Hamilton Mountain Trail — Attraction in Washougal

Excellent "close in" hike on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. Close enough to Portland that people wanting a nice after work climb can manage it here on the longer summer days. As already mentioned, the hike is fairly short up to the waterfalls. Pool of Winds can be very cool with high water flow - less so when dryer, but still cool. For those with the stamina continuing on to the top of the mountain is worth the effort. The path has changed over the years, but staying left offers a safer route to the top without having to scramble the steep face. To get to the uppermost section you do have to veer off the main trail and climb, but far less intimidating than scaling the face. Caution should be exercised on the climb up in wet weather due to the steep grade and potentially slippery conditions. Early summer will treat you to a nice wildflower show as you make the climb. To keep the scenery fresh, I suggest continuing straight past the top (many turn around here and go the way they came). Further up the trail there are views of Mt. Hood and Adams on a clear day, then the trail drops into a forested section. If following this loop, the trail down is longer and without the steep grade, so makes for good variety. Probably not the best choice for those who are nervous about being on narrow trails with big drop offs. For everyone else, very much recommended. Discovery Pass required in the parking area, so...

Amazing hike!!! Elevation elevation elevation. The moment you start the trail you go up. It’s no joke. Up to the main waterfall I think young kids that like to walk can do it, the trail itself is clean and easy for walking it’s just that it’s mostly on an incline. It took us about 3 hours from the beginning of the trail down at the main entrance of the park to the end of Hamilton trail and back to the parking lot. At the end of the Hamilton trail there is a split, if you take the right trail you will have about another hour to reach to the top of the mountain. (Which we didn’t do this time around). Be aware that on the weekends the parking lots get full very quickly so I suggest to be there before 11 am. Of course the earlier the better. Don’t forget your water and bring some snacks, there are so many beautiful spots to sit and eat.

You would need your discover pass in order to park. Pay it online or pay on site. Be aware that some parks don’t have the ticket machine and you have to scan a barcode with your phone but they also don’t have reception so it doesn’t really helps. (Happened to us last week at a different hike) so we had to leave. A yearly pass is $35 so it’s worth it. One day pass is $12 if I’m...

Hiked the "lollipop loop" version of the hike visiting Hamilton Mtn, and the Saddle and then back. Would recommend this direction as its easier on joints to go up the steeper route, and return on a gentler grade. If you are just going to Hamilton Mtn, there are a few very exposed areas where a slip could be trouble - not recommended for those with little kids or people with unsure footing. There are some viewpoints on the way up that have better views than Hamilton Mtn summit, so take the time to enjoy those. From the summit to the saddle, the trail is getting a bit brushy - not overgrown, but lots of knee and waist high growth. The saddle itself is a large, and quiet place to rest and enjoy the views. On the return from the saddle, you are given an option to take "Don's Cutoff" or the old road back to the Hardy Creek trail. I took the old road as the cutoff trail looked brushy. The old road is relatively wide, but with big cobbles that may slow your pace a bit. Overall, a really nice hike with few crowds past the Pool of the Winds (which is a great turnaround point for novice hikers, or hikers with...