Eight hikers decided to come out with high winds predicted and hike the Viewpoint Mike Trail. Hank started out before we arrived so he could go at a good pace for him. We started from the parking lot across from the trailhead and headed uphill with some strong winds. After less than half a mile, we could hear a big crack. Either a tree or branch must have come down.
We had our first stop to do a wardrobe change and look out at the bend in the river by the spillway. Through the middle of the hike, the winds were calm and peaceful. Only a couple places had some water and mud to go through.
As we continued, the wind picked up again. We arrived at the top shortly after Hank did. We took some pictures and could see up to Union Peak at Crater Lake National Park. We then headed along the trail that goes behind the bench. After coming to the other side of the wooded area, we could see the borrow pit. We talked about how the group has climbed to the top of the leftover rock plug. We then headed back through the forest and spotted Snow Queen flowers.
When we got to the bench, we had a quick lunch. We then headed back down and the wind picked up again so we picked up speed in the areas that had large trees swaying back and forth. The middle of the hike down once again had calm winds, but as we neared the lower part of the trail, winds picked back up. We never did see a downed tree from the loud noise we heard on the way back. We arrived back at our cars by 1:30pm and headed back home.
Francie
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