1.7 hr
Overview
This section of the Pacific Crest Trail takes you from historic Barlow Pass into old growth groves with small meadows; then hike up the exposed alpine parklands of Mount Hood to a viewpoint overlooking the deeply gouged and unstable White River Canyon in the Richard L. Kohnstamm Wilderness. Elevation gain is gradual but the trail is relatively uncrowded and the plant life, views, and geology are fascinating. Walk across the parking area to the shaded junction with a signboard and picnic area, and go left on the Pacific Crest Trail. Cross the route of the Barlow Road, marked by a colorful sign, and descend in a montane forest of mountain hemlock, silver fir, noble fir, and Douglas-fir with a few Engelmann spruce. Huckleberry and bear-grass dominate the understory. Pass two large Douglas-firs and reach a road bed, the former track of the first Mt. Hood Highway. Go right here to cross Highway 35 and then head up the trail in old growth forest. The trail is also marked with blue ski trail diamonds. Switchback and wind up among very large noble fir and Douglas-fir with an understory of silver fir. A viewpoint allows a vista west towards Multorpor Mountain. Pass a second viewpoint and then make a long, level traverse on a steep hillside as the trail runs on the western side of the ridge crest. Pass the junction with the Boy Scout Ridge Ski Trail Cutoff. The trail rises from here and passes a spring area, rimmed with Sitka alder, down to the right. Keep rising gently on the ridge crest through a thicket of huckleberry and white rhododendron. You will come to the first junction with the Yellowjacket Ski Trail and, 250 yards later, the second junction. You are now in a woodland dominated by old-growth mountain hemlock and silver fir, the trail lined with lupine and huckleberry bushes. Pass a campsite and cross a stream below a marsh-marigold meadow. Drop a little to see another, larger meadow on the left. The trail then rises continuously, entering the Richard L. Kohnstamm Wilderness. Reach a viewpoint over the Salmo
Trail Stats
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499 m
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Photos
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