High Rock Lookout

After already hiking to Shriner Peak and to Grove of the Patriarchs I thought I'd get to one more summit before I headed back to the city.

On my way up I missed a key turnoff on the road and went about 5 miles out of my way.....

Finally at the trailhead I found a beat up sign that stated only a 1.5 mile hike to the lookout.

The trail mostly follows up the ridge passing through Beargrass patches, thick lush forest and open sections with views of surrounding mountains.

Just below the lookout I passed by a fallen structure that I presume was a supply shelter that housed wood, paint and other needed supplies to keep the lookout in top condition.

I reached the lookout and found it to be in rough shape after only a few years without regular maintenance. This lookout is precariously positioned high atop a rock precipice that drops over 1,000'!

The views are exceptional with many volcanoes within views.

There also views of Mt Adams and Mt Hood.

Hopefully soon there will be a restoration effort assembled and this lookout will be preserved for years to come!

Grove of the Patriarchs

After my hike up to Shriner Peak I decided to visit the southeast corner of MRNP and see the giant trees I've heard about in the Grove of the Patriarchs.

The nearest trailhead is located just inside of the Stevens Canyon Entrance into the park, but that costs money and I didn't want to pay the $15 daily fee for such a short hike. Instead I drove a short ways down the road (maybe .5 miles) and parked along the road where one can access the trail to Silver Falls. The trail to the falls is wide, well used and not far from these beautiful falls.

There were only a handful of people around and I enjoyed the solitude that I got. I walked along the Ohanapecosh River upstream and took lots of photos of the different sections of falls along the way.

Soon I crossed the road near the Patriarchs Trailhead and there were many more people. 

Another .4 mile down the trail and I came to the suspension bridge that connects to the island where the Grove is located. 

I crossed and soon I was surrounded by some trees that rival some Redwoods in California.

There was an old fallen tree that has turned into a nurse log that had several mature trees growing on and around it.

Soon more people showed up and the sounds of kids swirled through the trees and I took that as my cue to head back......

In all I hiked about 2.5 miles and I was truly amazed by the size of those trees. Normally I find myself hiking to a mountain top and just passing through the forest on my way up, but this time I'm glad I took the time to enjoy the forest and to soak in the fresh air these giants trees create.