Flag Mountain loop, 10/16/2022

[pdxalex]

This was our third hike in the last month that touches part of the old Barlow road as well as the third to not have a trip report posted in the last 6 years or so.

We followed the route described in the FG. Our car was the only at the Pioneer Bridle Trailhead at 10:30. There are a couple of ways into the Tollgate campground from the trailhead. The easiest route is the Pioneer Bridle trail that parallels Hwy 26. We took a less defined trail that popped out at the historic picnic shelter. There were a few logs down as you approach the shelter.

We walked through the closed campground, which is still being used considering the amount of fresh garbage. We tried another user trail that started at campsite 13 but it disappeared into piles of downed trees after about 150 feet so we backtracked and took the Pioneer Bridle trail. The walk along Road 20 was pleasant. The Flag Mountain trailhead is easily identified. There were prominent postings about bears and cougars so out came the bear spray just in case. The hike up the mountain is steep but the trail is in very good shape. It doesn't appear to be used very much. There were only a few bike and boot tracks. Other than a couple of small logs across it on the east side of the summit, there were no obstacles and it was very easy to follow. As noted in the FG, there are only a couple of viewpoints. The first one is fast becoming overgrown. The second, with a nice collection of manzanita around it, is still pretty open and offers a view of the top of Mt. Hood.

The only view

Manzanita

The Still Creek trail was in very good shape. We were interested in a burned out tree next to the trail. It must be pretty old and isolated since we didn't see fire damage elsewhere.

There were four more cars at the trailhead when we arrived. Two appeared to be for mountain bikers. Judging from the smell, the other two cars were there so the occupants could enjoy a toke in the shade.

We encountered no one on the Flag Mountain trail. We did see two hikers and a dog on the Still Creek trail between Road 32 and the campground. Mountain bikers have taken over the Pioneer Bridle trail. At least a dozen flew past us. Most were courteous enough to warn us as they approached. One even used a bell. The walk back to the trailhead was uneventful though loud since Hwy 26 is so close.

We didn't have much exposure to wildlife, just a couple of chipmunks on the decommissioned road that connects the Flag Mountain trail to Road 32. We did see one pile of feline scat, a pile of feathers from an unlucky bird, and a tail from an equally unlucky chipmunk.

All in all, it was a pleasant way to spend a few hours.

[Webfoot]

"The only view" looks familiar.