Amazing hike!

we left at 6:45am, just after sunrise.  There were two or three other parties, but we separated with our paces.

Forest section was beautiful with the early morning light, and an easy 2 miles with little height gain.

The next section was the most difficult, the bolder field.  Although it was fun scrambling, it did go on forever.  It was tricky to follow a path, but it really did not matter, as they all seemed to lead in the same direction – up. However, the views throughout this section of Hood, Adams and Jefferson were incredible.

Then, the ash section.  This area was dusty and there was a lot of foot slipping in the soft ash/sand.  We found that switchbacking helped, as did counting out 20 steps and resting.

Finally we arrived at the crater’s edge – the view was amazing.  We knew about the blow out, but seeing it was something else.  Just Awesome!

After a quick snack we headed on to the real peak, along the crater’s edge.  A great walk, a little more up and down, and continued amazing views.

After more snacks, a rest and time to take in the views and rewards of the effort, we headed down.

It was a fun slide in the ash, tricky bolder steps on the rock section and then finally the forest trail.

Overall – 4 hours up, 3 down, and another 1 hour in stops.  Great hike!