 Mt Adams from the Trout Lake Abbey, Mt Adams Zen Buddhist Temple July 1st, 2021, we took a day trip to explore our way around Mt Adams, deciding to travel Hwy 14 along the north side of the Columbia River. We revisited a few places from my previous post https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/columbia-gorge-wa-hwy-14 , which see, and got some better photos that I'm posting here, rather than try to update the other post, which is already rather long. Here are the places we saw--
Views of the Columbia River from the Cape Horn pull-out Bonneville Dam from the Dam Access Rd off Hwy 14 WA Fort Cascades National Historic Site, Fort Cascades Dr, from (Bonneville) Dam Access Rd off Hwy 14 https://skamania.org/experience-skamania/fort-cascades-historic-site-trail/ http://columbiariverimages.com/Regions/Places/fort_cascades_historic_site.html https://mybackyardandbeyond.com/fort-cascades/ Windsurfing on the Columbia River, Spring Creek Hatchery Rd Underwood WA Hwy 141 to Mt Adams You can take Hwy 141 north just east of Underwood and the White Salmon River, but the more picturesque and awesome route is to continue east on Hwy 14 into Bingen, where you can take Hwy 141 up the hill through White Salmon. You'll be above the White Salmon canyon with some spectacular views. The two routes merge as you continue north. For more info and photos of Bingen and White Salmon (as well as Spring Creek Hatchery and Underwood), scroll down at https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/columbia-gorge-wa-hwy-14 Husum WA 1st views of Mt Adams from Hwy 141 BZ Corner WA BZ Corners Forest Service launch site-- https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=30012 2nd fantastic views of Mt Adams Trout Lake Forest Service Ranger Station https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=31184 I was anxious to talk to the ranger to find out what places I could go, what is accessible around Mt Adams, and get a map. The ranger station has a window to talk with the ranger, no access or amenities available inside the building. The ranger was friendly and helpful, but it seems Mt Adams recreation is pretty much for horses, hikers, and hardy campers. We were able to get some maps and directions, and she told us where to find some great photo ops, on Lake Rd (very near the ranger station) and Warner Rd (south of Trout Lake). She also gave us the 2019 Gifford Pinchot National Forest Visitor Guide (with great info and map), and an old publication “Barrier-Free Recreation [in] the Gifford Pinchot National Forest”. It shows 2 accessible sites in the Mt. Adams Ranger District, now that I have a chance to look it over. Neither has a restroom. Peeled Cedar Tree Interpretive Trail has a compacted gravel 650’ trail max 5% grade, 5 interpretive signs. Sawtooth Berryfield Handshake Site has a 200’ asphalt trail max 3% grade, 1 accessible picnic table (nearest restroom at Surprise Lake 1 mi away). The ranger cautioned that the sites have not been maintained. From Google Maps I see an intriguing Mt Adams viewpoint further up Mt Adams Rd as it becomes NF-23 (stick to NF-23, when other choices come up) between NF-531 and NF-8810. The places I had wanted to check out from their website are accessed from other routes. Adventures for other days. Check out John Williams’ excellent video “Between the Peaks” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLqRNFBPvUU&ab_channel=ForestService  Mt Adams from Hwy 141 near the Ranger Station Lake Road, Trout Lake marsh--Note: there is barely room for 3 small cars to park, and very difficult turning around (sign warns there is no turn around ahead). If you can, you might want to walk in. Otherwise it's chancy. Warner Road & Stoller Road Trout Lake Abbey Interestingly, the Trout Lake Abbey not only features a Zen Buddhist Temple, but neo-Druid monuments. They ordinarily host all kinds of events and retreats, but those were postponed during COVID-19. We were still able to walk around and enjoy the beauty and peace of the grounds, and the views.  neo-Druid monument, Trout Lake Abbey, south of Trout Lake WA--courtesy Juli Spruill We drove back on the lower route of Hwy 141, along the White Salmon River. I caught tantalizing glimpses of the river, and there were some pull-outs to get a better look, but without getting out of the car it's difficult to see much of the river between the trees and brush. We did catch some good vistas of Mt Hood from Hwy 141, as well as Hwy 14 (especially good at Underwood and Spring Creek Hatchery--scroll down at https://www.travelpacificnw.com/accessible-travel-blog/columbia-gorge-wa-hwy-14 ) Dog Mtn Trailhead, Sternwheeler paddling up the Columbia Gorge  Columbia River from the top of Dog Mountain--taken by RMT The Columbia Gorge looking west along Hwy 14--missed getting photos of the best of the spectaculuar scenes as we whizzed along, generally unprepared as chances to pull over appear suddenly. Prindle WA--Usually I'm flying by and miss the turn to get a picture of the quaint Prindle School, so when I got the chance, I took it! Somewhere I got the notion of there being a Prindle Park, but it was a challenge to find. It’s not where you expect it. It has a Washougal address, but it’s not really in Washougal, either. Between the Cape Horn pull-out and the Prindle School (Prindle Rd), Salmon Falls Rd goes north up the hill (immediately to the right is the Cape Horn Trailhead, and a bus stop). Continue up Salmon Falls Rd to Canyon Creek Rd and turn left (west). In about 2 miles Prindle Park is on the left. It's actually a Skamania county park. From Prindle WA it's only about 45 min to Portland and the end of a truly happy, glorious day!
2 Comments
Juli Spruill
7/9/2021 10:52:28 pm
What a fun & beautiful trip this was! Your photos are gorgeous! You have so much information as well💜
Susan Ternyey
7/9/2021 11:18:55 pm
Thanks! I enjoyed the day so much, and it was fun to spend it with you! Leave a Reply. |
Wheelchair WomanI've been in a wheelchair for 30+ years. It poses some challenges for traveling. Maybe others can benefit from my experiences. Archives
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