EOY Ridgeline above fog

For the last day of 2024, a good cold, foggy Ridgeline Hike – without rain! The morning started quite cold with ice on the road overpasses, and thick fog on the east side of Ridgeline trail. But once above the fog, the sites were amazing.

The route

Started around 7:00 at Spring Blvd TH with headlamp on. From there, to Spencer Top and then to S. Willamette TH and back to Spencer top; then down to Blanton Ridge TH and then back to Spring Blvd (did not do Spencer 3rd time).

Human traffic was very light in the beginning as too cold / icy for most. I went from Spring Bld all the way to Spencer top seeing only 1 other person. But around 10:00 am traffic picked up in all the usual places. Mud and water were less than last time on the trails, but there was one blow-down between Willamette and Blanton – step over walking but a bear if biking.

Icy

Once out of the trees, the ice covered rocks, grass and froze any standing water. Made the section over the rock steps a bit tricky but I’ve seen worse on the same steps. After a long stretch of cold rainy days, a break in the rain regardless of the cold was a treat!

Down on the valley floor near N. Willamette the frost was particularly heavy

Data Geek Cellar

• Shoes: Altra WP Lone Peak lowers
• Pack: Yar.gear Ultra 38L – full shoulder season kit
• Upper Layers: 3 (base layer, med Patagonia tech, FarPointe Fleece)
• Upper shell: None
• Trekking Poles: Yes – useful on ice
• Approximate Times: 07:00 to 12:30
• Carbon ratio: .5 total driving – 1.5 target, 5.5 actual – 129 banked YTD
• Notes: Fast hike but icy on top so slower on descents