I took on Mt. Defiance today with my friend Rick and my dog Kirah. We did the counter-clockwise loop starting from the Starvation Creek TH (GPS 45.68818/-121.68968) and returning via the practically vertical Starvation Ridge trail. On paper it's the hardest hike I've ever done at 12 miles and 5000 feet of elev gain, but it didn't kick my butt as bad as I expected. Other hikes have worn me out more I'm sure, but I honestly can't think of which ones right now. Perhaps when the Aleve kicks in I'll remember.
The day was warm for such a steep hike but not exactly hot. Upper 70s to low 80s. Unfortunately the smoke from the Bluegrass fire was thick, spilling into the gorge and robbing us of the stellar views we might have had. All in all though a really great hike on the loftiest peak in all the Gorge...
One of several cool falls in the early going...
After three+ hours of climbing we finally broke out of the woods for some views (still a ways to the summit though)...
Kirah inspects the radio facilities at the strange summit...
Rick works his way down a talus slope...
It was fun to look DOWN at Dog Mountain and its sibling Wind.
We stopped at Warren Lake to filter some water and soak up the mountain ambience...
Kirah usually hates water, but she quite shockingly waded straight into the lake today...
Not much farther now...
The Big River...
Gordon | 
