Of mountains and lakes, make life memorable… I shall let the picture do the talking.
Category Archives: Travel Oregon
McNeil Peak Hike
A long hike along the west face ridge of Mt Hood gaining around 3100 feet in 6 miles, McNeil Peak (I hope that is what it is called) is around 3/4’s of a mile further up from McNeil Point Shelter. The views along Timberline trail #600 are astounding to say the least and this may be an ideal summer hike for the initiated. An average hiker may take as long as 180-210 mins for the long and strenuous hike all the way to the peak (times may vary). Make sure you are carrying enough water for the 120-150 mins on your way down the mountain.
The stretch between the shelter and the peak is steep in places and has no cover for shade. But is gorgeous nonetheless…
Mt Hood from McNeil Peak…
Video
2013 Update: McNeil Point from Bald Mountain and further up from McNeil Point Shelter (Pics below)
2014 Update: Night Camping around 2.5 miles along the way to McNeil Shelter (Pic below)
2014 Update: Night Camping about 0.25 mile further up the shelter (Pic below)
Pittock Mansion Hike
If you aren’t so much of a hiking enthusiast but don’t mind a good work out on an odd day (or an odd work out on a good day – whichever), here’s my suggestion for you – Pittock Mansion. Nestled in the forest park only a few mins (drive) from downtown Portland, this hike offers what may well be few of the most exciting views of the city for common public. Alternately you can also drive all the way up to the mansion (use Burnside).
The hike reaches an elevation gain of around 900 feet in 2.5 miles and takes around 45-60 mins in summer when the trail is clear of puddles. I recommend visiting the mansion in different seasons (and varied times of the day) to enjoy a beauty called Portland, however my personal favorite is fall. A must see…
Tom Dick & Harry Mountain Hike
Another personal favorite, great for a second or third hike at the start of the season. It not only offers generous views of the SW face of Mt Hood, but also extends its greatness 🙂 to include St Helens, Mt Adams, Mt Jefferson and Mirror Lake. You cover an elevation gain of roughly 1700 feet in 2.9 miles and takes around 90 minutes for the average hiker (times may vary). I shall definitely recommend summer (July) as the trail may carry a fair amount of snow as late as June.
Mt Hood close-up
Mt Jefferson at a distance
2013 Update: Backpacking overnight at the summit (Pics below)
Tom, Dick & Harry Mountain Starry Night Oregon Trek Hiking Backpacking Camping Tent Mt Hood[/caption]
Saddle Mountain Hike
Saddle Mountain is the perfect second or third hike for the serious hiker at the start of a determined season (that should ideally end with a 4000+ feet elevation gain hike). It offers some of the most spectacular views including all snow clapped peaks (in a radius of 200 miles) on a clear day. And offers around 1600 feet of elevation gain in 2.6 miles and takes no more than 90 mins for an average hiker (times may vary). My favorite time of the year is April-May, however March offers more wildflowers.
Notice where Columbia meets the Pacific ocean…
What a view!
The higher of the two summits on the mountain…
2013 Update: Cloudfall from Saddle Mountain
Silver South Falls Hike
Over the years I cannot count the number of times I have had to take people to experience the majesty of these falls. What makes the trip worth the investment is the fact that you get to walk behind some of the falls, South falls (pictured) being my favorite. Recommended season is spring (on a not so rainy day).
Multnomah Falls Hike
One of the more popular attractions near Portland, Oregon offers a lot more than just a magnificent view of the falls. There is a 1.3 miles hike to the viewpoint at the top of the falls gaining around 700 feet in 45 mins for an average hiker (times may vary). But I wouldn’t necessarily recommend as the views from the top aren’t so great, unless you have time to kill. Recommended season is either fall or spring.
Angels Rest Hike
A perfect location to start some serious hiking season near Portland, Oregon. Though the trail is open year round, I highly recommend months of April-May for a nice green backdrop. The hike gains around 1400 feet in 2.4 miles and takes around 60 mins for an average hiker on a perfect day (times may vary).
Westward from Angels Rest up close…
Crater Lake National Park oregon
I have been to Crater Lake National Park twice, once at the peak end of summer and once at the start and can comfortably recommend you to visit at the start of the tourist season (last week of May). Any place doesn’t get prettier, unless of course it isn’t to your liking… but you have to be lucky enough to get clear skies.
Some of the most spectacular scenery…
And the Wizard Island…
Last Man On The Trail 