Journalist By Nature: OOPs

Generally applied to the archaeological world, OOP means Out Of Place object, something found that doesn't match the timeframe or culture of a dig site. Today it is referring to the amazing out of place weather pattern that has blessed our area: higher than normal temperatures, lower than usual precipitation, earlier wildflower profusion and perfect timing for Spring Break, allowing the hordes to hit the trails ahead of schedule. Eager to leave the cement trails of the city behind us, we collected ourselves at the Cape Horn trailhead early enough to beat the crowds, finding the parking lot barely occupied. Although a familiar hike for many of us, each five to seven mile trek here is fresh because of the unique time of year in which we make it.

Shouldering our day packs we stepped into a forest scene newly alive with that sweet fragrance of spring life. Evergreens were sporting new candles and soft tips, ferns were unfurling their tightly coiled fronds, trilliums in pure white and pretty pink raised fresh faces to us as we briskly walked along the damp path. Larkspur leaves were fully open but the lovely purple-blue buds were still firmly closed. Oregon grape leaves sparkled in their shiny purple coating. Tiny blue and white flowers peeked out from beneath the mossy undercoat of the forest floor. Aquilegia stems stood erect, prepared to hoist their orangey-red blooms soon. The occasional streams we encountered were running soft and low due to the lack of plentiful rainfall that the Pacific Northwest is usually known for. The air was warm and tinged with a sweet mold smell of decayed foliage that is now nourishing a new season of growth.

Viewpoint along the trail

The trail made a number of switchbacks during the initial ascent to reach the top of the cliffs along Washington Highway 14. Once we attained the altitude we began to wind along the cliffside, catching wide, clear vistas of the mighty Columbia River, Bonneville Dam in the distance at a slight bend in the channel and Beacon Rock standing solidly silent before it. The Washington side of the river faces south so warms up before the Oregon side. A slight, warm breeze climbing the face of the cliff ruffled our hair as we turned inland and headed across private land that allows hikers to reach the upper trail. Crossing the dead end road we continued on our way towards the Nancy RussellOverlook. Here, with a backdrop of the vast Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, we gathered with other hikers of the day and consumed snacks and peaceful views. The area approaching the Overlook was recently replanted with native flora after construction work was completed. You can drive to within one quarter mile of the Overlook and the remainder of the trail is handicap accessible. This puts it in reach of everyone! (See link "Cape Horn Dedication" in grey box for driving directions.)

Wild cranesbill/geranium

We decided not to follow the remainder of the upper Cape Horn trail as shuttle-style parking is limited at the west end, the highway is a dangerous crossing point and the lower trail is closed after February 1 to ensure uninterrupted nesting time for the falcons breeding and hatching on the cliff face. Returning the way we came we saw different scenes on the descent, taking the curvy horse trail for part of the way. Early morning slanting sunlight and cool temperatures were replaced by the glaring noon sun and a definitely hot feel to the air. The surface of the river was like a blue mirror reflecting the sunlight back to its source. Hot pink blossoms of native currants provided spots of bright color amid the lime green new growth of their surroundings. Delicate pink Bleeding Hearts nodded in the faint breeze, reminiscent of childhood bouquets from grandmother's yard. Cheery yellow dog violets beamed above their heart-shaped leaves. Salmonberry foliage stretched wide in preparation for bearing its yellow berries later in the summer. Delicate lines on the white petals of cranesbill drew the viewer to hands and knees to appreciate the fine beauty of its face. Twinflower, a double bloom like tiny dangling earrings, was another ground level sight.

Crossing the final stream and returning to the parking lot we found it overflowing with cars, not surprising with the great number of hikers on the trail. It was a bring-your-dog day as youths as well as a very elderly couple made their way to the top of Cape Horn. Leaving our parking space to a trolling motorist we headed for the Puffin Cafe situated on the river at the Port of Camas. Here amid moored yachts and a boat ramp is a floating restaurant of the tropical style. A happy puffin sits atop the roof, bright yellow walls bring the sunshine inside and hip wait staff supplied us with fried okra, fancy salads and fish tacos. The open sliding doors allowed the river breeze to enter the room and waterfowl hoisted themselves up on the dock's boardwalk in hopes of a charity handout. The river sparkled like a diamond-strewn watery highway as cruise and fishing vessels slowly made their way out of the marina. Not desirous of leaving we delayed as long as schedules allowed. The soothing waterfront eased away the cares of the world and nourished dreams of travel.

It's good to be back on the trail and we look forward to another exciting season exploring the byways of the Pacific Northwest.