Bald Mountain from Top Spur Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- 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: Summer and Fall
- 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. The trail to the right, and downhill, is the continuation of the Pacific Crest Trail and the routes to the left and straight ahead are the Timberline Trail (#600).
Continue straight (and uphill) on the Timberline Trail and pass the wilderness registration sign. From this point, count exactly 55 footsteps, and then watch for an unsigned trail heading left and uphill -- this is the historic Bald Mountain Trail. Follow this rustic path through a brushy section, climbing over a couple of logs along the way. This is the only somewhat brushy section of the trail, so don't be discouraged! Switchback left, then quickly leave the brushy area, and begin ascending the slopes of Bald Mountain through open forest. The tread is always obvious, but flagging helps point the way, as well. You'll step over a number of fallen logs that have accumulated over the decades since this trail was maintained, but they present only a minor obstacle.
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 -- and the 40-foot trees around you mark the time that has passed since the lookout stood here. The final few yards to the viewpoint at the east end of the summit duck into a thicket of alder and mountain ash, but is easy to navigate, as volunteers continue to groom this section. Suddenly, the trail ends at a steep overlook of the Muddy Fork valley, and a stunning view of the towering west face of Mount Hood.
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 usual 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.
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