Herman Creek Trail to Tomlike Mountain 3/29

[MarkQ]

This past Tuesday I hiked the Herman Creek Trail up to Tomlike Mountain. This trail is one of my favorites in the Gorge. My initial destination was Chinidere Mountain but the deep snow really slowed me down so I settled for this one instead. This trail has a lot of big trees down across the trail requiring extra time to get around. The snow started not too far after Cedar Swamp and progressively got deeper. I switched to snowshoes for the rest of the hike up. I took the shortcut up the rock slope just past the Mud Lake trail junction. It was hard work climbing this but I was rewarded with this view of Tomlike.

Looking back the way I came.

I hiked up the ridge and selected a cluster of rocks to stretch out on and rest.
Mount Hood was hiding in the clouds.

Chinidere Mountain was so close yet not enough time to summit it and take the PCT back to the car.

Looking to my west.

After a nice rest it was time to head back. When I got back to the slope I came up I decided to glissade down rather than fight staying upright in my snowshoes.

The sun was out in force thus melting the snow in the trees making quite a rainstorm on my head through the forested sections. It was a pleasant hike back in the setting sun. I really enjoy the small creek crossings and numerous waterfalls.

[drm]

Nice. I camped at Cedar Swamp Wednesday night. That snow on the slope up to the Tomlike Ridge must make it a lot easier than the rocks normally are. Also, I wonder how long it will take for the FS teams to get to those trees. Lots of huge ones - 4 feet diameter. There are a few down low not too much past the Nick Eaton turnoff and some more after Cedar Swamp.

[DannyH]

Tomlike Mountain is on my to-do list for this spring, do you know how long this hike was?

[MarkQ]

I would say it is about 21-22 miles round trip. It's a long but rewarding hike.

[RobinB]

Thanks for the excellent report! I'm sort of stuck between being impatient for the higher stuff to open up, and being very grateful that we're not facing the insane lack of snow we were this time last year.

[drm]

I'm sort of stuck between being impatient for the higher stuff to open up, and being very grateful that we're not facing the insane lack of snow we were this time last year.

The hikers lament.