Hardy Ridge (cfm)

Describe destination image here

Insert map image here

• Start point: Equestrian Trailhead
• End point: Hardy Ridge Summit
• Hike Type: Loop
• Distance: 7 MILES"MILES" is not declared as a valid unit of measurement for this property.
• Elevation gain: 20002,000 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Seasons: Spring through Fall
• Family Friendly: older kids
• Backpackable: Yes
• Crowded: No!

Hike Description

This lovely loop hike at Beacon Rock State Park will give you views, solitude and a great wildflower display in June.

The hike *normally* begins at the Equestrian Trailhead on Kupfer road. See conditions below. You can examine the map in the parking area before starting, but the new connector trail that links the East and West Hardy ridge trails may not be marked on the map. Most of the junctions indicated in this description are marked with signs.

Begin by hiking north on the equestrian trail which is actually a gated dirt road. At 1/2 mile, take note of the West Hardy Ridge Trailhead, you will be coming down that on your return trip. Continue another half mile and turn north onto the East Hardy Ridge Trail, another dirt road in the woods, lined with salmonberry bushes. Travel this road until it ends, and you will see a sign for the connector trail marked "foot traffic only". This well established single track trail will take you up to the top of the ridge in half a mile, where you will come to a four way junction. You can go straight here to head back down the other side of the ridge, but you should do some exploring first!

At the four way junction at the top of the ridge, turn right to travel north on the trail. This route provides a wonderful view hike along the top of the ridge to the summit. You will alternate between open meadows, small clumps of forest and small rocky knobs. Hamilton mountain looks small from here, and Table Mountain seems so tame, with Mt Adams perched on its northern shoulder. The trail can be overgrown and brushy, but just stay on the ridgetop, and you wont lose it. Expect the wildflowers to peak mid-June- late July. When you return to the four way junction, take the connector trail to the right-west, heading down the western side of the ridge. This trail is an old road that has recently been reclaimed. It is much more rugged and overgrown, but is marked by flagging. The connector trail ends on the West Hardy Ridge trail, turn downhill(south) to return to the equestrian trail.

• Latest Conditions: 6/17/08- The lower equestrian trail and trailhead are currently closed due to a bridge washout. To hike this trail, you will have to start at the Hamilton Mountain trailhead, and take the Hardy Creek trail to the equestrian trail. This will make a 9 mile round trip.

Maps

• Maps: LATITUDE HERE&lon=ENTER LONGITUDE HERE Hike Finder

Regulations or Restrictions, etc.

LIST ANY REGULATIONS, LIKE HIKE PARTY SIZE, OR HIKING PERMITS NEEDED

Trip Reports

• Search Trip Reports for Hardy Ridge Loop Hike

• (Click here to add your own)

Related Discussions / Q&A

• Search Trail Q&A for Hardy Ridge Loop Hike
• (Click here to ask a question or start a conversation)

More Links

• See more information at Describe the link here

Contributors

• CFM (creator)