Hamilton Mountain Trail Condition Report
- tmschales
- Apr 18
- 2 min read
Columbia River Gorge, Washington
Parking Pass Needed: Discover Pass (options to purchase day pass at the trailhead)
Date of Visit: 4/16/2025
Distance: 7.8 Miles (Loop option)
Elevation Gain: 2195
Potential Concerns: Rocky washed out areas; down trees over trails; Poison Oak
Trailhead Amenities: Bathroom (running water), Picnic tables, Shelter
Hamilton Mountain is looking pretty good overall. A few Trillum blooms are happening, Oregon Grape blooms, and several of our smaller wildflowers if you look close. I did see a few small areas of poison oak, (none right on trail, off to the side). Blackberry bramble is still low.
When you hit the open/sandy/rocky area, there is evidence of a landside event and its a bit tricky.
PRO TIP: Don't be afraid to get low, use your hands and body if you need to, and if you feel sketchy on the way down you can always sit!
There are several downed trees lying across the trail throughout, all of which were manageable for me.
PRO TIP: Take your pack off if you need to; transfer it across to the other side & then transfer yourself if you feel like the weight of it is impairing your flexibility or throwing you off balance. If you use this method just be sure you can place your pack on the other side without it rolling downhill.
There is one switchback that has a wooden bridge with several slats missing and a hole below. Watch your step there.
Pool of the Winds is flowing beautifully; it may seem like its not worth the uphill climb but i promise it delivers!
*If this is your first time on this hike: I find it to be moderately challenging, (and in fact did it on this visit as part of my Search & Rescue volunteer physical qualification course).
There is significant elevation gain, especially in the beginning and a lot of switchbacks. Take your time, catch your breath, look around and enjoy. The view at the summit will reward you will a birds eye of the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge and is a fantastic place to enjoy lunch (especially now, before it becomes overgrown and views become more obscured). Make sure to take your water, electrolytes, and plenty of snacks with your 10 essentials.
Get out there and enjoy our majestical USFS lands.
I hope you find this helpful, and if you do please consider donating toward my goal of removing financial barriers and providing complete head-toe gear, permitting, and guiding for humans that would otherwise not be able to enjoy our outdoor areas.
Even $1 helps us reach this goal!
Happy Trails,
Trish
Coming Soon.. Silver Falls State Park & Latourell Falls Trip Reports
Comments