Hike to Observation Peak 7/23/13

Observation Peak is in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
We could see Mt. St Helens, Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson

Here is the group getting ready to depart

The trial did have some level sections,
but most of it was pretty steep

Much of the hike was through some magnificent Old Growth Timber

The views on the way up were wonderful

Finally we made it to the top

That is Mt Reineer in the distance

We also could see Mt Adams

That is Mt St Helens to the left

That is Mt Hood in the Background

Our treat at the end of the hike was a slice of watermelon

Thanks to Terry

There were quite a few wildflowers

Indian paintbrush or prairie-fire
Actual Name:
Castilleja

The flowers of Indian paintbrush are edible, and they were eaten by various Native American tribes

However, These plants absorb and concentrate selenium from the soil, and they can be very toxic if the roots or green parts of the plant are consumed.

Coralroot Name: Corallorhiza

Coralroot is a genus of flowers in the orchid family

Coralroot plants are leafless and they do not produce chlorophyll. Instead, they rely entirely upon symbiotic fungi for sustenance

Tiger Lily or
Columbia Lily Name:Lilium columbianum

Many parts of the tiger lily are edible but, the pollen is toxic, causing sleepiness and vomiting. Every part of this lily is poisonous to cats. Tiger lilies are true lilies that grow from bulbs.

Mariposas lilies
Name: Calochortus

Calochortus includes: a) Mariposas lilies that have open wedge-shaped petals,
b) Globe lilies and Fairy lanterns with globe-shaped flowers, and
c) Cat's ears and Star tulips with erect pointed petals.

Western White Anemone
Also called:
Columbian Wind Flower
Name: Anemone deltoidea

Flower has five pedals
It grows on a single erect stem

Queen's cup or
Bride's bonnet
Name: Clintonia uniflora

This flower has only two or three leaves that located at the base of its stem. The leaves are several centimeters wide and can be much longer.

The small simple flower has six white petals and six protruding white stamens with pollen-dusted anthers. The flower is replaced atop the stem by a round blue berry up to a centimeter wide.

Buchberrry
Creeoung Dogwood
Name: Cornus canadensis

We even saw a mushroom.
called: "Chicken of the Woods" or Sulphur shelf

Name: Laetiporus gilbertsonii or Laetiporus conifericola

When fresh "Chicken of the Woods" are orange. This one is white, meaning that it was past prime.

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Driving directions to the Trailhead
for the trail to Observation Peak

Hike is 5.6 miles with 1390 elevation change

Driving Directions
Take Highway 84 to Exit 44 at Cascade Locks.

Cross over the Bridge of the Gods

Turn right onto Highway 14 and go 5.9 miles.

Turn left at the sign to Carson ( Highway 30)

Go 14.3 miles on Highway 30 to the Carson Fish Hatchery.

Continue for a short distance on Highway 30 passed the Fish Hatchery

Bear right at the fork.

Go two miles and turn left onto Road 64 (Dry Creek Road)

Continue on

Dry Creek Road for 6.1 miles (pavement ends after 4 miles).

At a fork, bear left onto Road 5800, and keep left at forks for the next two miles.

You will be at a small parking lot at the trailhead.