As of Jan 26 about a foot of snow. Drop down the Alder Flat Trail #574 past a picnic table. Great walk up to an excellent viewpoint (Gold Creek Viewpoint) just over the halfway point. The trail was wel marked and takes you midway Golden Ears. This is a FREE campsite. Down to the left, you’ll see duckweed-coated Dry Creek Pond, the work of a long gone family of beavers. Highly recommend waterproof hiking boots (saw some people with regular running shoes), and used my micro spikes on the way down for the wet snow. Hike to Alder Flats. The first part of the hike to Alder Flats is very easy and only took about 1.5 hours. 1950 - 2018. If you're looking for a challenge and hope to get into the mountains this is a great adventure to set out on. Â Trail was in great condition and easy to follow. We partied hard at Rachel's house. .6 mile hike to reach spots. No snow at the view point which, is just passed Alder flats. somewhere between easy and moderate difficulty. Alder Flats at Golden Ears Provincial Park is known as a resting stop prior to ascending Golden Ears peak. there was mud and snow. Add a Campsite. While we make every effort to fact-check, information found here should be considered anecdotal. Great hike! The … Steelhead fishermen like this spot in the spring. We encountered lots of mud and walked thru several creeks. Trails was a bit muddy and there are lots of small water crossings so bring your waterproof footwear. 4.0 6.8 mi / 918.6 ft gain If you're looking for a challenge and hope to get into the mountains this is a great adventure to set out on.Be prepared: Water, a lot of time, and with an understanding of the elevation gain will be important. Beyond Alder Flats the trail switchbacks upward on an old logging road then heads steeply uphill to Panorama Ridge. Phone: 503-668-1700. The first part of the hike to Alder Flats was fairly straight forward with some elevation gain. Please. A family trip to escape the city and our phones was a good way to spend a night. Informal backcountry camping areas are located at Alder Flats and on Panorama Ridge. Did Alder Flats on Dec 28, 2020. Alder Flats is a new seven story apartment building designed and built with eco-friendly functions. Around Alder flats, there was a good 1-2 feet of snow so gaiters and hiking poles are definitely recommended. Ever since discovering the beauties of Allouette Lake in the summer I've been eager to explore the trails in Golden Ears. Oregon Hikers Field Guide is built as a collaborative effort by its user community. A breccia-like rock formation in midstream is known as Skull Island. Alder Flats: Golden Ears Provincial Park Trail Key: Easy-moderate, hills, view, dog friendly (leashed), kid friendly Elevation: 400 meters Length:11 km's Dogs: Yes; leashed Pit Toilet: yes-trail/campground/Hikers Beach Hiking Checklist: Backpack, poles, 10-essentials, tell someone Directions: drive to Golden Ears Provincial Park in Maple Ridge. Alder Flats is one of many beautiful trails winding through Golden Ears Park. Completed in 3h40 with 20 min stop at flats. Drove back to Lesley's house and passed out around 3. Don’t wear sneakers. Most of the people who jump onto this trail are seeking the cool and rocky beach that fronts the Alder Flats swimming hole* or one of the roughly five primitive campsites that look over Just past the junction a plaque on the ground to the left of the trail commemorates the construction of the trail in 1966 by Job Corps volunteers based at the nearby Timberlake Conservation Center. First half was very easy, not too wet for early feb. Last half was more like walking in tiny streams so water proof shoes would be good although we did our in runners and we were okay. Category Film & Animation; Song Summer Paradise (feat. Taka from ONE OK ROCK) The hike down to Alder Flats takes a winding route through tall old growth timber to the shore of the incredible Clackamas River. Depending on the season, you can encounter a large variety of wildflowers and even wild geese heading north or south on the little ponds along the way. Alders bend over the flowing waters, and a high bluff is in a constant state of erosion. The campsite is more primitive than it was: most of the picnic tables, the outhouse, and fire pits have succumbed to vandalism/lack of maintenance over the years and have not been replaced. Hood National Forest) – a quick hike to a swimming hole for a private picnic lunch. Keep to the right on the main trail. The