to see things coming back so fast.

Here's what Eden Park looks like if anyone is thinking about whether to go....
https://get.google.com/albumarchive/101 ... vbbxnJWJIW

Nice! Love that sunset shot at the end.

We were up there on Saturday and it was really lovely.

The hike up Vista Ridge is very beautiful, and this time of year is the best, with all the avalanche lilies contrasting with the silver and black snags. My wife and I always visit Dollar Lake as soon as we suspect that the snow has receded. FYI, The campsites at the shore and the knob just above the lake are all snow free.

I was up there Wednesday too, was that you I saw with the tripod late in the afternoon?

Here's my report https://kunamakst.com/posts/vista-ridge ... -basin-v2/

pdxgene wrote: Here's what Eden Park looks like if anyone is thinking about whether to go....
https://get.google.com/albumarchive/101 ... vbbxnJWJIW

Thanks for the pictures! It is great to be able to see how the snow melt is progressing. I have been in that area, but never this early in the year and it is so beautiful with all those flowers!

That was me! Last one up/and out for that day it seems. No cars in the lot when I left just before 9.

aiwetir wrote:I was up there Wednesday too, was that you I saw with the tripod late in the afternoon?

Here's my report https://kunamakst.com/posts/vista-ridge ... -basin-v2/

Gorgeous shots. Since somebody mentioned your tripod, what are you using. Mine are much too heavy to pack.