Surveyors Ridge Rim Rock Hike

Overview

The Surveyor’s Ridge Trail undulates north-south above the East Fork Hood River offering transit through a variety of meadow and forest habitats as well as frequent views to the west and north. Somewhat surprisingly, hikers tend to focus on the Bald Butte area, while mountain bikers seem to be the principal users on the rest of the trail. The section of trail described here is one of the most interesting and scenic, from the astounding views at the summit of Shellrock Mountain to the eroded volcanic breccias of the Shellrock Badlands Basin and the Rim Rock Fire Lookout Site to a series of stunning wildflower meadows that also offer commanding vistas to Mount Hood. From the trailhead, descend an old road bed to join the Surveyor’s Ridge Trail #688 and go left. Get immediate views down the Hood River Valley and to Shellrock Mountain, your first destination, with Mount Hood’s Barrett Spur peeking out behind Shellrock. The trail drops off the road bed and enters Douglas-fir/grand fir forest with a vine maple understory. Then the path rises along the east shoulder of Shellrock Mountain: you can begin the bushwhack to the top where you like, but if you’re not sure, hike to the high point on the trail. Departing from the main trail, you’ll have to find your way through Shellrock’s skirt of thickets: conveniently, there are a few deer and elk trails that will assist you in the endeavor. Soon enough, you’re on an open slope that is partially cloaked with serviceberry, bitter cherry, pinemat manzanita, and even sagebrush. You’ll also have to scramble up slopes of scree (Old timers called this platy andesite ‘shellrock,’ perhaps a corruption of ‘shale rock’). At the summit, with a few contorted ponderosa pines scattered about, there are magnificent views to Mount Hood and the Washington volcanoes. The two Mill Creek Buttes can be seen just to the southeast and Laurence Lake, on the Clear Branch, can be seen due west. The lookout cabin which was once here was destroyed in 1945 and no evidence remains. Down the west ridg

Trail Stats

Photos

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