Oregon Hikers

The grim reality about funding trails in Hood River County:

https://www.hrats.org/news/how-hr-count ... affect-cou

https://www.gorgeradio.com/both-hr-coun ... -defeated/

Rode my bike up 4109 this past saturday and had to laugh at all the cars attempting to get up the road. Some folks indeed did make it, but I wouldn't attempt it with a vehicle that I cared about at all. It's past time for them to gate this road. There is no real reason to leave it open since they do...

That's cool! I was on mtn bikes up there on Saturday, on Bluff mtn trail. I have wondered about the E Fork trail, and I assume it's lesser used since there is a river ford. It's amazing how much of a barrier that can be to some folks, though not at Ramona Falls!

Coming back past ski-bowl on Sunday, there were dozens of cars parked at the "old" spot and about 10-12 groups walking on the side of the highway.

The trail through the clearcut that used to be the Grouse Vista trail is completely unrecognizable. There is a new road that switchbacks around the slope and several loading landings w/ steep sides that make the "trail" much more difficult in spots. There was a few spots where new sections of trail ...

I saw photos that Sean Thomas posted, all the trees near the old homestead are either gone or burnt to a crisp. Nothing left standing.

The biggest issue is finding a parking spot.

Cool TR, Romann! Glad to see you're still out and about exploring. I agree those canyons on Loowit trail are no joke, and completely daunting. Not to mention there are dozens of them. I am always amazed at the crowds of people who run around the mountain every weekend, and I can't even seem to figur...

I went up the South Ridge the Sunday before last, (3/04/18) and conditions were about as you described. We made the summit, though not w/o much consternation, with pushing through the alder and the wet snow.

Pictures in my google album, here.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/40DlryKg4kkahZdA2

I'm kind of surprised that Friends of the Gorge hasn't taken notice of this, to be honest. Perhaps it is as cut and dry as being locked out of access to public land (I have a feeling this is going to be a theme going forward).