Hiking Ramona Falls

If there is one thing our little Shiba loves it's a good hike. Last summer we took her up to the slopes of Mt. Hood to a place called Ramona Falls for a hike that was not only exhausting but beautiful.

Misaki always gets a little excited when we put her chestplate harness on her - and it's not because of the harness. She actually hates the harness, but she knows it means we are heading out to a real hike and not just a quick jaunt around the neighborhood.

This jaunt started early on a Saturday and it turned out to be not that great of a day. The clouds were low and it was a bit chilly, but we figured a 7-mile hike with a 1,000-foot elevation change would take care of a little chill.

Parking at the trailhead is a long ways off the beaten path. The exact route is detailed here, but basically you take Highway 26 to Zigzag, take a few turns, drive down some worn and poorly maintained roads, and you end up here:

We got there pretty early (which means by 10am or so, since it's quite a drive from west Portland) and weren't sure we were in the right place. All of the references we looked at talked about how popular the spot was and how to find extra parking spots if the area was full. As you can see, we didn't have any problems. Maybe it was the weather, but honestly this doesn't seem like a place to decide to go on a whim. You have to plan for this hike to a certain extent, so while weather could be a factor I find it hard to believe people wake up on a nice day and just decide to head out here on a whim. This meant the trail wouldn't be busy though, so we liked that.

The trail follows the Sandy River for a while on a moderate slope. The landscape is pretty in the way nature's power can be pretty; this entire area was overrun with flooding just a couple years ago, washing out homes and roads, and the evidence of that destruction is everywhere.

After while you get to a bridge across the small but powerful river. There is no handrail and the "bridge" is narrow, only a few feet over the rushing water. Misaki surprised us both by jumping right up and walking across like it was no big deal. Honestly, I thought I might have to carry her. That's our pup - always keeping us on our toes.

The trail twists and turns through the forest and moss-covered rocks and dead trees cover the landscape. It's pretty, with every shade of green you can possibly imagine.

Then the uphill rise begins and it seems like it's never going to end. The rise isn't at any time too steep, it's just  constant. At times the river side of the narrow trail is basically far drop to the water and I was keeping a close watch on Misaki, although if anyone was going to slip it was probably me and not the dog.

She likes to freak us out, too. After Wifey and I spent some time talking about how easily you could just disappear out here - and my writer mind started down the path of a horror story - Misaki stopped at one point, staring into the woods. She even barked once, like there was something out there. Wifey and I looked as best as our weak human eyes could manage, but we have no idea what she saw. Bear? Cougar? No idea.

After the major climbs in the trail it switches back a few times through the woods, away from the river. The sound of rushing water teases you, getting louder and louder as you continue. Then, seemingly without warning, you step around a corner and you see this. (Please, click again on the picture. It's impossible to do this justice, but make it as big as you can.)

There she is, Ramona Falls in all her glory. You really have to spend some time here in order to get a true feeling for how magnificent this waterfall is, to see it from all the angles. And check out this bridge crossing the creek flowing from the waterfall.

Given how far from car access you are it's obvious it's built from the area's trees by necessity. It's very, very sturdy. I'd hate to have had to carry the chainsaw all the way in to build this with.

We had our lunch here, which consists of standing around and holding your food because, well, you are in the middle of the forest and there is no seating. It's also really loud, so it's not really the place to linger for a conversation or hang out with a book, so it's time to get back on the trail. You have two choices. You can either turn around and go back the way you came, or continue on down the path, which will eventually go far, far away or loop back to the trail you came in on near where you crossed the river (your choice).

We elected to try out the loop. This follows Ramona Creek all the way to the Sandy River. At points it runs along a gigantic rock wall that seems to just appear out of nowhere and is riddled with thin waterfalls. We crossed back and forth across the creek a few times, once on this magnificent bridge. This one seemed to be brand new.

To the right of it was an old one, battered and broken from many winters and floods.

We followed this trail for awhile and eventually reached the Sandy River, but not where we could actually cross it. Apparently we missed a turn. However, at this exact point were a few people crossing the river on a fallen tree. That didn't look safe at all but they didn't seem to be in any trouble. We turned back and apparently those people made it just fine, because we never saw anything on the news about missing hikers on Mt. Hood. At least not that week.

