3.3 hr
Overview
This hike begins at one of the more crowded trailheads, but quickly moves to some of the loneliest terrain on the mountain. Along the way, the scenery is dominated by evidence of the forces of nature at work that provide a terrific living laboratory for children and adults: the Muddy Fork canyon is literally coming apart at the seams, with several recent mudflows dramatically changing the landscape before you. The gleaming pyramid of Mount Hood towers above the entire route. From the Top Spur Trailhead climb through handsome, old-growth noble fir forest for one half mile before joining the Pacific Crest Trail (no. 2000). Turn right, and immediately arrive at a somewhat confusing junction of four trails. The trail to the right is the continuation of the Pacific Crest Trail, and the routes to the left and straight ahead are the Timberline Trail (no. 600). Continue straight on the Timberline Trail into dense forest and, 150 yards from the main junction, you'll notice the unsigned trail that leads to the top of Bald Mountain. Rise gently in silver and noble fir forest, and pass a wilderness sign. Then the trail breaks out into an open meadow with a frontal view of Mount Hood before traversing a thimbleberry thicket. You'll make a descending traverse alternating steep meadows with thickets. Pass the junction with a short bypass trail that connects with the Timberline Trail on the other side of the Bald Mountain Ridge. The Muddy Fork of the Sandy River rushes more than 2,000 feet below. Look closely, and you can see the ghost forests on the valley floor, where recent mudflows buried whole stands of conifers along this volatile stream. Traverse around Bald Mountain, and appreciate many more stunning views until you enter a wooded area. Pass a log stile; then traverse steep slopes through deep forest, crossing several small streams as you approach the valley floor. Some of these side canyons experienced recent washouts, so take care where narrow trail sections still exist. At the 2.7 mile mark, reach an awesome
Trail Stats
10.0 km
305 m
1341 m
0 m
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Photos
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TopSpurMuddyFork.JPG
TopSpurMuddyFork.JPG
250px-MuddyForkDebrisFlow2
250px-MuddyForkDebrisFlow2
250px-MuddyForkDebrisFlow1
250px-MuddyForkDebrisFlow1
250px-MuddyForkNorthBranchHood
250px-MuddyForkNorthBranchHood
400px-HoodBaldMountain
400px-HoodBaldMountain