I’m happy to report a few random sightings of potential springtime in the Pacific Northwest! Don’t get me wrong it’s still raining, ALOT but I am seeing some hopeful signs of better weather to come.
Patiently waiting until I can start moving into the new house, I’ve managed to hit a few of the many great sites to see in the area.
Out on a motorcycle ride near Trout Lake I saw a sign for Guler Ice caves, it was still early in the season and only the paved road was clear of snow so I made a note to return on another day. The area is very scenic and I was happy to return in the truck to explore. I had done some research on visiting and came prepared with warm clothes a headlamp and back up flashlight as recommended by the USFS. I was able to get into the access road with no issues and wasn’t too surprised to find the parking lot was still covered with snow.
This early in the season (May 15th) the site was not even officially open, but I noted for future reference that I should get a USFN NW forest pass to cover day use in these types of areas.
It’s only a very short walk to the entrance of the cave. Once you go down the stairway you can see a few feet into the cave, on my visit the stairs were still partially buried in snow and I had to carefully scramble over the last few feet onto the very slippery snow/ice covered rocks. I can see why they recommend a hard hat for your visit! If you have ever tried to walk on uneven wet ice you know this is not easy, in fact I was only able to make it about 10 feet from the stairs until I came to my senses and realized that I would need microspikes for my hiking boots if I intended to proceed. Also, some walking poles would help too.
The cave is over 600ft deep and looks like it would be very fun to explore more of it. I will get the right gear and return. The ice stays year round due to the cold temps inside the cave but I will try and make it back before the heat of the summer.
My next adventure was something I had been wanting to try but it required just the right day to ensure a pleasant experience. The hike at Beacon rock state park up to the top of 848ft high Beacon Rock should be done on a non-windy day. The Columbia river gorge being a natural wind tunnel makes this fairly infrequent. May 24th was just a perfect day, it was partially cloudy and very still as I parked and headed up the trail. Named by Lewis and Clark during their voyage of discovery this cool rock was something I wanted to experience.
The well marked trail was originally built by Henry Biddle and Charles Johnson between 1915 and 1918, Biddle owned the land surrounding the park and his estate offered it to the state of Washington to be preserved as a park for all to enjoy for only $1. Strangely Washington state didn’t take them up on the offer initially and only after the state of Oregon offered to maintain a park across the state line did Washington state finally get with the program! They paid the $1 in 1935 acquiring the property which now makes up today’s 4650 acre park.
The hike is listed as .9 miles each way and I would consider it to be moderate due to the elevation change, you’ll be a bit winded at first but the many switchbacks provide lots of “photo opportunities” so you can catch your breath. 😉
The views start as soon as you leave the parking area, you might be treated to climbers attempting to scale the northwest wall and from there you enter the treeline and the trail begins to climb towards the rock itself.
Your first view of the Columbia river overlooking the lower park is quite stunning.
The switchbacks are many…
The path is well leveled and each corner allows for a different view of the river below. It is quite an enjoyable hike and if you persevere you will eventually reach the small peak and be able to say you did it. I found the last corner overlooking the river before you make the final climb to the top to be my favorite view so I had to stop for a selfie.
There were maybe 20 or so other folks doing the hike at the same time, I imagine it would be less fun on a super crowded day as the trail is narrow enough that you need to stop and allow others coming down to pass as you make your ascent. I drive by the park quite often and have noticed that it is usually at full capacity on weekends so I would recommend a week day as your best chance of a non crowded visit.
All in for this day it was just perfect. I took tons of pictures so if you want to see more, just click the photo below for the whole album.
Lastly a recommendation for a rainy day. Located in Hood River Oregon the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum is a great way to spend a half day. You know I am a sucker for a good museum and this one rocks! If you like planes and cars this is a must see.
There is so much to take in that I will surely be returning many times. They also host an annual fly in and have some type of activity each month, this was a great find.
You can check out the whole album HERE
Hey Its Gregg! 