We started at the lower trailhead, I really like that section below main road - some huge boulders there. First moment we exited the car, aroma of juniper and sagebrush was unbelievable.
Above main road (and closed campground) the trail ascends to the upper plateau on switchbacks and some wooden stairs
Anyone knows if these are edible?
Lake Billy Chinook looks like a wide, mighty river from there
Just to give an idea about crowds we had to dodge
The sun was mostly hidden in clouds at the beginning, but decided to come out as the day progressed
Looking back to Jeff across the canyon
As you gain the plateau, there's a signed loop junction. We made the loop counter-clockwise to save the biggest views for the later part of the hike. There are a couple of junctions with ATV trail up on the plateau (called "the Peninsula"), but all junctions are well-signed and ATV riders seem to respect hikers' trail
Some ancient junipers up there. There's been thinning work going on for a while (mostly on the ascent part, much less on the plateau), but luckily most trees have been spared
Jefferson from across sagebrush plains. I guess this place gets very hot in summer with little shade, but now it was in the mid-60's, just perfect conditions... There was no shortage of views - we could also see Mt. Hood, Olallie, Three Sisters with Broken Top, Bachelor - just to name the biggest ones.
As the upper trail turns back, it gets to the cliffs above the access bridge we've driven on earlier
The water was still enough for some reflections...
Looking at "The Island" (and distant Mt. Hood) from the tip of "The Peninsula"
Park ranger's residence
We saw 3 deer on the way down, probably a lot more of them saw us - the number of deer tracks was incredible
On the drive home (hidden advertisement of Madras Auto Parts...)
It was a great hike, and great day - seems like a gift of summer weekend in the middle of winter
