June 9, 2019
Today we returned to Grassy Knoll, a great early summer hike with views and wildflowers. A new sign has been installed at the trailhead:
There is a nice patch of wildflowers right at the trailhead:
There is a very nice viewpoint one mile in with Mt. Adams being the star of the show here:
Red Mountain Lookout:
Gifford Peak:
Penstemon like to grow here:
We continued north, passing yet more wildflowers:
Then we had our first view of Grassy Knoll:
This is always such a lovely spot, where the trail emerges from the trees into a beautiful patch of wildflowers with a view of Mt. Hood:
More flowers as the trail continues:
We sat on the summit for awhile and enjoyed the view of Mt. Hood. We had the place all to ourselves:
There is a partial view of Mt. Adams up here:
View to the west:
Three Corner Rock:
Cool clouds overhead:
We continued up the trail a bit to another nice patch of flowers before turning around:
We got back to the trailhead at 3pm, having only seen three people the entire day!
Before heading home we stopped to check out the Giant Trees of Lost Creek (articles here, here, and here) and the trail that Russ Jolly built there:
Cedar and doug fir growing together:
Notches had been cut out of fallen trees to create passage:
Natural log bridge over a creek:
We didn’t have time to explore the whole loop, but we’ll be back. Very cool spot!