Fading Trillium on Goodman Creek

Time to hike the foothills to catch spring as it moves up the mountain … keep driving to minimum but hiking experience to maximum: Goodman Creek to Eagles’ Rest. This was the first of a planned 3-day sequential hiking sequence to test conditioning for longer adventures after day hiking all winter.

After a 30 min drive to Hardesty Mountain TH, I went first up Goodman Creek to the end and then back down to S. Willamette for a few more stream crossings and back to TH. Wildflowers were out, the dogwood blooming and the birds were VERY loud. I could have imagined it, but the closer to Hwy 58, the wrens seemed louder.

Trillium were everywhere, but most turned past their peak bloom

Along the way, a shelter in an odd place like Buckhead Shelter on Alpine Tr and the same design and building materials. Probably built around same time, by same people?

I arrived at Eagles Rest passing a dad and his 3 sons (all under 10) walking up from the last upper TH – kudos dad! – and at Eagles Rest – the only true vista view on the entire trail – just clouds.

On the way down the clouds parted and below the trail held a view of modern forest practices at work (or, 2×4 farming). No mother tree left, nothing; even the stumps were burnt out killing the microbes – science suggests this is poor farming practice (Finding the Mother Tree).

Goodman Creek was surprisingly high and rolling down the hill. The entire hike until the last TH is within ear-shot of the creek and often peek-a-boo views of the cascading water.

After being turned back the last time hiking Goodman at the larger creek between Hardesty TH and the lower Goodman TH, this time I found a way across. With trekking poles and using every rock and log available I got across both times without getting wet – without trekking poles – get wet or turn back.

As the trillium fade on Goodman Creek and S. Willamette Trails, spring moves another elevation band up the mountain. I was happy to be there to watch it go up the hill.

The Route

From Hardesty TH straight up Goodman Creek to Eagles Rest and then back down to S. Willamette. Followed the trail eastward until tired, and then back to Hardesty TH. When I left at 6:15 there was 1 other car in parking lot; when I returned around 2:30 there were 4 other cars. Human traffic was very light – 3 hikers.

Trail conditions were different in each of the 4 sections. 1 – From Hardest TH to the first TH on Goodman Cr, patchy muddy spots; 2 – from first TH to second TH, many muddy spots and hugely rutted; 3 – from second TH to Eagles Rest, very good; 4 – S. Willamette, patchy muddy spots but fewer than Goodman.

Gear Box

As the days lengthen, more hours allow more miles which require more food. To add fuel capacity, I added Gossamer Gear “Fast Belt” to my Grit backpack. This provides light and easy belt pockets for ‘on go’ fuel without removing my pack. Just another example of how my gear adapts to both the specific hike and the conditions to meet its objectives and safety. Using the same exact gear for every hike is like having a hammer and everything looking like a nail.

Gear Kits

Data Geek Cellar

• Shoes: Altra Lone Timp 6 – Currex Insole, T-Form insole pad
• Pack: Gossamer Gear GRIT (full foothills day hike) – fast belt added
• Upper Layers: Lightweight baselayer, Patagonia Capilene
• Upper shell: none
• Trekking Poles: Gossamer Gear
• Approximate Times: 06:15 – 14:30
• Carbon ratio: 1.75 hours (6 hours driving: 7.75 hours hiking); YTD = 83.0 hours banked
• Miles hiked YTD: 400.46
• Notes:
  • Photos: low
  • Speed: moderate
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Weather: 40-60s grey, clouds and spotty sun

All Trails Data

Of note in this set of data, elevation gain is immaterially different but distance is. Typically both measures are materially different.