Rhododendron Ridge – Hawk Mountain Trailhead to Graham Pass
Thought this one was going to be an easy one… It was pretty easy up to Hawk Mountain, but after we continued along Rhody Ridge, we entered the 2021 burn area. The trail was either non-existent, or hard to follow. It was obvious that the trail has not been maintained since the fires. Coming back, we were able to find much of the trail we missed on the way in. This trail needs more boots or tires on the ground if it’s going to survive. There are some nice patches of un-burned forest along the way. There are also a few places that offer nice views.
Pleasant 14.5 miles x 2600’ gain hike.
From the trailhead, a nice framed view of Mount Jefferson.
Entering the 2021 burned area…Some green.
Looks like a good year for huckleberries…
The spring is still running strong. I compared with a pic I took in 2004…looks the same 🙂
The cabin at the top of Hawk Mountain
The trail through one of several un-burned forest sections.
No trail here…
Looks like it was a good year for Bear Grass blooms…
There were several views along the way…This one is of Three Fingered Jack, The Three Sisters, Mount Washington, X-Spire, Triangulation Point, and Spire Rock…
Mount Jefferson…
Park Ridge in the background and Dinah-Mo Peak in the foreground…
Snacking on the way back…
Todays route…