trail eventually arrives at the Alder Flats campsite, which is a popular campsite for hikers that do the trek to Golden Ears in more than one day. The ascent of Golden Ears is a challenging two-day hike for all but the fittest and most experienced backcountry visitors. You immediately enter lush old growth forest distinguished by many massive Douglas-firs and some impressive western hemlocks. Alder Flat Trailhead. This short hike down to a swimming hole and primitive campground on the Clackamas River is often overlooked by hikers speeding up the Clackamas River Road. The easy 1-mile hike to Alder Flat at the Clackamas River, free camping, fishing, and swimming. Small amount of snow at the flats. It is steep, long, and difficult! I'm absolutely going to try to do Hawk Mountain again next week and hopefully we'll have at least one nice day so I can enjoy it. It does give you a tease of the real Golden Ears peak since you are looking at it, at the end but that will be a well trained summer job. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map. After Alder Flats, you climb up an old logging road that now resembles more of a creek bed, due to the larger rocks, before the steeper hiking starts just after the stairs. Link to Trail Description and Map. A little eerie in the fog. Well, other people partied hard, I had a couple beers and stayed sober. Continue on the main trail to a junction: the trail to the left is a dead end that takes you down to the Dry Creek outlet at the old beaver dam (There also used to be a beaver lodge here) and some nesting boxes placed by the Oregon Hunters Association. Heavy weekend crowds! Was a beautiful day today. Dusting of snow at the flats- super muddy near the top! Alder Flat Trail 574 (Trail Advocates) Alder Flats Hike (Northwest Hiker) Alder Flat Trailhead (USFS) Alder Flats Hike + Campsites (Outdoor Project) Alder Flats: Magical Swimming and … At a Glance. 2 Reviews of East And West Canyon Loop Alder Flats "It was an amazing day for this Hike. A user trail takes you to the shore, and you can even walk out to the middle of this pond on a fallen Douglas-fir. You can never have enough of it. A hike to Alder Flats Here's a brief overview of what happened this weekend: I stocked up on some winter ale. Muddy trail and would need good boots. Lots of water and creek crossings. No snow to be seen. The views just above Alder Flats are amazing. The clearing allows for amazing views of Golden Ears. It started to lightly snow on us 2/3 up the trail. Alder features unique studio and loft floor plans that range in size from 180-280 square feet. waterproof hikers necessary - microspikes recommended. NOTICE: Trails in this area were affected by the 2020 Riverside Fire. Bear right and continue hiking for 0.65 miles to the Clackamas River. Be prepared: Hike for about 0.35 miles to the trail's intersection. Alder Flats is actually a camping spot at the base of the real deal climb to the peak of Golden Ears. Nothing other than that. Those wanting to complete the hike in a single day need to start early and be prepared to be finishing late. Initially we were planning to do Evans Peak but missed the sign ( viewpoint) so ended up doing Alder Flats. Golden Ears Park - West Canyon Trail parking lot Hike to Alder Flats in Golden Ears Provincial Park. You hike along gold creek and across the alder flats. Trail routing and conditions are subject to change. Bottom part 3.11 km is the open trail, then till 4.5 km - rooty part. No real sights/views on this trail, but it was nice. Cattails crowd the edge, and yellow beggarticks bloom here in late summer. At just over a one hour drive from Portland, this hike packs a lot into its roughly 1-mile long trail. Tented in the rain! Use extreme caution and utilize navigation equipment. Old numbered interpretive signs can be seen next to the trail, but the context for these is lost in time. The next section to the start of the stairs was a little more steep but still quite straightforward. The stream that runs adjacent to alder flats currently has low water levels so it surfaces and vanishes between rocks. Address. Great trail , no snow up at alder flats or at view point. Alder Flats via West Canyon Trail is a 7.1 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada that features a river and is rated as moderate. Well marked trail. From the stairs on it got very steep, quite slippery and required quite a bit of scrambling up very steep rocks and tree roots. I