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A Soggy Friday at McCord Creek!

Posted by Splintercat (2008-03-15)

Thought I'd post a report from a trip up to McCord Creek for the benefit of relaying trail conditions and emerging flora at the lower Gorge elevations...

Trillium definitely in bloom in open, deciduous settings - although hammered (and nodding) from the heavy rains:

Another early bloomer - Indian plum - also showing up in deciduous areas:

And up on the rocky outcrops, what I believe is kitten tail:

And also from up on the rocky overlook (and for the benefit of Andy, who digs this sort of thing - and to try out my new ultra-zoom pocket camera) some clouds filtering through the lower ramparts of Table Mountain:

There is some good news on this section of the trail, too -- for acrophobes who have dreaded the "missing railing" section, high above Elowah Falls, there are some welcome repairs! The silver sections mark the new pipe that has been added:

For photographer, there has been an unfortunate development at Upper McCord Creek Falls. A large maple above the overlook broke off this winter, and the top managed to plant itself in a perfectly vertical position, right in front of the falls..! Worse, if you look closely, there is a supporting branch shaped like a "y" that is almost perfectly bracing this upside down tree. So it could be awhile before the view is restored - for now, the inverted stump is right in front of the falls from the lower viewpoint..!

So, I kept my big camera in the pack, and headed down to Elowah Falls, passing this outstanding site of recent trail work, courtesy of volunteers from the Mount Hood Chapter of the Pacific Crest Trail Association (thanks Steve, Dana and the rest of the volunteers!) If you remember, this section of trail had completely collapsed, and resulted in a major boot path developing as a shortcut between switchbacks. The PCTA volunteers also decommissioned the shortcut - nicely done!

And finally, a rip-roaring Elowah Falls - tough conditions for photography right now, but in a few weeks, it will be heaven on earth for camera types:

For folks taking families up there this Spring, watch for poison oak on the fork leading to Upper McCord Creek Falls, particularly in the switchbacks leading to the cliff section. It's not quite in leaf now, but the bare branches are encroaching on the trail in several spots.

Tom

Re: A Soggy Friday at McCord Creek!

Posted by jaimito (2008-03-15)

Nice report Tom, I appreciate those updates on the trail, I was thinking of getting up there soon to check out the repair work after the update from Dana, Looks good as always. How big is that Kitten Tail� I don't recall having seen them before� They look huge, but that could be your zoom�

JC

Re: A Soggy Friday at McCord Creek!

Posted by chameleon (2008-03-15)

Tom, very nice parting shot of Elowah! I'm looking forward to seeing your photographs "in a month" of it!

-Zach

Re: A Soggy Friday at McCord Creek!

Posted by TRAILRUNNER (2008-03-15)

Hmm, the qualities of your photos appear to be far superior than the photos my cell captured of the trilliums blooming along the Angels Rest trail a week ago? I must investigate possible reasons for this occurrence:)

Trilliums are now in bloom along the Marquam Trail.

Thanks for the nice images they bring back memories of a hike my friends and I did there around Thanksgiving. A group of bald eagles put on such an unforgettable display - just for my personal pleasure. I'll cherish that moment for some time.

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