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Steve got up at four am to scare away a bear which turned out to be a mouse who was trying to get into our food. We got little sleep after the interruption so decided to get an earlier start.
We hiked in beautiful forest and on ridges with ideal weather all day.
We entered the Mark O Hatfield Wilderness with more lush landscapes to enjoy...
Just before reaching Indian Springs we saw views of Mt St. Helens, Mt Adams and Mt Rainier. Unfortunately they were in the clouds so I did not get a clear picture. It was damp and chilly most of the day but we were spared any rain.
We met 74 year old George on the trail just before the Eagle Creek alternate. He was a bit confused about the route and was out of water. We helped him and together got to the Indian Springs Campground. The campground had been abandoned for many years but had a good spring and picnic tables so we took a break, cameled up and headed down the 2 mile VERY steep trail to Eagle Creek. George decided to call it a day and get a fresh start in the morning. As it turned out it was a wise decision on his part. The trail was hard on my bad knee and I had to stop often to give it a break. We finally made it to the bottom and once we joined the Eagle Creek Trail the going was much easier. The next 10 miles was filled with the most fabulous tropical scenery making the Indian Springs Trail worth it.
We reached tunnel falls where the trail goes through a tunnel right behind the falls...
We came out at a parking lot which led to campgrounds, a 2.5 mile hike on a bike path lined with ripe juicy blackberries
And picked and ate our way into Cascade Locks
Cascade Locks and Bridge of The Gods in the background
Our first stop was Char-burger where we mingled with other starving hikers. We will nero here and head to Washington tomorrow. What a great way to leave Oregon!
Heart
Your blog and fellow hikers are so exciting. Thanks for sharing.
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