Oregon Hikers

First!

Bells Mountain trail opened today, after some view-enhancement activities (trees cut down to improve the scenery). Also, opening day for MLB.

I started as it was just getting light enough that I didn't need a headlamp. I had heard the bottom of Bells is steep, but yikes, I wasn't expecting that. It was a grind.
The trail undulates a lot, so it's good for people who don't like a hike that's uphill half the day, and then downhill for half the day.

From various sources (maps, signs, reports) I expected Bells Mtn Trail to meet Tarbell Trail, and/or share designation to the Yacolt Burn TH. But nope, google is correct, Bells and Tarbell are distinct.

I wish I'd seen this trail pre-harvest, for comparison. Not a big deal though.

There are lots of logging roads up there, some new and some mossy. I'll probably go back and poke around a bit.

Saw more snakes today than I normally would in a month.

Chip Down wrote: ↑

April 1st, 2021, 6:02 pm

There are lots of logging roads up there, some new and some mossy. I'll probably go back and poke around a bit.

Returned today and explored a labyrinth of trails and roads not on google maps. Generally fun, but some routes were a waste of time.

Surprised to run into a microwave tower on a road that isn't even mapped by google. [Oh, is that Bells Mountain summit? It's the highest point in vicinity of Bells Mountain Trail.]

Chilly and breezy all day; I was slightly underdressed.

Chip Down wrote: ↑

April 1st, 2021, 6:02 pm

I expected Bells Mtn Trail to meet Tarbell Trail, and/or share designation to the Yacolt Burn TH.

The Bells Trail meets the Tarbell right at Yacolt Burn TH (actually a few yards south of it).

Chip Down wrote: ↑

April 5th, 2021, 7:53 pm

Returned today and explored a labyrinth of trails and roads not on google maps.

I was mucking about there on April 1st (day of your first trip) trying to follow a trail loop to Moulton Falls without having to go out and back on the railroad grade. They were biker trails through plantations and secondary forest, no clearcuts. Started at Hantwick Road and joined the Bells Mt. Trail about 0.6 miles from its northern TH.