Quick up / down Hardesty Mt

ByMichael Goatbells

Weather was unstable – most people thought it was going to rain, cloudy and cold at best. Could there be better opportunity in March to go up and down Hardesty Mt? A hiking buddy and I took off initially to Goodman Creek trail to Eagle Rest, but in reviewing recent trip reports (and a sign at trailhead) the bridge is out and requires wading across – water socks or wet pants in March? – no. So Hardesty it was and a solid choice.

We left the TH around 09:00 and were back to TH about 1:30. When we left, there was one car in lot and we met them right there, and they left. 1 other hiker was going up as we came down, and other than that 0 humans.

Hardesty is a tough hike – not because it’s difficult or overly strenuous, it’s just non-stop uphill for 5.5 miles – no breaks, no flats, no downs, just up. For me, Hardesty is a trail for cloudy, grey or rainy days or when one needs a hill to kick their butts to get in better climbing condition. No vistas, no creeks, no waterfalls, just some fabulously interesting forests and the oldest hiking trail in that USFS district. One has to have expectations aligned for Hardesty.

The kicker … when you get to the very top, it’s no different; in fact, the photo below of S. Sister and Broken Top IS from the top! The most interesting elements are the old fire tower foundation and its privy foundation a bit off.

The Route

Not really a route – just up and down.

Trail conditions for hikers were good. Several blowdowns that were walk-thru or step-overs. Nothing to slow one down. For MTB folks, it would be best to avoid Hardesty and stick to Eula Ridge or S. Willamette (we met a MTB dude heading out on our return and updated him on conditions – he was heading down S. Willamette). A couple of muddy spots lower down, but nothing to fret.

A recent MTB person had gone down from the upper TH but took Eula Ridge down all the way, not Hardesty. Recent horse traffic was also visible near TH.

Eula Ridge trail 3463 sign

Data Geek Corner

  • Shoes: Altra Lone Peak WP boots
  • Pack: Yar.gear
  • Upper Layers: 2 (base layer, Nike dry-fit tech)
  • Upper shell: none
  • Trekking Poles: Yes – Gossamer Gear
  • Approximate Times: 09:00 to 13:30
  • Carbon ratio: 3 driving karma, 4.3 actual hiking time – 74.3 hours banked YTD
  • Notes: non-solo hiking speed, talking most of way; coming down was 1 hour faster than going up 🙂

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