My first trip report on OregonHikers...
Yesterday, 7/13/20, I hiked the Lamberson Spur loop as: Polallie TH, Lamberson Spur, Timberline Trail, Gnarl Ridge, Elk Meadows, Tamawana Falls, Polallie TH.
Not much trouble getting to the clearing on Lamberson Spur trail at ~3.75 miles (5,150 feet). Great view of the upper mountain and would make a great camp spot (bring water).
After leaving the clearing, the "trail" quickly degenerates into a death jumble of fallen trees. I laughed as I worked my way past the "trail_end" waypoint on my GPS. Your goal is to make it onto the upper spur; ~1 mile and 600 vertical feet past the clearing. At around 5,700 feet the fallen timber challenge becomes more fun and less blood exacting.
Having survived the misery below... I found the upper spur to be really enjoyable off-trail exploration. Where the way is blocked stay to the left side of the ridge crest. The spur ends within 200 vertical feet, and perhaps .2 mile north, of the Timberline Trail at roughly 7,200 feet.
On the return... Elk Meadows going north from Gnarl Ridge trail is not wonderful (the creek is nice) but... Don't think about using Bluegrass Ridge. It's in awful condition and not likely to be cleared anytime soon. The side trip to Tamanawa Falls is well worth the effort, only 3/4 mile (each way) off route.
I was on the trail by 7am, made the Timberline just after Noon, back to the car just after 5pm. My GPS track showed just over 5,400 feet total gain.
Except for the dead fall this would be a 5 star outing. I can't think of another trip in the Mt. Hood area that offers as much off trail fun without climbing gear.
--Rob
Clearing at the end of the decent trail
Death jumble, and not even the worst bit
Lower part of the upper spur
One of the "gendarmes"
Nearing the Timberline Trail on giant basaltic corn flakes
Looking back down the spur from near Timberline Trail
Timberline Trail high point
Timberline Trail money shot
Tamanawa Falls
Horrible. 