Mary’s Peak 2×2

After warmer weather and several weeks, another jaunt up and around Mary’s Peak was just the ticket this morning. Great clear weather for an early May Tuesday.

Driving to the trailhead was a reminder of how rurally beautiful Oregon can be with the mist rising from from alfalfa fields with cows grazing between the massive industrial sprinklers – oh, the irony. Coming up to TH, the peak looked so different without any snow atop like last time.

Once at the TH, the look over the valley toward the Cascades was remarkable … while incredibly hazy.

The wildflowers and meadow grasses were just starting to come out; with another 10-14 days, the meadows will be amazing! I made a new friend as well – the little one sat there for 5 minutes just waiting for food (none was given).

Once around the top, the coastal range …

One just has to overlook the scars of clearcutting

And, looking west over the Willamette is another scene completely

The last visit here, snow was everywhere and people were skiing at the trail junction.

Summary: Mid-to-late May would be ideal for flowers (mid-week best). I hiked 6 miles without another human being seen or heard – wonderful. There are tons of options to extend / shorten the hike, and it’s a place to see for sure.

All Trails Factoids
Distance: 10.1 miles | Elevation Gain: 2,592 ft | Avg Pace 22:42 / miles — Recording

Gear Type	For this Hike
Pack	REI Trail 40L Training for higher elevation hikes with more gear Pack failed: sore hips with poor fit – need to replace with 30L size pack
Shoes	Columbia fabric boots Expected mud after all the snow – mud was minimal
Top Layers	Baselayer LS + cotton LS sun protection
Bottom Layer	REI Sahara convertible pants
Socks	Dual layer REI Poly liner + REI lightweight Merino wool Feet were not that happy — time to move to silk liners
Water	Bladder 2 L – 1.5; 14oz nalgene consumed w/ lunch
Supporting tools	No Trekking pole – not needed No Gaiters – definitely time for them now No toe callous bumpers – emergency only