Journalist By Nature: Table Rock Adventures

Totally flat!

The usually annual hike to Table Rock, out of Molalla, is eagerly anticipated not only for the 360 degree view of the Cascade Range peaks and surrounding hills but also for the gourmet picnic lunch we pack in to share. Eight hikers rendezvoused in Molalla early in the morning to caravan to the trailhead, another hour's drive to the southeast. Gradually narrowing and degrading roads lead deep into the forest, past campsites, along the river and through the alder and evergreen forest of the Molalla River-Table Rock Recreation Area.

Conclave of female problem solvers

Just out of cell range and nearing our destination, the truck bearing six of our hikers pulled over, alerted by an electronic monitoring alarm, to discover a quickly deflating rear tire. Initial reaction? A head slap and a few choice words muttered under the breath. The plan? Get 'er changed and keep movin' ! But the size of the vehicle and the weight of the tire were daunting. Usually we see no other cars on our deep woods hikes, but within minutes a car bearing two women and a man pulled up behind us to offer help! Pete was mechanically inclined, patient, kind and worked well with a group of women talking and trying to be helpful. A true gentleman.

Pete, our tire changer

Carole and Pete struggle to free the spare

Carole took the lead, suggested locating the vehicle instruction book, and worked with Joyce to locate the jack pack. Having never been previously needed, it was all tucked neatly and deeply under the rear seat, factory sealed. While designed by a talented engineer, the field test of this equipment and its spare tire partner proved to be challenging and not so intuitive as in olden days of popping the trunk and gettin' to it. There was assembly required prior to use, then the hunt for operational holes followed by a puzzle of sequencing moves to locate, engage and lower the spare tire.

Ryan firms up the lugs nuts

Once this had occurred the removal and replacement of the tire was a snap. And just when we needed more muscle, another car arrived, stocked with young, curious and able-bodied teen boys who were eager to have a turn at the lug nuts. Banter greased the task of loosening the nuts, jacking up the car, trading out the tires and tightening the nuts once again. When everyone had a turn, the equipment was loaded in the back of the truck and hands were either pants-wiped or water washed and we all waved a cheery 'bye and headed for the trailhead. Only took an hour and six new friends.

Good as new!

The trailhead begins along an old access road, narrowed by the encroaching oxeye daisies, alder and thimbleberries. After 1.3 miles the trailhead leads up into the forest, up, up and up 1500 feet in elevation gain over 2.5 miles. The day was overcast to hazy with a mugginess that sapped our energy and made breathing labored for some. Frequent stops for water and air made the trip a bit longer, but that gave time to enjoy the scene.

Thimbleberries

The Hemlock needle-cushioned trail bed was so soft to walk on as we took in the tall upper story of Douglas fir, Spruce and Hemlock, the middle story of alder with its splotchy bark and the understory of glossy-leaved Rhododendrons, spent of blooms but looking very hydrated. In the mix were burned and rotted ancient tree stumps slowly deteriorating to renew the soil below. White oxeye daisies and yarrow appeared as crumbs leading us through the forest, their brightness in contrast to the deep greens of the forest. Orange Indian paintbrush, purple Penstemmon and other late summer flowers dotted the trail as well as bright red, delicate and tangy Thimbleberries ripe with juicy sweetness.

Layers of hills

Tree root without soil

The sunlight played through the leaves of the vine maple and little critter holes provided safe haven for peering eyes at the chattering hikers. The creek beds were seeping rather than streaming but still providing cool pockets of air that refreshed the hot hikers. A soft breeze would waft through from time to time, also offering a cool respite from the heavy air. Tall trees, growing on the deeply angled slopes begin to curve over time in an attempt to remain upright, creating a ship's bow appearance. This type of growth would be what Norsemen of another time and place would seek out for their ocean-going vessels.

The quietness of this place allows the hiker to listen to the winds whispering through the treetops, perhaps issuing an alert to the changing season about to come. The buzzing of honey bees, yellow jackets and biting flies adds another layer of sounds. Ouch! adds yet another layer. The occasional airplane hum or distant gun report fade as we trudge towards the summit. Pikas, or rock rabbits, cheep in birdlike sounds warning of "enemy" approaches to their rocky lairs as we cross the great rock slide portion of the hike. It's slow going as the rocks are large, the pathway vague and the downward steepness of the trail a trip hazzard. Thankfully, a crew had cleared the heavy vegetation from this portion, making navigation more focused.

Picnic on the top

Deep blue gentians were our reward for safe crossing and highlighted the trail to the top. The question "are we there yet" began to be repeated as we were losing energy and leg power as well as anticipating that gourmet picnic each of us was carrying. When we felt we couldn't go a step further, the basalt summit appeared and we made our way to the flat picnic top. Spreading a civilizing tablecloth on the rocky ground, we began to unpack delicious items: salmon spread, rice crackers, grapes, apples, green olive tapenade, stuffed mini peppers, peanut butter balls, chocolate pecan tart, Belgium almond chocolate bars and wine. While the view was somewhat obscured by the haze, we could see Mt. Hood in its usual place, barely mantled in spots of snow. The other glorious peaks from Baker to Jefferson remained imaginary this time around. Nonetheless, we refreshed ourselves, both body and soul, on the fare and slowly packed up for the descent.

Blue Gentian

Trekking poles are a definite necessity on such a steep downward trail, helping to offset the pounding of each step. Plenty of water is one of the Essential 10 items hikers should carry but we met several people with children on the trail who either had none or very little. People also start hiking late in the day and we always wonder what they are thinking to put themselves and others in distress or danger. We gently "preach" to these trail users but realize that people are responsible for themselves and the consequences of their choices. Even the most prepared hikers encounter life-threatening situations. Enough said.

The 7.6 mile hike was a great challenge and another reminder of the beauty and grandeur of the Pacific Northwest's forests. Plan a safe trip before the weather closes in for the winter and discover another part of nature close to home. You never know what new adventure awaits you!