Difference between revisions of "Bald Mountain from Top Spur Hike"
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[[Category:Wildflower Hikes]] | [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]] | ||
[[Category:Hikes]] | [[Category:Hikes]] | ||
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[[Image:BaldMountainView.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood spreads out before you from the summit of Bald Mountain. ''(Tom Kloster)'']] | [[Image:BaldMountainView.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood spreads out before you from the summit of Bald Mountain. ''(Tom Kloster)'']] | ||
| − | [[Image:BaldMountainNobleFir2.jpg|thumb| | + | [[Image:BaldMountainNobleFir2.jpg|thumb|188px|The Top Spur trail climbs through beautiful, old-growth noble fir forests. ''(Tom Kloster)'']] |
[[Image:BaldMountain01.jpg|250px|thumb|Watch for this unmarked junction, where the Bald Mountain spur heads uphill from the Timberline Trail ''(Tom Kloster)'']] | [[Image:BaldMountain01.jpg|250px|thumb|Watch for this unmarked junction, where the Bald Mountain spur heads uphill from the Timberline Trail ''(Tom Kloster)'']] | ||
{{Start point|Top Spur Trailhead}} | {{Start point|Top Spur Trailhead}} | ||
* End point: [[Bald Mountain]] | * End point: [[Bald Mountain]] | ||
| − | * Trail Log: [[Bald Mountain | + | * Trail Log: [[Bald Mountain from Top Spur Hike/Log|Trail Log]] |
{{Distance|2.0 miles}} round-trip | {{Distance|2.0 miles}} round-trip | ||
{{Elevation gain|550 feet}} | {{Elevation gain|550 feet}} | ||
* High Point: 4,591 feet | * High Point: 4,591 feet | ||
{{Difficulty|Easy}} | {{Difficulty|Easy}} | ||
| − | * Seasons: | + | * Seasons: July - November |
* Family Friendly: Yes | * Family Friendly: Yes | ||
* Backpackable: No. | * Backpackable: No. | ||
| Line 26: | Line 25: | ||
=== Description === | === Description === | ||
| − | This hike begins at one of the more crowded trailheads, but quickly moves to one of the most forgotten spots on the mountain. | + | This hike begins at one of the more crowded trailheads, but quickly moves to one of the most forgotten spots on the mountain. At the summit of [[Bald Mountain]], you'll not only be treated with a stunning view of [[Mount Hood]], but will also see traces of an old fire lookout that stood here in the 1940s. You'll likely have the summit to yourself. |
| − | From the [[Top Spur Trailhead]] climb through handsome, old-growth noble fir forest for one-half mile before joining the Pacific Crest Trail (no. 2000). Turn right | + | From the [[Top Spur Trailhead]], climb through handsome, old-growth noble fir forest for one-half mile before joining the Pacific Crest Trail (no. 2000). Turn right and immediately arrive at a confusing [[Pacific Crest-Timberline-Top Spur Trail Junction|junction of four trails]] and Mount Hood Wilderness registration box. In 2010 new signs were been posted at this junction, making it slightly less confusing (albeit missing basic mileage and directional arrows). The trail to the right, and downhill, is the continuation of the Pacific Crest Trail (#2000) and is marked with a sign to Timberline Lodge. The route to the left is the northward section of the Timberline Trail (#600), with a sign to Cairn Basin. The trail straight ahead, and uphill, is the southbound section of the Timberline Trail (#600), with a sign to the Muddy Fork, and is the route to Bald Mountain. |
| − | + | From the registration box at the junction, continue on the Timberline Trail toward the Muddy Fork for about 450 feet, and then watch for an unsigned trail heading left and uphill, between two large trees (ignoring another boot path just beyond the junction, near a large stump, that dead-ends in the brush). This is the historic [[Timberline-Bald Mountain Trail Junction|Bald Mountain Trail]]. Follow this rustic path over a couple of logs as you climb parallel to the Timberline Trail, below. After a few hundred feet, switchback left, and soon reach the more open forest on the slopes of Bald Mountain. The tread is always obvious, though you'll step over a number of fallen logs that have accumulated over the decades since this trail was maintained. They present only a minor obstacle along the way. | |
| − | As you approach the summit, you'll re-enter a band of huckleberries and false azalea, and the trail will quickly level off on the broad, forested top of Bald Mountain. Walk through an opening in the woods, where concrete blocks mark the location of the former lookout | + | As you approach the summit, you'll re-enter a band of huckleberries and false azalea, and the trail will quickly level off on the broad, forested top of Bald Mountain. Walk through an opening in the woods, where concrete blocks mark the location of the former lookout. Here, the 40-foot trees around you mark the time that has passed since the lookout stood here in the 1930s, and the summit was open. The final few yards to the viewpoint at the east end of the summit curves through a thicket of alder and mountain ash, then suddenly ends at a steep overlook of the Muddy Fork valley, and a stunning view of the west face of Mount Hood, towering above. |
