It was my last full weekend in Oregon, and I wanted to do an adventure hike that was sort of the culmination of my time here… so, why not the beautiful climb in the Mt. Hood national park area that is a short ascent to the top (around 5100 ft to be exact), yet rewards its climbers with breathtaking views of not only Mt. Hood, but Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens.
Probably not the smartest decisions I’ve made, but I decided to solo this climb to the top, as most of my friends have already left or were unavailable this morning. But, not to worry, I only kept one iPod earbud in my ear at all times so I could better hear the bear that I was so sure was going to jump out at me… this way, I could be ready, and run like hell! I can’t believe they tell you to play dead – does that really work?! My god – I certainly didn’t want to find out!
But alas, I never saw any bears. I did however see a snake - and a giant spider web!
The trail started off easy enough with some questionable bridges, mild switchbacks and dense forest until we had ascended enough to reach the pristine Mirror Lake. As the name of the lake suggests, this lake reflects the trees, Mt. Hood and just about everything else. It is incredible! I hiked around the lake – even though at times, I swear I couldn’t see the trail – it just seemed like I was trampling the brush and getting eaten alive by the fricken mosquitoes. Oh well, all in the name of good photography and killer views I guess! There was absolutely NO ONE around the lake, it was incredible! I got so many great shots, and it was so quiet without the hustle and bustle of annoying people. Although, at times, I could have sworn I heard that bear looming around! Haha.
Anyway, after my lap around the lake, it was time to hit the trail for my ascent to the top of Tom Dick & Harry. It was definitely an interesting climb. Pretty stable and calm I’d think for most mountains, but all the same, at one point I found myself clinging to the edge of the slope holding on for dear life to a vine that was keeping me from sliding down into the trees below. I think at that point, my sunglasses became a causality of the climb, and my camera too – apparently, it’s not good to bang it against the rocks! Anyway, I got back on the main trail only to have some pretty interesting scrambles up some rock slopes…
…But, I made it to the top, and the views were spectacular. What a great hike! It’s just so amazing to be able to have such breathtaking views of the majestic Mt. Hood right in front of you… not to mention three other gigantic mountains off in the distance! It’s indescribable. Even though this was a pretty small mountain – it still felt like you were on top of the world… and what a great way to end my summer in Oregon. On top of the world with AMAZING panoramic views of the great outdoors that the Northwest is known for...
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