Didn’t want to drive: Pisgah Magic

Last night, I had 4 options to hike today. I just couldn’t force myself to drive even 45 minutes to Westfir for Alpine and North Fork hikes. Pisgah was the best option with less driving – given Tuesday’s Spencer jaunt. A quick 10 minute drive around 06:00 and I’m at the West Trailhead with 2 other cars.

When I got back to the trailhead, there were >40 cars … and the clouds rolled in with rain threatening.

Getting to Pisgah summit before sunrise made for an interest light show early, and then the fog settled in. After the fog lifted, and before all the humans showed up, birds and deer were a-plenty. Two hikers were wearing shorts and for the first time in months, a balmy 50+ degree hiking day in Willamette Valley.

The Route

Started at West TH and immediately to the summit; then back down around toward East TH and looping toward North TH with a 2nd pass over the summit. Then down to the North TH and back around to the East TH passing over the summit for the 3x heading back to the car.

Human traffic was very light until after 9:30 – both first times at the summit I was by myself. Trail conditions were wet, muddy and sloppy. Several muddy sections required navigation and wearing waterproof shoes was important.

A couple of places on the east side of Pisgah had good seasonal creek flows … one required walking across the rocks.

Hint: clicking on photos below opens higher resolution version

Before Sunrise

A half-moon was setting as I arrived at the summit the first time and well before sunrise but just enough light

After Sunrise

Going down the east side right after sunrise in the fog an odd reflection of the sun … the sun’s disk is actually above the reflection making it look like a full moon

A bit later back at the summit with fog, the air and light layered perfectly against the cascade foothills – with much less snow.

While the east and north sides have much less human traffic – especially early mornings, that does not mean solitude. This morning 6 different deer showed up on that side of the hill.

I don’t think driving an extra hour or more would have been any better than Mt Pisgah on this February day. Having Pisgah Magic so close to home … priceless.

Data Geek Cellar

• Shoes: Altra Lone Peak WP lows – leaked: so last time for them
• Pack: Yar.gear
• Upper Layers: 2 (base layer, med Patagonia tech)
• Upper shell: none
• Trekking Poles: Yes – Black Diamond Carbon
• Approximate Times: 06:15 to 13:00
• Carbon ratio: 0.5 driving, 6.75 actual – 57 hours banked YTD
• Notes: Moderate pace – a few breaks and more photos than normal

All Trails Data