We drove up Hwy 410 to hike the Palisades Trail. We hiked up to the third viewpoint and back for a 9 mile round trip hike with 2,200' of overall gain. The trailhead is along Hwy 410. The trail climbs steadily for about first 1-1/4 miles.
We saw one other hiker on the way up, and past maybe 15 hikers on the way down.
Today was overcast, a good day for a hike in the forest. The trail crosses Dalles Creek and goes up in a series of switchbacks
There are vine maples mixed in with the evergreen trees.
About 1 mile from the trailhead is a short spur trail to Lower Dalles Falls
The trail continues to climb via switchbacks and a set of wooden steps.
After several short switchbacks, the trail goes past Upper Dalles Falls and starts a more gradual climb along the top o the Palisades.
Log over Dalles Creek above Upper Dalles Falls
About 1.7 miles from the trailhead, we reached the first viewpoint, looking south across to SunTop.
Further east, were some snow capped peaks.
Down below the Palisades, the White River.
We then continued along the trail which wonders through the forest. About 3 miles from the trail head is the Second Viewpoint, here the views were similar to the ones at the First Viewpoint.
The trail again returns to the forest, going through an old burn area, where the trees are sparser and we could glimpse Mount Rainier above the ridge to the south.
4.5 miles from the trailhead is the Third Viewpoint. Pano looking south:
zoom of Mount Rainier over the ridge, partially covered by clouds.
We found a nice spot to enjoy our lunch for 1/2 hour without seeing any other hikers.
some of the wildflowers we saw along the trail today:
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