Last year, I was on a few TKO work parties on the Wygant Trail as we repaired the tread to within ¼ mile of the summit. Sunday was the first time I’ve been able to hike the whole thing in a while, and it was interesting to see how the problem areas that TKO crews addressed are now seamlessly folded into the tread. The rampant spring growth took no time at all to disguise all the dirt and debris we cast downhill!
The Wygant Trail runs for most of its length in two State Natural Areas: Vinzenz Lausmann and Wygant. The short summit ridge is inside the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. Poison oak is a feature of the hike for most of its length. I’d advise long pants at any season. Wygant and Viento Creek seem to be the places where it flourishes most profusely on the Oregon side of the Gorge, forming vast carpets under the canopy.
As most know, you can’t really do the Chetwoot Loop anymore. There’s a replacement Basil Clark bear sign at the lower end of the loop. At the upper junction, the bear sign is partially rotted away and also there is the 'corrected' Wygant Trail sign. Wygant itself has 35 switchbacks but also numerous viewpoints looking every direction but south.
I met a pair of hikers and two runners, not bad for Wygant as we rarely encountered other users of the trail when we were doing trail work. From the summit cairn, I took the now well defined trail down to the meadow on the southwest slope, getting views west to the Viento Ridge, Mt. Defiance, Indian Point, and Table Mountain.
Wygant Peak 5-12-19
Re: Wygant Peak 5-12-19
I encountered a work party last year. Perhaps you were there when I strolled through. I actually liked the trail the way it was, but Wygant is horrible for PO and ticks, so a wide trail has its advantages. There's one more off-trail route I want to try, and then the trail back down. I was hoping to do it last winter when it was cold and dry, but that never happened (I didn't want to do it in deep snow).
Re: Wygant Peak 5-12-19
I wonder if we met - I did a TKO work party on Wygant in April last year. It was a fun experience and also my first time on the trail.
Thanks for the pictures and trip report. This is a really excellent - but seemingly overlooked - trail with great gorge views.
Thanks for the pictures and trip report. This is a really excellent - but seemingly overlooked - trail with great gorge views.
Re: Wygant Peak 5-12-19
Thanks for bringing this trail back from the dead. Now, let's do Shellrock Mountain!
- woodswalker
- Posts: 835
- Joined: November 25th, 2012, 4:51 pm
Re: Wygant Peak 5-12-19
Hi, I was out there on the 12th as well. It was looking good. Thanks for all the trail work ya'll. Did you by chance find a sun visor on the 12th? My hiking buddy lost it, pretty early on. Really fun place to explore. Did a bit of rambling and had a lot of fun.
Colette Grace
Colette Grace
Re: Wygant Peak 5-12-19
I too would like to see something done with Shellrock. There's remnants left, and it's worth restoring. But with the fire damage, possible safety concerns, and HCRH construction, maybe think of it as a long-term possibility.