Hardy Ridge - January 10, 2015

Hardy Ridge is a newer trail located inside Beacon Rock State Park on the Washington side of the Columbia River. The route's 2500 feet of elevation gain are spread out over a 10 mile loop just west of Hamilton Mountain.

We departed Portland on a wet January morning and rendezvoused to carpool at the outlet mall in Troutdale. On the way to the mall, the weather improved along I-84 to provide clear views up the Gorge and of Mt. Hood wearing a lenticular wizard hat. The drive to Cascade Locks and the Bridge of the Gods showcased the Gorge at its seasonal best, with mist-covered rocks and waterfalls galore. After crossing the river, we doubled back past Bonneville Dam to Beacon Rock State Park and the trailhead.

The rain in Portland kept many fair-weather hikers at home for the day as there were few cars in the parking lot. We quickly hit the trail and headed up the mountain on a wide, equestrian-friendly path. The lower portion of the hike was more scenic that usual due to the time of year. In the spring and summer, deciduous trees limit views of the river until the trail reaches a higher elevation. We eventually reached a fork in the trail and took a spur up a path that switch-backed up the west side of a forested ridge.

As we ascended, a cloud bank rolled up the river and over the top of the mountains due west of Hardy. By the time we reached the top of the ridge and emerged from the forest, we were overtaken by clouds and mist. Fortunately the rain remained light. The view alternated by the minute between almost zero visibility and ten miles as a breeze pushed the clouds over the ridge.

We continued upward into a more alpine environment with fewer trees and passed the summit cairn, pausing at a moss-covered patch out of the wind for a few minutes. To the east, Dog Mountain and the radio-capped top of Mt. Defiance were visible. To the west, waterfalls on the Oregon side of the river came in and out of view as the weather continued to change.

The return hike down the ridge and around the continuation of the loop on the east side of Hardy was pleasant and uneventful. The trail descended back into the forest at a moderate grade and looped back to meet up with the original equestrian trail. By mid-afternoon we were back at the car and on our way to Portland in time to catch the Seahawks playoff game.

Overall it was a great day. Hardy Ridge is a worthwhile hike rain or shine, but it's definitely important to bring the right gear for the changing conditions.

Click here to view pics from the hike.