Three-Corner Rock via PCT 12-12-2011

[4DMTNS]

With the promise of blue skies and a chance at awesome views, we headed out to Three-Corner Rock via the PCT on Monday. It was a bitterly cold 24 degrees during the entire hike, and the wind gusts probably made it closer to zero most of the time. We all agreed it was a great short hike and that we would be back again this summer to repeat this hike, and extend it to include the out and back to Table Mountain from the North approach.

The forest service roads were in excellent condition, most intersections were signed well IF you've checked your maps in advance, and the trail condition was still ok most of the way. There are definitely some icy snow spots, but we found it manageable without traction devices. The views were worth every wind gust and subsequent slurpee 'brain-freeze' moment. 

Charles (my guy) got these shots at the summit, capturing the icy blades of grass in each of them. The ice extended from 1-2 inches perpendicular due to the wind.


Three-Corner Rock




Mt Hood




Ice on the chain-link fence that surrounds the radio tower.




Typical trail conditions ... snow, ice and beautiful snow-dusted trees.












Along the way we had views of Rainier, Goat Rocks, Adams, St Helens, Silver Star Mountain and Hood. This was our first view of Adams. 




Silver Star Mountain




Three-Corner Rock




Charles and I posing for a rare shot of the two of us (thanks to our friend Mike for catching this one). 

[geographics]

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[mayhem]

Thanks for sharing. Those first 2 pics are unreal!!

[weathercrazy]

Rime ice is awesome! The first time I remember seeing it was on my hike to Silver Star long ago. What's really interesting is that the ice builds INTO the wind, not down wind.

[Appleton]

Great pics! I've never seen ice freeze sideways like that before. Intense!
You dog is really adorable in that doggie onesie.

[4DMTNS]

Doggie onesie - that's the perfect name! German Shorthair Pointers don't have much in the way of insulating fur, thus the name shorthair is an accurate descriptor. And this girl is a lean machine, so no fatty insulation either. To enjoy being outside for hours in temps below 30 degrees we keep her warm with her own tech-gear. We put her hunting vest on to keep her core warmer that day.