Portland Hikers Archive

Marys Peak North Ridge Trail, 4-10-07

I had a nice run on the North Ridge Trail at Marys Peak, with lots of stops for photos.

Here is the Field Guide Entry.

I love this trail, it's a quick 20 minute drive from my office, and it's always very quiet on a weekday. The lower section of the trail is almost a park like setting of old-growth, carpeted with oxalis, and today there were many red-flowering currants in bloom whereever the canopy has opened from fallen trees.

After 1/2 mile, you begin climbing a long series of switchbacks which bring you up the east flank of the North ridge. There is very little vegetation in the understory and the forest here sometimes seems ominous

The trail has not yet been cleared of winter deadfall, so there were many downed trees to go over and under:

This is new:

At 3 1/2 miles,you transition into the noble fir zone, and my favorite section which has club moss and vanilla leaf carpeting the ground. I was feeling good here:

The upper half mile still has a bit of snow. It's always a minor thrill to see a trail like this with no other boottracks!

Coming up to the summit meadows I was hoping to find some glacier lillies, but no luck today:

The summit meadow:

Re: Marys Peak North Ridge Trail, 4-10-07

Nice Chubby fm!!

I grew up just off of Woods Creek Road & did this trail often.  As a teen I would ride my bike to the gate, stash the bike and hike up the trail to the summit.  Orrrr.....sometimes I would continue biking past the gate & continue up the road.  Eventually it intersects with the Mary's Peak highway & I would ride to the summit from there.  Then I'd ride my bike down the trail, connect with Woods Creek Road, and ride back home.

You've just brought back great memories!!! Thanks!