and a graceless landing in wet moss and leaves on the other side, but my boots stayed dry. This is what I’m now calling Peder’s Crossing.
From there the old road was uneventful. Snow kicked in at around 2200’ but it was hardpack covered with 3-6” of soft stuff – easy to walk on.
The road and a little uphill XC brought me to Phlox Point, with its great views of Hood,
and of Archer Mtn to the W.
The firm snow made it possible to continue N on Hardy Ridge to join the old road a little higher up.
This old road connects with other old and new roads that take you to the headwaters of Hardy Ck – an area that was recently logged.
I stopped on a stump for lunch and watched fearsome looking clouds gather over Phlox Point – but nothing came of it.
A little further E, the W side of Table came into full view.
Then I turned S on another old road that heads directly to the saddle just N of Hamilton. Another cathedral of trees with very walkable snow. I brought microspikes but didn’t use then – snow shoes would have been completely unnecessary.
From Hamilton, there were views of Table & the Birkenfelds
and of Dog & Augspurger far E in the Gorge.
Then it was down past Hamilton’s cliffs,
and Rodney Falls,
to the Hamilton TH. Excellent hike, great views, magnificent weather – unbeatable! 13.5 mi, 3100’ EG.
