Hardy Ridge 1 April 2016

Jean and I hiked the Hardy Ridge Loop - about 8.8 mi with 2200 ft gain. The trail has nice signage at the junctions. It begins on an equestrian trail (an old road reclaimed for hikers/horses) and continues up to the ridge on a hiker only trail. We arrived at the loop high point then took a right to continue up to the top of the ridge for views of Mt Adams and the eastern gorge. From the loop high point we could see Mt Hood and the western gorge. Beautiful day and lots of good exercise. There was even a pretty little creek early on. Woodland flowers are in bloom.
map

little creek

the boot trail up to the ridge once you left the road

view of the south side of the gorge and Mt Hood

Looking to Hamilton Mtn and the Columbia River

bleeding hearts are just starting to bloom

Silver Falls 26 March 2016

A quick hike to Silver Falls - this is the go to hike when time is limited :-)

Upper North Falls

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North Falls

trillium

Middle North Falls

Middle North Falls

Sourgrass (Oxalis)

Lower South Falls

Salmonberry

South Falls

skunk cabbage

Crawford Oaks State Park 23 Mar 2016

Only a few flowers were displaying their colors. However, the park took on an entirely new look and many tiny flowers were blooming. It was a cool, windy, cloudy day but oh so good to be outside with a good friend!

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balsamroot

lupine

Dalles Mountain Ranch

Miner's Lettuce

Ballhead waterleaf

oaks

Woodland Star

Columbia River

sink 

Mt Hood was playing peek-a-boo

Horsethief Butte

Tulips at Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm 22 Mar 2016

Beautiful afternoon...Cheryl visiting - we dashed over to experience the afternoon light.  Tulips were 25% in bloom. Very muddy :-/