Journalist By Nature: The Hike That Almost Wasn't

As we approach the autumn equinox we begin to relish each dry and sunny day, knowing that they
are numbered. An airflow reversal typical of this season forecast warm and extra-windy days and bright skies. Instead of blowing in from the Pacific Ocean, the wind currents blow westerly down the sides of the Cascade Range and warm the valley with hot, dry air. Perfect day for a hike. Or so we thought.

This is not looking good.

In a detailed plan we determined to drive to Timberline Lodge, drop two cars, pile into a third and drive to the Barlow Trail trailhead. The five mile uphill trek would terminate at the Lodge where people could depart to various activities. The six mile spur to Timberline gave us our first clue that today might not go as planned. Cold, high winds drove grit, dust and dirt through the air sideways, casting a pall over the trees and mountain. As we attempted to leave our vehicles in the parking lot, the doors were flung open by the winds, hair blew upwards and grit invaded our eyes. Unable to hear each other we used sign language to convey a change of location lower on the mountain.

Trillium Lake from Timberline Road

After several suggestions we decided to head for Trillium Lake, a beautifully blue puddle in the middle of the forest that poses as a footrest for the majestic Mt. Hood. Arriving at the lakeside dock we found the wind a little less harassing but cold nonetheless. The lone fisherman on the lake soon motored to the dock, tied up and made for shelter. After a few spectacular photographs, we dove back into our cars for another attempt at a hike elsewhere.

Mt. Hood and Trillium Lake

Unwilling to waste the day or the sandwiches we proceeded to a trail in Sandy that lead downhill to the Sandy River. A mile long leg stretcher wound through dry grasses and crunchy leaves down to the banks of the river where fishermen have established "fisherman trails". These are more like animal trails that find their way to special fishing spots along the edges of the water. Our destination was a shaded sandy mini-beach strewn with rounded river boulders, a perfect spot for lunch. A lone fisherman, laden with his poles and gear, stepped carefully over the rocky bank, searching for just the right place to cast for his dinner. The early afternoon fall sunlight skimmed the treetops and gave the river a blue-green cast as it gently flowed downstream. This is the same river that in an earlier and unseasonal flash flood tore out the bridge higher on the mountain on the Ramona Falls trail and took the life of a hiker. Today the river drifted languidly along well below the exposed rocks and tree trunks washed

Headin' for the river

downriver by the winter and spring runoffs.

Sandy River

Good conversations and laughter accompanied us as we briefly explored the banks and then returned via another route to our cars high on the bluff. Today's plans almost didn't happen but quick and clever thinking provided a suitable substitute and helped us enjoy the waning summer day. Plan to hike the trails that will soon be loaded with fall color. There are still plenty of good hiking days in this season. Never give up on your journey!