Benson Plateau via Ruckle Ck and PCT

[drm]

I did a loop today via Ruckle Ridge, Benson Way, PCT and back to Eagle Creek on the 400. About 17 miles I think.

Like many Gorge trails, you cross these very mossy rocky areas many times.

There is a good rest and view point at almost exactly 2000 feet up, according to my GPS. There were some classic off-season views back down to the Columbia.

I had heard on the news that they might get a little snow up there and I just expected a dusting, but it was more than that. Snow started about 3000 feet and I thought if it kept getting thicker, there might be a bit much for me to tramp across to the PCT since I only brought lighter boots. But there was only an inch or two on top.

When I got to Hunters Camp, there were plenty of people tracks and it seemed that somebody had camped there. But there were no tracks either on Ruckle Creek or the PCT from them. They must have come down from Wahtum or somewhere else above. Those places drivable now?

[meana39]

Beautiful photos, I especially like the misty view of the Bridge of the Gods. The snowy paths through the trees look so peaceful. 17 miles! wow, my days of those long of hikes I think are over, but I'm glad someone can do it and share the photos!

Lori

[northridge]

We came up Ruckel Ridge yesterday. Upon reaching the Ruckel Creek trail we saw a single set of tracks in the snow, must have been you! Beautiful day out there. Ruckel Ridge is in great shape, although the rocky sections were slick and required caution.

[cascadehiker]

northridge- are you the NY/FL couple that came up and down Ruckle? And drm- which direction did you go? I did the loop starting at Eagle Creek, up to the plateau and down Ruckle but I didn't see your tracks. What a day in the gorge, eh?!

[northridge]

Cascadehiker, not us you saw...We came up Ruckel Ridge and descended Ruckel creek trail, only ran into one other person lower down on the Ruckel Creek trail. Sure was a great day, even with the snow bombs coming from the trees on the way up to the Benson.

[J_W_Speed]

Man, I just realized I have to wait until the weekend to wander and your fantastic TR, along with the stunning pics, are not helping matters...

In my snowshoe trips to Whatum, I have seen some pretty mean tire tracks (44s?) nearly making to the lake in several feet of crazy snow. If course, then snowmobile tracks on the lakes frozen surface.