I just happen to be knocking down some long-admired bushwhack destinations this year -- no mortality crises behind this! So far, the longtime goals have included Chak Chak Falls, the Viento Bluffs, upper tier of Lancaster Falls and the subject of this report, the "other" Shellrock Mountain. This version is a rugged peak along Surveyors Ridge, and part of the fault line that forms the east side of the Hood River Valley. Here's a panoramic view of the vicinity, taken from 99 Ridge last summer:
To the north of Shellrock are well-known Bald Mountain and lesser known Rimrock, a former lookout site. To the southeast are the little-known Mill Creek Buttes. This trip begins from an unmarked pullout along Forest Road 17 (detailed directions below), where the Surveyors Ridge Trail is most easily accessed. Here's the view of Shellrock Mountain from that section of trail:
The bushwhack to the summit is up the east slope, on the left in this view. To reach the jump-off point, simply go south (right) on the unmarked Surveyors Ridge Trail, and begin a very gentle climb toward the east shoulder of the peak. The trail enters surprisingly lush forest, and the bushwhack to the summit begins from this section of trail, where it crests:
Before heading to the summit, I explored a bit more of the Surveyors Ridge Trail, north of the peak, I was surprised to see many towering Mount Hood lily, some peaking, others just opening their blossoms:
Just beyond the crest, the trail passes a sign pointing to "Shellrock Mountain", but the short path leads just a few yards to a pretty meadow, rock outcrop and view of Shellrock Mountain, towering above. A bit further, the main trail also crosses a series of meadows, and provides this view up to the loose, rocky slopes that give Shellrock it's name:
This more open section of trail has an abundance of east side wildflowers, including my own personal favorite, the beautiful skyrocket gilia:
After exploring the little meadows a bit, I retraced my steps back to the gentle crest in the forest, and picked a route to the summit. There is no obvious route, here, just aiming for the light, since the forest margin is not far up the east slopes of Shellrock Mountain. After pushing through the eclectic mix of east and westside trees and shrubs, the scene opens up, and the balance of the bushwhack is simply a steep climb up loose talus, and among patches of manzanita, groves of stunted fir and ponderosea pine. Be sure to turn around here, and pick a spot for your re-entry to forest upon returning. I picked this large snag, which was easily spotted upon my descent:
As you continue to traverse the increasingly open slopes, view into Eastern Oregon begin to unfold, as well as view into the Mill Creek Buttes, an area within The Dalles Watershed that is seldom seen or visited. In this view, Lookout Mountain is the distant ridge to the right of the buttes, and the little meadow traversed by the main trail can be seen far below, and right:
The summit views are spectacular! The summit ridge is a long, narrow crescent, with a wide-open view of Mount Hood from the south end (obscured by forest fire smoke on my trip), and this sprawling view into what I am calling Badlands Basin, from the north end of the summit -- Mount Adams would be rising above the basin on a clear day, and the trailhead for this trip is located at the edge of the trees, on the far right edge of this photo:
The Badlands Basin is like no other place in the Mount Hood area. I'm still researching the geology, but it looks like an ash deposit, along the lines of Annie Creek at Crater Lake. Here's a closer view of the rugged tiers of pinnacles and fins:
I photographed this area from the trailhead on an earlier scouting visit, and will post images of some "goblins" that can be seen from that direction.
This would be a very manageable bushwhack for most hikers, and comparable to bushwhacking up Mt. Chinidere from the PCT if there weren't a spur trail, for example. The climb from the Surveyors Ridge Trail to the top took less than 20 minutes, and I am no Don Nelson..!
BTW, for those following the Trailkeepers of Oregon, this is, indeed, another area that I'm scouting for trail potential. The larger goal here is a trail from Highway 35 all the way to the summit that would cover about 4.5 miles and 3,500 feet, and some of the best scenery in the area, including a swing past Badlands Basin. But an easier short-term project could simply be a spur to the summit, making for an easy destination for families starting at the upper trailhead. Here's the route that I followed, and that roughly represents the "family" version of the trail concept:
Here are directions to the trailhead shown on this map: from Hood River, follow Highway 35 south past milepost 92 and the Mount Hood Forest Products mill. As you reach the next crest, and a view of Mount Hood, watch for Pine Mont Drive, on the left. This is also Forest Road 17, and marked accordingly once you turn onto the route. Follow this sometimes paved, sometimes gravel route for 10.8 miles to a short road stub that heads off to the right. You'll also see a white marker with "M11" marking this spot. You're at the trailhead, just follow the stub to the obvious trail, and head toward Shellrock Mountain.
This was a fun trip -- and had 360 degree views -- so I guess I'll have to get Jeff up there! It would be SPECTACULAR at sunrise, especially if the forest fires are cooperating.
-Tom