did this hike towards the end of February. Also, due to the alpine environment, clouds can sweep in and obscure visibility. We began the hike at the West Canyon parking lot. Many early settlers' made pets of the wild life, including moose and bears! From there proceed to the West Canyon parking lot where the West Canyon trail begins and later merges with the Golden Ears trail. Wear good boots. Cross a skunk-cabbage/wood fern creek on a footbridge, and then walk over two more bridges in this marshy bottomland. Potato Butte (Olallie) + Alder Flat 09-21-16, Alder Flat Trail #574 Clackamas River Ranger District, Alder Flats Hike + Campsites (Outdoor Project), Alder Flats: Magical Swimming and Secret Frogs (Hike Mondays), https://www.oregonhikers.org/w/index.php?title=Alder_Flat_Hike&oldid=94809. Hood National Forest before planning an outing. Â No water at Squaw Flat but grape vines are starting to fruit. The trail can be busy on warm summer weekends, and the primitive camping area at Alder Flat has something of a reputation for rowdy partying, but it’s a great first backpack trip for families with young children if you’re willing to take your chances. This is a great winter hike! Easily visible sign from HWY 224, map is posted at the entrance. Snow on the trails was flattened down, and not icy. Tons of friendly hikers on the trail. Beautiful view at the end but other than the view of the canyon at 1point it is an all forest walk. Dusting of snow at flats. Please note, it is NOT RECOMMENDED to do the upper section beyond Alder Flats as that area is very overgrown and there are no trail markers. There was a couple feet of snow at Alder Flats but the actual trail was packed down. We hiked this trail in 4hrs on a good pace. Â There is plenty of water at Cow Springs if you hike up the wash 30 yards or so. Aug 2, 2015 - At just over a one hour drive from Portland, this hike packs a lot into its roughly 1-mile long trail. Trip Planner. trail was quite muddy and wet, definitely recommend good shoes and/or gaiters. Oregon / Estacada; Alder Flats Trailhead (hike-in) Leave a Review. Hiked up early on Jan 28 - first half of the trail is flat and free of snow, but the second half starts with a icy, narrow winding path eventually becoming steeper in elevation. The weather was perfect and … GPS (Trailhead): N 45°4.835', W 122°3.370' | 45.080582, -122.056166 After passing the campsite on the left, you will pass by an outhouse and eventually see a sign pointing to Golden Ears. Area Status: Closed Parking area for 4-5 vehicles, with limited overflow on Highway 224. This is where the trail steepens dramtically and most of the altitude is gained. I was VERY glad I didn't try to go up the road to nowhere and decided just to hike Alder Flats today since it was only a half mile away at that point. It’s an excellent adjunct hike to bigger excursions further east and packs a lot of punch over its short length: some impressive old growth trees, a lush forest understory, an old beaver pond, skunk-cabbage bogs, and a (usually) quiet bend in the river. Most of … GPS: N 45°5.036', W 122°3.691' | 45.083938, -122.06152. For such a short trail, it is certainly a rewarding journey and worthwhile destination. If you reach the Ripplebrook Guard Station, you’ve gone too far. View at the top is very rewarding. Gets deeper up to the viewpoint (about 500m beyond the flats). Spring wildflowers include trillium, Oregon grape, vanilla leaf, and inside-out flower. There was the most amazing view of the mountains just past Alder flats. Overview. Go 15.4 miles through Estacada and, at the junction with Highway 211S for Molalla and Woodburn, keep straight on Highway 212 for North Fork Lake. Alder flats in GOLDEN Ears Maple Ridge. learn more …— Jennifer Perl (@jenniferperl44) July 4, 2017 //platform.twitter.co… Sep 3, 2020. The swimming hole here is safe as long as you don’t head out into the full current. Park at West Canyon parking lot. Alder Flats, OR (Mt. Traverse down a slope above a swampy gully with skunk-cabbage marshes and tall cedars. Fees: No Fee : Usage: Light: Restrictions: See Oregon fishing regulations for specific regulations governing fishing in the Clackamas River. We hiked all the way to the Alder Flats view point after 6.5K. This trail goes by Gold Creek Lookout. Lots of mud and up up up. Not too muddy at all. Great hike! The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, nature trips, and snowshoeing and is best used from May