2014 Edition
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Directions for
GETTING THERE
A Discover Pass is now required here. $30 annual or $10 day use.
Note to motorcyclists: If you have an annual pass you obviously don't want to
display it on your bike. So, according to a Park Ranger I spoke with, their
policy is for users to fill out a day pass envelope with the information that's
on your annual pass (pass #, expiration date, license plate, etc) and put it
some place visible. Their thinking is that day pass envelopes have no value and
are therefore not too likely to be stolen.
This, of course, is a moronic policy (IMO). My Discover pass, purchased at a kiosk,
has no pass number and even if it did, the Parks Department "Meter Maids" are going
to go on-line and verify that it's a valid number? And how would they know that I
was the one who purchased the pass since I could just as easily put ANY valid pass
number on the envelope.
In Oregon and in National Parks, it is assumed that owners of motorcycles parked
in these locations have a current, valid pass in their possession. There has
never been a problem at these locations and I'm guessing that Biker scofflaws
who abuse this honor system policy are in the distinct minority.
Which brings me to the equally moronic policy that passes are only good for two
vehicles even if a family happens to own more than two. And what about those who
carpool to these locations? The Washington State Parks "party line" seems to be that
not allowing pass holders to display them on whatever vehicle they happen to be in
at the time will reduce revenue. But I can tell you from personal knowledge that
this insane requirement is what's at the root of dismal Discover pass sales!
Oregon not only allows pass usage on any vehicle, it ENCOURAGES it! What better
way to increase pass sales than to encourage pass use to new users who will enjoy
the parks and subsequently purchase their own passes? Marketing 101.
Previous hikes to Hamilton Mountain:
2010 and
2011.
The view of Table Mountain and Adams Mountain from the Hamilton Mountain summit.
This is a fairly easy hike by Gorge standards. It's a well traveled, well signed
trail. It's pretty much impossible to get lost out here. I take the "more difficult"
trail choice when heading to the summit. I return on the "difficult" trail.
You get some pretty good views right out of the gate. This is the Little
Hamilton summit about two miles away.
Hardy Falls is a nice, refreshing waterfall.
Bonneville Dam and the town of North Bonneville, Washington
The view of Mount Hood from the Hamilton Mountain summit.
The summit sign is gone and there was no one up here to take my picture, so.......
At the summit, do not go back the way you came. Continue along on the trail
and in a while you will come up on an open area with great views. At the sign
turn left and follow the trail down. This is the Hardy Creek trail and will
take you back to the main trail. You can also take Don's Cutoff if you want to
have a look at the Upper Hardy Creek trail.
I hope Suzy doesn't get upset that I took a different bike here.....
Note the ticket on the Road King's seat waiting to greet me even though I had
just purchased a Discover pass at the kiosk that morning. Boobs.
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