and it was a moderately clear, calm, and not too cold day on the water.
There's basically an old road from the TH all the way out to Warrior Point, but part of it is being worked on, so I was diverted to the beach for awhile.
This wasn't going to be any kind of heroic, XC, "last Clif bar or death" kind of hiking adventure, so there was time to go all abstract with the camera,
and just keep wandering up the strand line toward the Warrior Rock lighthouse (arrow).
This is one tough bush...
The clouds were broken up enough to provide scenic character (and sunbreaks) and the Columbia was low enough a show a few sand bars.
After a short stroll on the beach, you're directed back to the road,
which runs through some seriously muddy stretches,
before coming to the little lighthouse that guards the channel.
The beach here is a study in abstractions.
The old road continues N past the lighthouse to Warrior Point (some guidebooks call this Warrior Rock) for a view of downtown St. Helens across the river.
Another abstraction,
a reminder of a gull,
and then it was time to head back.
A very nice little hike (7.5 mi RT, 0' EG), with photo and birding opportunities all along. As I was driving out, I noticed that there were several cars parked at the "clothing optional" beach S of the TH. It was a pretty pleasant day for mid-February hiking, but it still seemed a little on the chilly side for wandering the beach in your natural attire. Guess it builds character...
