Angel's Rest - January 1, 2015

Pentaquest 2015 (VII) kicked off with a vengeance on New Year's Day in the Columbia River Gorge. While many Portlanders caffeinated and hydrated their NYE hangovers before settling in for a day of college football, we started the day on Angel's Rest for the third year in a row (click here for pics). Angel's Rest has several things going for it: the trailhead is accessible year round, it's close to Portland, and the elevation gain is relatively light (1540') compared to Dog, Table and the other Gorge giants.

The group convened in the trailhead parking lot just off I-84's Bridal Veil exit at 8:30 a.m. On the drive out from Portland, Mt. Hood's silhouette loomed large over the landscape as whitecaps rippled across the Columbia. Conditions were clear in all directions, but the wind was howling. I later learned nearby Crown Point experienced a 75 mph gust at about the same time we were hiking.

Our group started with six as we headed up the trail before meeting another three friends plus a Rhodesian Ridgeback near the summit. At the crossing of Coopey Creek, the surrounding foliage was encrusted in ice as a result of an extended cold stretch in the Gorge. This ice, along with the wind gusts and and fantastic post-sunrise winter light, defined the day. Across the river, sheets of frozen water on the cliffs around Cape Horn glowed as the sun continued to rise.

After an hour we reached the summit. At this point the wind reached an entirely different level of intensity, claiming one of our hat's as a prize. But it was a casualty worth taking for such a view! From the top, the crisp, clear conditions allowed for a haze-free glance of the Portland skyline with OHSU, Wells Fargo and Big Pink all recognizable. To the north, Silver Star and Hamilton looked sharp, and to the northeast, Mt. Adams radiated arctic white. We quickly snapped a few pictures, took a video of the wind blowing us around, and returned to a more sheltered area. 

After a snack and sip of celebratory whiskey, we headed down the mountain to get back in time for football. Overall it was a great day for the nine of us, and an epic way to kick off 2015.

Here are some pics from the hike.

Angel's Rest - January 1, 2014

The team at the end of the hike

The hiking season is officially underway! We started the year strong by hitting the trail on New Year's Day with a hike up Angel's Rest in the Columbia Gorge (4.8 miles, 1,540 feet). An unprecedented 16 adults and kids (and one dog) took part in the hike. I think eight was the previous record for any Pentaquest activity.

The conditions were perfect for the middle of winter. Portland remained shrouded in stagnant, foggy air as we drove east on I-84. But around Troutdale we emerged from the clouds and caught a glimpse of mighty Wy'east. The sky remained partly cloudy for the rest of the day.

Due to the large size of the group, we took five cars and arrived at the trailhead at different times. By 9:50 a.m. the team was assembled and we began the hike. Everything went according to plan - the kids toughed it out, but eventually had to be carried; the dog remained on his leash; and everyone made it to the top. As the day progressed we encountered an increasing number of people - a lot more than one would expect for January.

Looking west toward Portland and the edge of the stagnant air

Upon reaching the exposed summit area, the wind picked up considerably. The gusts were probably pushing 30-40 miles per hour. Thankfully it wasn't very cold out or the wind chill would have been unbearable. After soaking in the view and seeing Adams, Table and Hamilton to the northeast, we found a sheltered spot back down the trail with a view and enjoyed a snack (and a taste of Jameson).

As we descended, the number of hikers coming up the trail continued to grow. When we reached the end, cars filled the parking lot and lined the sides of the road. It would have been nice to have had more solitude, but it's hard to blame people for taking advantage of the stellar winter hiking conditions.

Overall it was an outstanding day with a great group. No notable lessons were learned or key pieces of gear left at home, but the year is still young.

Angel's Rest - February 20

Pentaquest 2010 kicked off on Saturday, February 20th without fanfare with a quick hike up Angel's Rest in the Columbia River Gorge. Conditions were amazing for mid-winter with the temperature in the 50s and only a slight breeze blowing.

Grumm and I hit the trail in the mid-morning, reached the top and trail-ran back to the car before the crowds started arriving from Portland. The entire trip - door-to-door - didn't take more than three hours.