Lookout Mtn via Fret Ck 28-Jul-2012
Posted: July 29th, 2012, 7:08 am
This is Hike #33 in Lorain's 100 Classic Hikes in Oregon. The loved one and I had planned to do it June but, due to truly foul weather, ended-up on the Deschutes River in a thunderstorm fending off a skunk attack. Today's weather was the exact opposite - full bluebird - of that sad weather in June. South on 35 from Hood River, E (left) on FR 44, then S (right) on FR 4420 (the only paved right turn off 44) to Fifteenmile Ck Campground and the Fret Ck TH just beyond.
The trail climbs gently up along Fret Ck,
past pretty little Oval Lake,
to a junction with the Divide Trail (458) that takes you along Lookout's SE ridge to the summit. After a pleasant stroll along the ridge, Hood hoves into view, filling the skyline to the W.
To the S were the Sisters, Jefferson, and Badger Lake.
I am always fascinated by these natural "sculptures" that Nature makes out of deceased trees and the bitter winds and snows of winter.
Since this was to be a double-header hiking day (Little Huckleberry), I headed down after too short a time on the summit. If I had friends visiting who wanted to do a representative Oregon hike and it was a bluebird day, this would be the one - a creek, a lake, a ridge walk, not too long, not too steep, and culminating in huge views - it's got it all in one neat package. Apparently others think so too. There were about a half dozen folks on the summit but I passed a dozen more on the way up and the small parking area at the TH was full when I got back. Only 7mi RT, 2000' EG.
The trail climbs gently up along Fret Ck,
past pretty little Oval Lake,
to a junction with the Divide Trail (458) that takes you along Lookout's SE ridge to the summit. After a pleasant stroll along the ridge, Hood hoves into view, filling the skyline to the W.
To the S were the Sisters, Jefferson, and Badger Lake.
I am always fascinated by these natural "sculptures" that Nature makes out of deceased trees and the bitter winds and snows of winter.
Since this was to be a double-header hiking day (Little Huckleberry), I headed down after too short a time on the summit. If I had friends visiting who wanted to do a representative Oregon hike and it was a bluebird day, this would be the one - a creek, a lake, a ridge walk, not too long, not too steep, and culminating in huge views - it's got it all in one neat package. Apparently others think so too. There were about a half dozen folks on the summit but I passed a dozen more on the way up and the small parking area at the TH was full when I got back. Only 7mi RT, 2000' EG.
) A NW Forest Pass may be required but I didn't see any signs & forgot to put mine out & nothing happened.