2011 Edition
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Information on getting to this trailhead can be found
HERE.
We're planning on hiking to the top of Mount Saint Helens in 3 1/2 weeks so thought
returning to Mount Defiance would be good training for us. We did the
Nick Eaton hike
last weekend and will probably return to
Table Mountain next weekend to make sure
we are in shape for what will probably be the toughest hike we've done so far.
The Multnomah County whack jobs have the entire City shut down for their stupid
"Providence Bridge Pedal" PITA event. As usual, these retards think they are the
only [important] people in the whole wide world so who cares if anyone else might
have some place to go? *THEY* are very important people (and you aren't). *THEIR*
indulgences are vitally important (and you aren't) so I guess they told us, huh?.
Fortunately, they will be back to smoking dope and begging for money in Pioneer Square
tomorrow... On the "up" side... since these Liberal Commie Democrat scumbags will
be busy disrupting Portland, they probably won't be out in the Gorge running around
with their stupid dogs off the leash.
It was a good day for this sort of hike.... low 70's, partly sunny with a nice,
cool breeze once you got some elevation. I can see why they call this a "very difficult"
hike. At 13 miles round trip, it's not that long... but the last 5 1/2 miles are
pretty much straight up with 1,000' of elevation gain every mile! It's tough on
your chest going up and tough on the knees and thighs coming back down. This hike
is roughly equivalent to the Mount Saint Helens rim hike (which is why we did it).
Most of the people we ran into out here were in excellent physical condition and
most were also training for glacial mountain hikes.
I-84E to exit 55 (Starvation Creek). No day pass required at this time. The trail
goes off to the West following the Interstate and is fairly level for the first 1.2
miles. Then it's up, up, up!
A popular myth is that there are no views along this hike or at the top of Mount
Defiance. While it's true that there were no views when we did this hike last February
(due to the place being socked in with pea soup fog), there were definitely some great
views here today!. I didn't bring my camera but Julie got some good pictures.
Here's a good shot of Wind Mountain, which is way below us. And the Columbia River
looking West.
Here's the same shot taken at a much lower elevation.
Also pretty good views of Mount Adams from up here today.
You've got a mile or so of *VERY* steep hiking left from this sign to the summit.
There's a lot of radio towers at the summit. But also some nice views including
this one of Mount Hood.
We didn't dawdle but it took 6 hours to do the 7 1/2 miles up here.
Almost back at the trailhead. Julie looks pretty refreshed. I'm ready for the
boneyard. This was a very tough hike for us but we were both happy to get it under
our belts.
Nine hours to hike 13 miles..... heading back to the barn after a hike well done.
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