Spring Mountain Loop Hike

Overview

One of the numerous Boring volcanoes in northwestern Clackamas and east Multnomah Counties, Spring Mountain in Happy Valley continues to be developed with subdivisions of large multi-story homes. The premium vistas, of course, are at the top of the volcano, which has only recently been subdivided. There’s a water tank here, but you can walk around and enjoy views to Mount Saint Helens, Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, and points between. Despite all the development, a few patches of natural area remain, and this hike takes you on three loops. You’ll descend first almost all the way to Mt. Scott Creek and then take a suburban trail to the crest of the mountain. From the school crossing signs, follow the path down a series of steps to Spring Mountain Elementary School. Go right in the school parking lot, and walk out to Masa Lane. Make a left and drop down the hill to 129th Avenue. Head right for about 50 yards (If you’re interested including the Mount Scott Creek Hike in your day, then cross 129th and find the trail leading down to the creek). Take a paved path that heads back up the slope past back yards. Reach the cul-de-sac at the end of Verns Way, and keep straight to the corner, where you can pick up another path. This short trail leads up past a grove of Douglas-fir and cherry trees to reach Ross Road. Go left out to Mountain Gate Drive. Turn right, and take the sidewalk up this road, looking back to get views of Mount Scott to the west. At a woodland, you’ll see the Mountain Gate Trail leading off to the right: This will be your return path. Continue up Mountain Gate Drive, and pass the junction with Spring Mountain Drive. Before turning right onto Waterleaf Drive, you’ll get views of Scouters Mountain and Silver Star Mountain to the northeast. Head along Waterleaf through a very new development. Pass the junction with Fawn Drive, and continue straight to Hunter Court. Find the chip trail here that passes to the left of a fenced-in swale, and enter Deerfield Woods. At a trail junction as you reach a woodland

Trail Stats

Photos

400px-SpringMountainMap

400px-SpringMountainMap

160px-Oaks%2C_Deerfield_Woods%2C_Happy_Valley

160px-Oaks%2C_Deerfield_Woods%2C_Happy_Valley

250px-Mt

250px-Mt

250px-Steps%2C_Deerfield_Woods%2C_Happy_Valley

250px-Steps%2C_Deerfield_Woods%2C_Happy_Valley

400px-Mt

400px-Mt

Tags