7/6/13: Mt. Hood Meadows and (GASP!) Newton Creek crossing

[adamschneider]

Some friends and I did a loop (actually more of a horseshoe) today on the east side of Hood: we started from the place where the Umbrella Falls Trail crosses the Mt. Hood Meadows entrance road, went up to the Timberline Trail, across the top of Meadows, through Clark/Heather Canyon, and down the Newton Creek and Elk Meadows Trails to the 2nd car we'd left at the Elk Meadows/Hood River Meadows Trailhead:

[Google map here.]

But we also did a little side trip down to the Timberline Trail's crossing of Newton Creek — partly for a lunch break in a lovely creekside rock garden, but also because we were skeptical about that note someone left at the Elk Meadows trailhead that said "NO VIABLE CROSSING."

Well, in a nutshell: of course there's a viable crossing; there ALWAYS is, if you're willing to look for it. My friends and I found at least three places where we were able to rock-hop across Newton Creek without feeling like we were in any danger... and the easiest of them was very close to where the Timberline Trail picks up again on the north side.

Here's the easy crossing, seen from the northeast side; those stepping stones are really big:

Honestly, the most difficult part was getting down the scary flood-cut bank on the southwest side, but there are a couple of places just downstream from the trail that work pretty well.

So don't let Newton Creek scare you; it's never been an especially easy crossing, but it's no worse this year than other times I've been up there. Frankly, I'd be more nervous about the log "bridge" on the way to Elk Meadows.


In other news, there were only a few small snow patches on the entire route, and the flower show is just getting started and will be going gangbusters in a couple of weeks. If you want to see the wildflowers, waiting until mid-August might be too late this year!

[kepPNW]

Thanks for reporting this! I've been wanting to do a loop somewhat similar to this, as well, and that post with the warning had me wondering too. Looks great!

[Splintercat]

Honestly, the most difficult part was getting down the scary flood-cut bank on the southwest side, but there are a couple of places just downstream from the trail that work pretty well.

Is the rope (actually, a pair of them) still in place on that section, Adam? Handy when I came through last summer.

Tom

[adamschneider]

Is the rope (actually, a pair of them) still in place on that section, Adam? Handy when I came through last summer.

I didn't see any ropes, or anything else man-made. That valley is pretty wild.

[retired jerry]

There's a couple ropes up West side where it got washed out and there's sort of a cliff. Hard to see them. I remember in the past some people reported not seeing them but other people did.

[dixhuit]

Frankly, I'd be more nervous about the log "bridge" on the way to Elk Meadows.

Hey Adam, it was nice to run into you up there yesterday. I don't want folks to be worried about the Newton Creek crossing on the Elk Meadows Trail. It's actually easier than it has been in recent years.

David

This is the way it looked last year.

This is the crossing yesterday.

[adamschneider]

I don't want folks to be worried about the Newton Creek crossing on the Elk Meadows Trail. It's actually easier than it has been in recent years.

Oh yeah, I just don't think people should be worried about EITHER crossing. Personally, I prefer rock-hopping to improvised log bridges because I think rocks are much easier if you don't have trekking poles. But I know some people aren't much into jumping.

[retired jerry]

Sometimes logs shift when you step on them

Some people have lightweight breathable shoes and light socks and just walk through the stream as if it wasn't there. Well, maybe you have to be a little more careful than walking on land. Then the shoes dry pretty quickly.

[4DMTNS]

I just love seeing your posts. You really do justice to the wildflowers. We have probably crossed paths in years past given how frequently it appears we are both out hiking. One of these times I'm going to make it to a Meet 'n Deet.

[adamschneider]

I just love seeing your posts. You really do justice to the wildflowers. We have probably crossed paths in years past given how frequently it appears we are both out hiking. One of these times I'm going to make it to a Meet 'n Deet.

Except I've only gone to one of the Meet 'n' Deets, and that was a few years ago. You're probably more likely to find me on the trail.

And because it'll probably be November before I sort through all my summer photos and put them on my Web site, here's a few more shots from Mt. Hood Meadows and vicinity...