After exploring the gorgeous Columbia Hills State park the day before, we decided to try something completely different and somewhat off-season: Grassy Knoll.
The drive was ok, the FS road approaching the trailhead was full of potholes. We have a high clearance vehicle and just took it slow (10 MPH). We saw 3 elk on the road about 5 miles from the trailhead.
- Elk on the road
While an out-and-back, the trail was so obscured by tree blowdown, overgrown brush, and big patches of snow, that about 40% of the trail was bushwhacking. I think if we were later in the season it might become more difficult with more growth in the brush. I have never been on a trail/hike this rough.
- Rough trail
The lava beds were cool, and we saw some nice views of Mt Adams and Hood. We heard grouse very loudly on the first 1/3 of the trail. It was so loud we thought it was a mammal. Once we got up to Grassy Knoll we saw the remains of the old lookout and better views of the mountains.
- view of hood, almost at grassy knoll
- Snow field before grassy knoll
- Remains of lookout
- Daffodils on grassy knoll
We saw multiple signs of cougar, including tracks and scat. Our scary moment was stumbling upon a brand new rabbit carcass just pass Grassy Knoll, within a small cluster of trees. We backed out of that area right away and decided it was time to turn back around just in case a cougar was nearby.
After getting down off of Grassy Knoll, we lost the trail, but weren't really lost. Saw some impressive bear scat while we were off-trail. Rejoined the trail close to the beginning and were ready to be done with that one.
- out and back trail....haha
