Ruckel Ridge 29-Nov-09
Posted: November 30th, 2009, 7:40 pm
On Sunday, I hiked up Ruckel Ridge to the Benson Plateau seeking the low altitude snow that had eluded me on Hamilton and Table earlier in the week. It was another of those near perfect days for a hike – mostly sunny, cool, crisp, and with only a hint of wind. As I started the climb up the ridge proper, I looked back toward Bonneville and was struck by how glass-smooth the Columbia was – not a hint of wind.
I was also able to look across the river toward Table, which had even less snow on it than when I hiked it last Wednesday. There may be good snow above 4000’ but below that it’s going (or gone) fast.
A little higher on the ridge and there was a brief view of Adams far in the distance.
The Ruckel Ridge use trail climbs about 3700’ in 4.8 miles – which gives it a bit of a reputation for steepness and exposure. But the steep sections are interspersed with interesting rock formations
and flatter stretches that almost seem manicured – set pieces in a natural Zen garden
The most famous feature along the ridge is the “Cat Walk” – a narrow step across with a sharp drop on one side and an even sharper one on the other. There used to be a small tree on one side and a handy tree limb on the other for handholds – but these have now broken off, making the crossing a pure rock experience.
However, a use trail now by-passes the Cat Walk along its lower west side – so the hike can be done without any 3rd class moves.
The trail doesn’t offer many unobstructed view points but at about the 3000’ level there’s a rock outcropping that provides a view across to Tanner Butte. It also makes a nice sunlit place for lunch.
After that, it’s back in the woods for the final climb to the Benson Plateau. On the plateau, I found maybe 12-18” of crusty packed snow around Ruckel Creek but it didn’t extend very far down. The Ruckel Creek trail was completely snow free all the way onto the plateau.
I hiked back down the Ruckel Creek trail, through meadows that were actually quite warm in the late afternoon sun. Those of us who want a snow or snowshoe opportunity closer to Portland than Mt. Hood are probably just going to have to wait until winter gets serious and shares its bounty with the lower altitudes.
I was also able to look across the river toward Table, which had even less snow on it than when I hiked it last Wednesday. There may be good snow above 4000’ but below that it’s going (or gone) fast.
A little higher on the ridge and there was a brief view of Adams far in the distance.
The Ruckel Ridge use trail climbs about 3700’ in 4.8 miles – which gives it a bit of a reputation for steepness and exposure. But the steep sections are interspersed with interesting rock formations
and flatter stretches that almost seem manicured – set pieces in a natural Zen garden
The most famous feature along the ridge is the “Cat Walk” – a narrow step across with a sharp drop on one side and an even sharper one on the other. There used to be a small tree on one side and a handy tree limb on the other for handholds – but these have now broken off, making the crossing a pure rock experience.
However, a use trail now by-passes the Cat Walk along its lower west side – so the hike can be done without any 3rd class moves.
The trail doesn’t offer many unobstructed view points but at about the 3000’ level there’s a rock outcropping that provides a view across to Tanner Butte. It also makes a nice sunlit place for lunch.
After that, it’s back in the woods for the final climb to the Benson Plateau. On the plateau, I found maybe 12-18” of crusty packed snow around Ruckel Creek but it didn’t extend very far down. The Ruckel Creek trail was completely snow free all the way onto the plateau.
I hiked back down the Ruckel Creek trail, through meadows that were actually quite warm in the late afternoon sun. Those of us who want a snow or snowshoe opportunity closer to Portland than Mt. Hood are probably just going to have to wait until winter gets serious and shares its bounty with the lower altitudes.