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Indian Point (Columbia Gorge) - Mountain Lion Sighting - 10/2

Posted by dondavies (2006-10-03)

My intended hike:

Herman Creek > Groten Creek > Indian Point > Nick Eaton Cutoff > Nick Eaton Trail > Herman Creek

I was by myself, and started the 8 mile loop around 1:30PM. I had to park on the main road, since the road that leads to the camp and trailhead was gated for the season. No other cars, although someone was leaving as I arrived.

About 2.5 miles up the Groten Creek trail, just before the Nick Eaton Cutoff trail and Indian Point, I encountered a mountain lion on the trail! We surprised each other -- it was about 75 feet away, at the top of an incline (maybe 15 verticle feet above me). We both froze for what felt like a couple seconds (probably less than two) before it turned around and walked away from me on the trail. Since it was the top of the incline, it was out of sight right away.

I'm certain it was a cougar -- its diamond shaped head, tufts of white at its ears and its long, thick, black tail gave it away. Hard to tell exactly how big it was.. perhaps the size of a large lab, but a lot more muscular, especially in back. It turned quickly, so I wasn't able to assess its length.

I was pretty freaked out, but I knew that you don't usually see them if they're going to attack. I waited about 10 minutes (still half expecting someone to come down the trail with their "dog") but saw and heard nothing. I decided not to continue the loop for obvious reasons -- it was a difficult decision because it was such a beautiful day. So close to the viewpoint, too, and I was looking forward to the return on the Nick Eaton Ridge trail.

On the way back down, I had my leatherman out, and blew my emergency whistle once every 10 minutes or so. So many sounds in the forest when you're listening for them! I knew I was being over-paranoid, but I couldn't shake the thought of the cougar stalking me on my way back down the trail. But, in reality, I probably scared her more than she did me.

Just thought I would share the experience!

Don Davies
Portland, OR

Re: Indian Point - Mountain Lion Sighting - 10/2

Posted by Grannyhiker (2006-10-03)

How exciting! The only time I've ever seen a wild cougar (in 64 years of being outdoors) was the merest glimpse of a tawny streak dashing into the woods.

For what it's worth, I'm sure the cougar was probably a lot more scared than you were!

That's one of the reasons I like to hike with my dog and keep him on leash: the dog will alert me if we're being stalked, yet on leash he won't be running ahead or lingering behind to become the cougar's lunch.

Re: Indian Point (Columbia Gorge) - Mountain Lion Sighting - 10/2

Posted by Jill (2006-10-03)

I saw one, believe it or not, coming down from Angel's Rest two years ago. As we were walking along I saw what I thought was a yellow lab turn down the trail (switchback?) and disappear. When we got to the point where it had turned the trail did not but instead was a steep incline. I also kept expecting people to come along and claim their dog which did not happen so I figured it out. They are so elusive that it seems natural to imagine it as being something else.

Re: Indian Point (Columbia Gorge) - Mountain Lion Sighting - 10/2

Posted by jeffstatt (2006-10-03)

WOW Don!

First of all, that was quite a trek! Secondly, WHOA! I guess I just don't expect to see cougars on the trail so close to home. We took a trek up Indian Point a few weeks back and came back down by headlamp! I guess I should have been more creeped out!

Re: Indian Point (Columbia Gorge) - Mountain Lion Sighting - 10/2

Posted by Paul (2006-10-03)

Wow, that must have been an experience! I know when I seen a bear on the Timberline trail I was scared, uh...mindless. :D

Last time I was on the Nick Eaton trail I saw one Elk and a couple deer.

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