until October. There are two backcountry camping options for the Golden Ears hike: Alder Flats Campground & Panorama Ridge Campground) For the Golden Ears hike, bring plenty of water and a means of filtering water as well. The hike is about 11km and took us roughly 5 hours. For such a short trail, it is certainly a rewarding journey and worthwhile destination. The Alder Flat trailhead is located on the left of the parking area. Alder Flats is at the 5.5km mark with potential camping spots from 5.0 - 5.5km. Weather turned out great as well. Beautifully lush and well-marked, this trail starts off relatively flat and then slowly introduces your inclines and declines. This page has been accessed 17,553 times. Please check current closures in the Mt. It’s not a challenging hike per se, it does feel longer than it is, but it is much easier than the latter part of the the trek. Directions: Golden Ears Park - West Canyon Trail parking lot. Small 6-spot camping area with fire pits. Continue for 24.9 miles and turn right into the parking area for the Alder Flat Trail. As you can see in the photos there was some snow up top so dressing acco Early Alder Flats' settlers' homes were built of log and slabs, with mud and moss chinking. This page was last modified on 8 October 2020, at 17:23. It was raining all weekend and while hiking so the trail was pretty wet/muddy as expected. Went 0.5km beyond flats for view point. Alder flats west canyon tril, recommended in winter due to now snow on ground , no bugs , no bears. The views just above Alder Flats are amazing. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/alder-flats With a fantastic location and price point, Alder brings efficient living with a decreased carbon footprint to reality. This is one a many great hikes in Golden Ears Provincial Park. Most of the people who jump onto this trail are seeking the cool and rocky beach that fronts the Alder Flats swimming hole* or one of the roughly five primitive campsites that look over the river. Find a Campsite. In the 1950s, Alberta's oil boom reached Alder Flats. Cross a shallow draw and traverse a slope. Last maintenance 4/15/17 . This is a moderate one way trail to Alder Flats in Golden Ears Provincial Park.. definitely an ankle killer of a hike - but definitely just a moderately difficult hike. Arrive at Alder Flat, an area of shaded campsites right on a bend of the Clackamas River. Trappers could make more money in a day than loggers in the 1930s. There is also an out house located just off the trail near the 5.5km marker. Alder Flats at Golden Ears Provincial Park is known as a resting stop prior to ascending Golden Ears peak. The Golden Ears hike can be thought of in two separate halves: The first half is an easy-going, relatively flat hike through the forest to Alder Flats. Alder Flats entrance is about 5.5 km. Dogs are also able to use this trail. This hike ends at a clearing about 100 m over the Alder Flats campsite. Pass a grove of massive old-growth cedars, and proceed along one more short boardwalk in a horsetail swamp. Total time to Alder Flats was 2.5 hrs, back 2 hrs. This is one a many great hikes in Golden Ears Provincial Park. Most of the people who jump onto this trail are seeking the cool and rocky beach that fronts the Alder Flats swimming hole* or one of the roughly five primitive campsites that look over jan 2021 ( length 12 km - elevation 500 feet - 5 hours ) Goldenears Park We did hike another 50m or so further than the last steps on the snowy trail because I knew there was a view coming up. Alder Flats (in Golden Ears) starstarstarstarstar_border. The second half is a steep, arduous journey into the alpine, culminating with a scramble to the summit (if conditions are right). The top half had wet packed snow. This is a harder hike, and a high elevation gain but the views are incredibly worth the adventure. Ankle deep in fresh snow. This hike ends at a clearing about 100 m over the Alder Flats campsite. For such a short trail, it is certainly a rewarding journey and worthwhile destination. Mar 26, 2016 - At just over a one hour drive from Portland, this hike packs a lot into its roughly 1-mile long trail. Instead, it is best to come back down the same way you came up. You should cross-check against other references before planning a hike. The clearing allows for amazing views of Golden Ears. Hiked Alder Creek Trail from Dough Flat to Alder Creek and continued on down Alder Creek to the Sespe.