| − | There are convenient rock outcrops for sitting down and enjoying the spectacle, and photo buffs will want to time their visit for late afternoon, when the scene is most dramatic. From the viewpoint, you can also see a section of the Timberline Trail, just below, where the | + | There are convenient rock outcrops at the viewpoint for sitting down and enjoying the spectacle, and photo buffs will want to time their visit for late afternoon, when the scene is most dramatic. From the viewpoint, you can also see a section of the Timberline Trail, just below, where the steady stream of hikers will pass your lofty perch, oblivious to your location. |
To complete the hike, simply follow the same route back to the trailhead -- and take a moment to clear twigs and brush from this beautiful old trail on your way down. This is the only maintenance that the trail gets, but it's just enough to keep it open for all to enjoy. | To complete the hike, simply follow the same route back to the trailhead -- and take a moment to clear twigs and brush from this beautiful old trail on your way down. This is the only maintenance that the trail gets, but it's just enough to keep it open for all to enjoy. | ||
| − | {{TripReports| | + | {{TripReports|Bald Mountain}} |
| − | + | ||
| − | {{RelatedDiscussions| | + | {{RelatedDiscussions|Bald Mountain}} |
| − | + | ||
=== Maps === | === Maps === | ||
Revision as of 16:46, 22 August 2010
- Start point: Top Spur Trailhead
- End point: Bald Mountain
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Distance: 2.0 miles round-trip
- Elevation gain: 550 feet
- High Point: 4,591 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Seasons: July - November
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: No.
- Crowded: Only to the Bald Mountain Spur Trail
Contents |
Description
This hike begins at one of the more crowded trailheads, but quickly moves to one of the most forgotten spots on the mountain. At the summit of Bald Mountain, you'll not only be treated with a stunning view of Mount Hood, but will also see traces of an old fire lookout that stood here in the 1940s. You'll likely have the summit to yourself.
From the Top Spur Trailhead, climb through handsome, old-growth noble fir forest for one-half mile before joining the Pacific Crest Trail (no. 2000). Turn right and immediately arrive at a confusing junction of four trails and Mount Hood Wilderness registration box. In 2010 new signs were been posted at this junction, making it slightly less confusing (albeit missing basic mileage and directional arrows). The trail to the right, and downhill, is the continuation of the Pacific Crest Trail (#2000) and is marked with a sign to Timberline Lodge. The route to the left is the northward section of the Timberline Trail (#600), with a sign to Cairn Basin. The trail straight ahead, and uphill, is the southbound section of the Timberline Trail (#600), with a sign to the Muddy Fork, and is the route to Bald Mountain.
From the registration box at the junction, continue on the Timberline Trail toward the Muddy Fork for about 450 feet, and then watch for an unsigned trail heading left and uphill, between two large trees (ignoring another boot path just beyond the junction, near a large stump, that dead-ends in the brush). This is the historic Bald Mountain Trail. Follow this rustic path over a couple of logs as you climb parallel to the Timberline Trail, below. After a few hundred feet, switchback left, and soon reach the more open forest on the slopes of Bald Mountain. The tread is always obvious, though you'll step over a number of fallen logs that have accumulated over the decades since this trail was maintained. They present only a minor obstacle along the way.
As you approach the summit, you'll re-enter a band of huckleberries and false azalea, and the trail will quickly level off on the broad, forested top of Bald Mountain. Walk through an opening in the woods, where concrete blocks mark the location of the former lookout. Here, the 40-foot trees around you mark the time that has passed since the lookout stood here in the 1930s, and the summit was open. The final few yards to the viewpoint at the east end of the summit curves through a thicket of alder and mountain ash, then suddenly ends at a steep overlook of the Muddy Fork valley, and a stunning view of the west face of Mount Hood, towering above.
There are convenient rock outcrops at the viewpoint for sitting down and enjoying the spectacle, and photo buffs will want to time their visit for late afternoon, when the scene is most dramatic. From the viewpoint, you can also see a section of the Timberline Trail, just below, where the steady stream of hikers will pass your lofty perch, oblivious to your location.
To complete the hike, simply follow the same route back to the trailhead -- and take a moment to clear twigs and brush from this beautiful old trail on your way down. This is the only maintenance that the trail gets, but it's just enough to keep it open for all to enjoy.
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Bald Mountain
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Bald Mountain
Maps
More Links
Page Contributors
- Splintercat (Tom Kloster) (primary)