After we turned around we walked a short distance and ran into this written in the dirt and pine needles on the ground.

How handy! Apparently we weren't the only ones who missed a turn.

On the way back, after we crossed the same bridge over the Sandy River, we came upon some moss-covered boulders the size of a car. I picked up our cute little pup and put her up on top of the boulder, about six feet off the ground. I wasn't sure what she would do, but she seemed pretty pleased with her perch above her human servants. She calmly sat down on the rock, looking down at us as it to say, "Finally you know your place." We had to take some pictures and this one might be my favorite of her ever.

Misaki continues to amaze me. By the time we got back to the parking lot Wifey and I were dragging. That hike was exhausting, testing not only muscles but stamina. Despite packing plenty of food and water we just wanted to collapse on a couch. But Misaki? Not her. I swear she got stronger and stronger, picking up the pace the more miles we put behind us. We usually let her set the pace anyway, since it's faster than what we might set on our own (we joke that she's our trainer, pushing us more than we would push ourselves, and give her credit for keeping us in line), but we almost never see her out of breath.

After over seven miles of hiking, 1,000 feet up and down, she was in the parking lot with a great big grin on her face, wondering where we were going next. I should also point out that she's nine years old, which is something around 60 in dog years. I hope like hell when I'm 60 I'm in at least half as good of shape as Misaki is now.

Portlanders, get out of the city and check out this waterfall because it's not to be missed. Bring your dog, too, but as always, Misaki prefers it if your dog is on leash as she always is.

Hiking Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake is one of those places we've driven by many, many times but never stopped at, usually for good reason because we are on our way to somewhere else.

We were missing out.

The access to the trail is just after civilization ends on Highway 26 east of Portland. The highway says goodbye to Welches, narrows to two lanes, and heads through some forest before widening to four lanes again and starting towards Government Camp. Off to the right the land drops steeply into a valley for awhile, but then you go around a curve and suddenly that same side of the street has a steep hill. Usually here you will see a mess of cars parked with no real signs - this is where you park to head to Mirror Lake.

This hike is a little over three miles round trip and is generally referred to as "easy." To be honest, calling this easy is a bunch of crap. Easy is walking on flat sidewalks. This hike involves steep hills and uneven surfaces, so to call it anything less than moderate is plain wrong.

Most of the hike is uphill over a myriad of switchbacks, crossing a creek or two on narrow bridges, over ground riddled with stumps and rocks. Going up the terrain isn't a big deal, but going down following a crazy little Shiba named Misaki who apparently would rather run it's kind of dangerous. Be careful! (As always, click the pictures to see larger versions.)

One example of a switchback.

I wanted to get a picture down the hill, but the trees were too dense and they didn't really turn out.

There is a rock slide that the trail switches back and forth across about three or four times on the way; Misaki was quite pleased with herself for conquering the boulders.

Misaki is quite proud of herself.

Here's a pic of one of the bridges, this one just before the trail splits to go around the lake. Misaki continues to amaze me at how fearless she is. The creek rushed underneath, but she took a measure of what it would take to hop onto the narrow bridge and just did it. Most dogs, especially smaller ones, would hesitate, but not her.

Fearless pup.

Guess who was the first one to see the lake?

Zen.

And what did she see, a little over a mile and a half into our hike? It's breathtaking, really. They don't call it Mirror Lake for nothin'.

No words.

Wifey and I had packed a lunch, so we sat on the rocks at the water's edge. We tried to enjoy the quiet, but it was shattered by a bunch of out of control kids with no sense of personal space.

One interesting note: You can make this a longer hike. Turning away from Mt. Hood, if you look up to the right there is a ridge - Tom Dick and Harry Mountain (really) - far into the distance (another four miles each way, I think). Someday, when I'm better prepared, that would be a fun (you know, if by fun I mean exhausting, mentally draining, and likely to induce massive hamstring cramps) hike to do. I can just imagine the amazing pictures one could take.

