Rainy-Wahtum To Benson Plateau

This forum is used to share your experiences out on the trails.
Post Reply
User avatar
MarkInTheDark
Posts: 220
Joined: August 11th, 2008, 3:58 pm
Location: Portland, OR

Rainy-Wahtum To Benson Plateau

Post by MarkInTheDark » September 3rd, 2020, 11:17 am

Hoping for a non-crowded solo hike, I arrived early at Wahtum Lake, only 2 other cars in the lot, on a Tuesday morning... excellent weather for a Gorge Hike on some classic trails!

Started at my new fave trail, the Rainy-Wahtum Trail, which is really an old road. You can just feel the history of this cool area, as you cruise around Wahtum Lake.
1 (Large).jpg
Soon, I switched to the Herman Creek Trail just for a moment, which took me almost to Chinidere Mountain, where I connected with the Pacific Crest Trail, and hiked north to Benson Plateau, about 6 miles total, one way. There's a burn area north of the Mt Chinidere area... but the trail is not bad. Actually it's a pretty amazing area to see.
3 (Large).jpg
The burn area, just north of Chinidere Mt
7 (Large).jpg
In the distance Mt St Helens and Mt Adams
10 (Large).jpg
13 (Large).jpg
Cool lichen mannnnn...
Saw just a few hikers, mostly thru-hikers. One guy was hiking solo, to the California/Oregon border. Some women were hiking north and yelled, "Good Bye Mt. Hood!" as they looked back from Benson Plateau!
17 (Large).jpg
Benson Plateau
18 (Large).jpg
These are the trees that spook hikers out...
25 (Large).jpg
Ruckel Creek, cold. Butterflies and frogs too! At Benson Camp.
30 (Large).jpg
32 (Large).jpg
Ruckel Creek on Benson Plateau
I camped overnite at one of the unofficial rim campsites on the east side of Benson Plateau. It's an excellent view of Mt. Hood.
35 (Large).jpg
Rocks on the east side of Benson Plateau, campsites and the Pacific Crest Trail are just above the rocks...
Bugs? A few mosquitoes at sunset, but not enough to deet. Excellent, cold water at Ruckel Creek near Benson Camp, complete with frogs and butterflies. Saw lots of bird action, especially along the eastern rim of the plateau. As usual on the plateau, I heard owl calls, right around sunset. Talk about a cool Pacific NorthWest vibe!

The leaves have not turned yet, but it looks like they're close. Saw lots of wildflowers still.
40 (Large).jpg
45 (Large).jpg
50 (Large).jpg
60 (Large).jpg
When I hiked back to Wahtum Lake Wednesday morning, it appeared I was the only person there! If you go, watch out for forest road 1310, it's got serious, surprise pot holes.

User avatar
drm
Posts: 6133
Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:03 pm
Location: The Dalles, OR
Contact:

Re: Rainy-Wahtum To Benson Plateau

Post by drm » September 3rd, 2020, 12:59 pm

Ruckel Creek at Benson Camp can often get pretty stagnant and slimy by late summer. Nice that it is still flowing well.

I usually go up the PCT to get there, is that trailhead still closed?

User avatar
Bosterson
Posts: 2317
Joined: May 18th, 2009, 3:17 pm
Location: Portland

Re: Rainy-Wahtum To Benson Plateau

Post by Bosterson » September 3rd, 2020, 1:43 pm

Cool to see a TR from you, Mark! The burn on the Benson isn't too bad as long as you stay on the PCT side. There are some pretty nuked spots between Chinidere and the Benson though. I always shed a tear when I pass the old Camp Smokey site.
MarkInTheDark wrote:
September 3rd, 2020, 11:17 am
Image
Ah, I do love to climb up on that rock stack on the PCT.... 8-)
#pnw #bestlife #bitingflies #favoriteyellowcap #neverdispleased

User avatar
Don Nelsen
Posts: 4377
Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:03 pm
Location: Vancouver, WA

Re: Rainy-Wahtum To Benson Plateau

Post by Don Nelsen » September 3rd, 2020, 2:14 pm

Thanks for the TR, Mark. Nice pics, too. I've been thinking about getting up there again so good timing.

dn
"Everything works in the planning stage" - Kelly

"If you don't do it this year, you will be one year older when you do" - Warren Miller

Post Reply