Three-layered Water Cake

Three hikes were considered within 1 hour drive, Alpine, Hardesty and King-Castle. Weather being same, key choice lever was Alpine’s south-facing hill – drier. A good choice as Alpine Trail was a 3-layer water cake. Lower elevations were muddy, middle elevations between TH #2 and #3 dry, and above TH #3 very muddy from last week’s snow melt. Spring = south facing hills; summer = north facing hills.

I left Covered Bridge TH in Westfir about 6:30am as it was just light enough to see without a headlamp. Looking up the hill from TH, fog was in my morning.

Even before I reached the first bench (a 2 mile climb), 3 small deer appeared out of the mist and quickly headed down the hill (I didn’t see or hear them until then). Not far along on that first bench, off to the west of the trail is an area with deer fence with a well maintained road – weird. I can’t figure out purpose – & an expensive fence.

An early break in the trees showed nothing changed wrt fog.

Not too far beyond TH#2 is a very steep meadow with clear views to west. When I passed thru the first time after the sun burnt off the fog, the nearest cascades came into view – first Diamond Pk and then South Sister.

The second time at the meadow, a red-tail hawk soared above and perched atop a near-by tree, waiting. Song birds were out – wrens, kinglets and chickadees – along the entire way. Ravens and Steller Jays plentiful too.

The Route

Started at the Covered Bridge TH and then up Alpine Trail past TH#3 to Windy Pass. Turned around came back down to Tire Mt junction and went about 1/2 mile towards Tire. From there straight down to the car.

Trail Conditions were slippery and muddy in the lower and upper thirds – I made right decision to leave WP boots at home; my low-top Altra Timp shoes did not get dirty. For the entire time, not one other human … total solitude.

MTB Caution: between the Covered Bridge TH and the Alpine Trail sign, there is a tree across the trail about chest / neck high on a bike – downhill rider cannot see it far ahead around a corner.

Gear Box

Currex HikePro Insoles – These insoles were recommended with a bit of extra padding in the metatarsal area. I wore without T-Form pads. Foot pain was manageable for the miles, but I am leaning toward using T-Form pads with all insoles, even the Currex.

Data Geek Cellar

• Shoes: Altra Lone Timp 5 w/ Currex Hiker insoles
• Pack: Gossamer Gear GRIT (Full foothills day hike kit)
• Upper Layers: Lightweight baselayer, SkyGOAT fleece
• Upper shell: none
• Trekking Poles: Gossamer Gear
• Approximate Times: 06:30 – 14:30
• Carbon ratio: 3.0 hours (4.5 hours driving: 7.5 hours hiking); YTD = 39.5 hours banked
• Miles hiked YTD: 181.5
• Notes:
  • Photos: low
  • Speed: moderate
  • Difficulty: moderate – distance and elevation
  • Weather: 40-55 – fog and some filtered sun

All Trails data materially different