We had some chipmunks hang out with us for lunch, as well as this little guy and some birds we'd never seen before.

Our dining companion.

Misaki generally leaves the wildlife alone, but I was wondering if maybe she was going to go after some of the fish darting around in the shallows.

Looking for noms.

We had a great time. It's a great workout (moderate, not easy - I want to see their definition of easy) and not too far away. However, get their early, especially on a nice day on the weekend because that parking area can fill up and you don't want to be forced to park on the very edge of Highway 26 as cars fly by at 60+ miles an hour.

It's worth the effort, especially when you see something like this.

Finding Lost Lake

Call this our Summer of Lake Hikes. Up today: Lost Lake. About 20 miles outside of Hood River, up in the hills, Lost Lake is a "resort" that you have to pay for to use the day use area ($7). We actually drove all the way up here late in the day quite a few years ago when we had a NW Forest Pass, thinking that would get us in (FYI, it does not). We ended up just turning around because we didn't want to pay the fee so late in the day.

By the way, did you know there are 19 "Lost Lakes" in Oregon?! Holy... !

And then we just never made it back. I had been there once a long time ago - I remember renting a pedal boat with Mom and my sister and having fun - but Wifey had never been. So, we packed Misaki, lunch, and water in the car and headed out.

This is the sign outside of, well, the general store (as always, click the picture for a bigger version). This is where you can get snacks and rent the boats (they have row boats as well) and, as the sign says, there are no public restrooms. Lame, because they probably have the only flushing ones in the whole "resort."

This (above) is one end of the lake from the 3.2 mile trail that circumvents the lake. The day was overcast most of the day, with occasional breaks and occasional darkening, even sprinkles. This one ended up with nice color

This is the opposite end of the lake - I'm a sucker for reflections, even when they aren't clear.

The trail is generally flat, though riddled with roots, rocks, and the occasional muddy spot. Misaki didn't mind. We managed the whole lake in about two hours, with plenty of stops for pictures. The trail is well maintained for the most part with a lot of "boardwalk" type construction, which always makes my day.

Like I said, occasional sun breaks. Very occasional. This pic probably did the best justice to the colors of the water, which when you look into it up close is clear all the way to the bottom.

And this is quite obviously not a sunbreak. The mountain in the background is Mt. Hood. Supposedly on a clear day you can get some spectacular pictures, but not on this day. This is the best view we got of the mountain. Sure isn't Trillium!

MISAKI'S VIEW

Here is Lost Lake from the point of view of the little red ninja.

This is what Misaki saw from the boat ramp in the late morning.

From the bridge near the parking area, mid-afternoon.

Her best view of the day, from a small floating dock.

FLORA

I don't claim to be a naturalist, expert or otherwise, but some of the plants at Lost Lake jumped out at us - like this one. Check out those spines on the leaves!

Below is a leaf from the same plant, with my hand over it for perspective. This one, thankfully, did not have spines. I have no idea why some do and some didn't.

Some more pretty red berries, different plant.

If you, dear reader, have any idea what these are, please leave a comment. The internet wasn't very helpful.

FAUNA

We didn't see much when it came to animal life. People were fishing, but we didn't see any jump and none were visible near the edges of the lake. There were plenty of tiny chipmunks, but those guys don't hold still for pictures.

However, when we sat down to eat our lunch of course the birds came to visit. This first one is the ubiquitous - and extremely loud - Stellar's Jay. This spot in the tree was probably 10 feet from our picnic table. He was closer at one point, but then noticed Misaki.

This bird was interesting. He would announce his entrance like we should fall to our knees and grovel - sort of like what Sera (our Bengal cat) expects.

He also cracked us up. After disappearing once he came back literally 30 seconds later, only he looked like he just came from a dunk in the lake. I wasn't quick enough on the camera to get him really roughed up, but he still looks a little wet below.

Anyone have an idea what this bird is?

MISAKI LOVED THE LAKE

This is Misaki on the trail, at the edge of what looked like a landslide into the lake at some point. As we crossed this she continually reminded us with her running over these loose rocks she is much, much more nimble than us. She'd run a few steps, then turn around and gives a look that said, "Are you coming?!"

