Oregon Hikers

drm wrote: ↑

June 2nd, 2022, 10:10 am

I tried getting to Observation Peak via the Observation Trail yesterday but where the trail goes north of the peak, there were too many steep traverses with long runouts for me. The snow was soft on top, but hard below, so I could get either a strong bite from spikes nor stamp bombproof steps.

I figured the Big Hollow Trail would have too many trees down for me. And how was the Big Hollow Creek ford?

Steep Snow: the Big Hollow side has relatively safe slopes- no ice ax was needed!

Big Hollow Creek Ford: well it was lost in the snow, but we happened by it on the way down. It was an easy hop over the creek.

Dry Creek Ford: not great, but doable. There is a long tree, with many limbs, that crosses the creek. The narrow, most-limbed section is right over the deepest water. We had to pull the dog up and steady his back legs to get him back across.

Trees down: there are about half a dozen trees down which require an off-trail detour, and most of those are in the first mile. The early trail conditions had me worried, but it gets way better right after that!

06/02/2022: Hidden Lake Trail snow starting at approx. 3800 feet elevation. Hidden Lake surrounded by snow.

Charley wrote: ↑

June 1st, 2022, 8:26 pm

Hiked from Big Hollow Trailhead up to Observation Peak in the Trapper Creek Wilderness on Wednesday, May 31. Found continuous snow at 3,400'. We were able to follow the topography up to the summit, and found a number of trail signs along the way, but only saw exposed tread a few times above 3400. It was faster to simply follow the easiest route up than try to find the trail.

Were you a pair with a dog? I met you going up to the peak as you came down. I was surprised to see anyone up there with the snow.

Can anyone comment on the state of Mt Hood NF road 58, between the road to Frazier turnaround, and the junction with road 5830?

Herman Ck trail - snow starts a little above Mud Lake turnoff.

christabrews wrote: ↑

June 8th, 2022, 8:11 pm

Can anyone comment on the state of Mt Hood NF road 58, between the road to Frazier turnaround, and the junction with road 5830?

Not specifically that section, but I was nearby yesterday. I was on my way back from Bend and decided to do some scenic driving, including FS 58 from Skyline. Spotty snow started on FS 58 near Frying Pan Lake (4000'), and just before FS 5855 (4300') the road became impassible with over a foot of snow.

Other notes:
FS 48 is clear of snow and open the whole way from Wamic to Hwy 35.
FS 3531 (Pioneer Woman's Grave) and FS 3530 (Old Barlow Road) were both covered with deep snow immediately after the sno park.
Frog Lake is accessible, but there are still piles of snow everywhere. Lake level is the highest I've seen it. Road between the sno park and campground has some large potholes.
FS 5800-240 to Linney Creek has a large tree down, blocking the whole road right at the intersection with FS 58

Thanks! That is helpful.

06/12/22: Crofton Butte, ~5240 ft, snow free.

christabrews wrote: ↑

June 8th, 2022, 8:11 pm

Can anyone comment on the state of Mt Hood NF road 58, between the road to Frazier turnaround, and the junction with road 5830?

Given all the late season snow, I wouldn't expect Frazier Turnaround to be accessible until at least the 4th of July - maybe later - there are some spots there that hold lots of snow. The modeled snow depth maps still show several feet of snow up near high rocks.

I hiked up the Silver Star Trail (South Ridge) on Thursday June 16th.

There are some snow patches on the way up. Navigation was not a concern, and there is a boot path through the snow to the summit. Most of the patches are in the trees. Overall, the trip was terrific, and conditions are lovely.