We decided to dial back the length of the hike, but increase the volume of fun on this fall hike around Mt. Hood. Will Shortt once said “why do hikes get longer as we get older?” Fair question. So, we organized a shorter hike on a beautiful trail during salmon spawning season with the start of leaves turning fall colors – all big wins for an amazing weekend.
Steve Owen joined us after not backpacking for 20 years, Will Shortt is back on the trail with a new knee, John Dossett hosted at his cabin in the woods and I was along for the ride. Will picked me up from Champoeg State Park (also lovely) where Michelle was attending a trailer rally with Summer (our ’68 Frolic trailer) and Oso. We met up at John’s cabin to organize gear, swap stories, eat, drink and build fire.
The next morning we started the day by going down to Still Creek next to John’s cabin and seeing dozens of salmon flopping around and spawning! So cool. John said that since the Marmot dam came down in 2008, the salmon have increased every year. We had a big breakfast then drove the 10 minutes to the trail head (so close to John’s cabin!) and headed up a really well maintained and travelled trail about 2 miles to the perfect camp spot. Right on the river, nice fire ring, plenty of space for tents and hanging out. I did some fishing around the camp site, we played 3-way crib (which I won pegging out!) and hung-out – the perfect fall day. That night was a camp fire, Steve made a yummy sausage and potato dinner and bourbon drinking.
The next day was a day hike up to a lovely look out. John realized that this trail goes around a ridge and drops into the valley where his cabin is so we have an idea for a great loop day hike in our future! I love a good mountain nap which I had after the hike and then we packed up and left camp a night early in order to get back to the cabin and be ready to leave early-ish on Sunday to get back to Champoeg and football. We stopped at a local pub to watch the Huskies lose and get hydrated with some beers. Another night in the cabin meant stew that Michelle/I had made (but didn’t have to pack in!), hearts, cribbage and fire.
Bonus day at the cabin on Sunday meant another big breakfast – Will’s back country Latkes (yum!), more Salmon Spawning watching and then a glorious convertible, top-down drive along old highway 99 back to Champoeg State Park in Will’s Solara. A great ending to a great weekend.
Here is a link to the full picture album
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