This is Misaki deep in concentration at the edge of the lake. About a minute after this was taken we pounced on a bumblebee that was buzzing around here head - quite the exhibition of quickness.

Misaki got water breaks just like we did, though she stubbornly refuses to drink. The look on her face says it all. "Are you done yet?! We need to GO!"

And finally, Misaki under the picnic table as we ate lunch. She doesn't get breakfast on days like this when we leave the house early, because with dogs it seems like breakfast ends up on the back seat or floor of the car. Since she sits on Wifey's lap during the drive, we prefer that not to happen. Here she is practicing her Shiba Mind Control on me, trying to get some of my sandwich (or even better, some potato chips).

Sorry to say, her skills need a little more work. Sorry puppy!

And yes, she did get a good-sized meal for dinner, despite what she will tell you.

The weather wasn't great, but the pictures sure turned out well and we got some good exercise. Not sure we'll be in a hurry to return, but we can check it off the list.

Summer at Trillium Lake

A few months back Wifey and I picked up a new sport, going snowshoeing for the first time at Trillium Lake on Mt. Hood. This was in January, were the lake is covered with snow and ice, you park at the sno-park just off Highway 26, and then you hike two miles to the water.

At the time, between swearing about how this was insane and never again, we did agree we wanted to come back in the summer, when the day was clear and we could hike around the lake. Last Saturday was that day. (As always, click the picture for a bigger version.)

It's quite possible this is the most picturesque place in the state (or is it Crater Lake?), which given all the natual beauty in Oregon would be saying a lot. Still, check out that mountain reflected on the water... Perhaps it would be even better with more snow on it, or if the grayer small clouds were gone, but in my mind it's pretty damn fabulous.

It was also nice the lake wasn't overly busy. Sure, there were plenty of people near the dam and the campground was full, but I don't think I could actually call it "crowded."

And what would a trip to Trillium Lake be if I didn't take pictures of trilliums? Since it was July they weren't in bloom - maybe next spring we'll have to go there in early May, as soon as cars can drive to the lake, and catch some trilliums in bloom. (Hmm...these may not be trilliums - see the comments. What are they?)

Without a doubt there are more trilliums here in one place than I have ever seen in my life.

The trail winds around the lake, about two miles total. We did not walk all the way around because about a third of the way around we saw a sign about construction on the dam leaving that part closed, so we walked halfway and then back. Of course, when we came to the dam from the other side, there was no construction at all. (A later sign said the dam was closed Sun-Thurs.)

The lake is to the right in this picture, with the mountain behind us. The trail is well maintained as you can tell.

There is an amphitheater just past the campground. If you look close you can see I caught Misaki in mid jump, which is pretty amazing because she almost never does anything like this. I was just taking the picture and she's putting on a show.

As far as local wildlife goes, there were a ton of these brilliant, electric blue dragonflies. The usually didn't sit still for too long, but I caught this one.

I love this picture of the cloud on the south side of the mountain. This is just about looking straight towards Timberline, and the shadows of the clouds on the mountainside are very cool.

This is the opposite side of the lake from the dam. It's a marshy area, but there were still kayakers able to skim through it.

This is a panorama shot from the dam (the left side of the picture). Right after this we saw an eagle (we think it was an eagle) dive down into the water and grab a fish, then fly off - that was amazing. Earlier we also saw a bald eagle, but this was a different kind. It was much bigger than a hawk or a falcon, but again, not sure exactly what it was.

Here is Misaki and Wifey posing at a boat ramp. This is about mid-morning and you can see not all the low clouds had burned off

MISAKI'S VIEW

Here's a few pics taken from various points around the lake are Misaki level.

This first one is near the amphitheater, looking across the lake.

Here is Misaki at the boat ramp checking out the local color. She actually walked in to the freezing water to get closer to the duck, but after a few moments decided the female mallard wasn't worth it.

How's this for some perspective?!

Misaki wouldn't sit in one spot long enough for me to really focus a shot from her ears towards Mt. Hood, so this is the best I could do. Imagine you are on a boat.

Fun times - we'll definitely have to go back and do the full hike.