Let me begin by saying that I love this website as I would never have found this cool hike if it weren't for the awesome contributors who provide all the helpful information...like how to get to the correct trailhead (which you can find here in the PH Field Guide)

Now for my report: Blue skies, mountain views, unexpected snowpack, and no other hikers the entire SIX hours on the trail. Here's the fabulous vista from the bench viewpoint.


Shortly after departing from the trailhead, we encountered a split in the trail and ended up at a "dead-OHV-track-end". After backtracking, the temporary NFS sign was found on the ground but there was a new one posted on a tree.


These gummy shrooms may have been the most exciting part of my hike as I have never seen dayglo occur in nature. They really are this orange - no special effects or increased saturation. I think that they are called "jelly fungus"? Very cool to find such a large concentration of these little guys glowing bright orange in the forest!


Max loves to roll around in the snow...little did he know that there would be plenty more in which to frolic!


Here's the beginning of the snow, which started about 1.5 miles from the trailhead.


Did a bit of bushwhacking to find this gem of a spot for lunch.


Max and I enjoying the gorgeous vista from the bench viewpoint...not as impressed by the gunshot symphony playing in the background the entire hike.


The view from Wildcat Mountain's summit...note that the curved branch on the left in the foreground made the perfect "perch" for sitting up off the snow, though I had to be careful not to fall into the tree well as the visible portion is the top of a pine tree


While descending from the summit, I stepped into a hidden tree well. With one leg sunken almost to my waist and the other leg resting on top of the snow...I found myself in quite a precarious position. Plus, my boot was stuck in the snow and I was worried it would come off while pulling myself out of the hole. Fortunately, my friend was able to help pull me out. The entire process took about five minutes. But I couldn't help think about how different the situation would have been were I alone as many of my hikes are solo expeditions. Probably would have taken me quite awhile to dig myself out from the snow!

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Kam
http://picasaweb.google.com/piercekam
http://www.flickr.com/photos/arcanaphotography

Great pics Kam. Glad you finally made it up there . It was so hot the day I was up there this last summer, I can't imagine snow by that bench! Here is a pic of Thea on that same bench in July.



Adam

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Oh, my, I laughed out loud at that Max-Snow-Angel shot! Dogs really know how to party anywhere, don't they? We can learn a lot from them.

anna in boots

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I forgot to include my mosquito report: Saw seven bloodsuckers hovering around the trail, but they weren't hungry enough to bite...yet!


Me, too! Way better than walking along the old gated road Fantastic picture...wish I had made it up there to see the beargrass blooming.


So true! Guess all the "partying" was too much since he's currently passed out on the floor since he's too exhausted to jump up onto the bed...

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Kam
http://picasaweb.google.com/piercekam
http://www.flickr.com/photos/arcanaphotography

I saw those same little orange mushrooms on an almost identical looking dead branch yesterday. My pictures didn't come out very clear so I ended up deleting them. It was something new and pretty cool to see though. You got a much better shot of them. Don't you just love those crowded trails? This has to be about the best Feb. ever for hikers, at least in recent years.

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Latest adventures always at http://picasaweb.google.com/pdxgene

Awesome picture of Max rolling in the snow… I haven't done this hike yet so it is always good to see shots to tempt me… I had no idea there was a bench there…LOL Is it like a dedicated bench or something? How far is that from the TH?

Jamie

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19th&Hood

Suite 1905

Yes. The bench is dedicated to two gentlemen who were hiking partners and frequented this trail. The design is odd as the "slope" of the back is quite reclined and forces you to look more upwards than outwards. Would be perfect with an ottoman

It's located about 2.2 miles from the trailhead (according to the field guide). I really like this trail for the solitude and great vistas. But the nearby quarry is a popular shooting location, which is somewhat of a drawback as it's noisy.

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Kam
http://picasaweb.google.com/piercekam
http://www.flickr.com/photos/arcanaphotography

Sadly, the quarry is also closed to shooting -- and well-signed to that effect. Not that it stops the shooters, of course. But that's why I like the alternate trailhead. At least you don't have to wonder about your car serving as a target while you're hiking... or YOU upon your return..!

Glad you got up there this time, Kam -- neat that you got to the top of Wildcat, too. True, the trees are growing up, but it's still a really nice spot, and the views into the Eagle Creek canyon are darned nice!

Tom

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Wy'East Blog

Hi Kam,

Awesome photos - I especially liked the first one, the last one and the one of Max doing his snow angel thing! That is one trail I have yet to do so thanks for posting your report.

-Don

Wow Kam! Absolutely loucious pictures, as always. Stunning!

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Always Dreaming of the Trail
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