Calendar

Past Activity

Cape Mountain

  • Start date: 12/01/2019

  • Start time: 12:00 AM

  • End date: 12/01/2019

  • End time: 11:59 PM

Description:

Starting at the Dry Lake Trailhead, we will hike a counter-clockwise loop through the temperate rain forest along Princess Tasha Trail, Scurvy Ridge Trail, Berry Creek Trail, and Nelson Ridge Trail. Although this is not a "view hike," there are several places where we will be able to see the coastline and Pacific Ocean. There is the possibility of seeing elk in a large meadow along Nelson Ridge Trail. There are also some impressive Sitka spruce, Douglas firs, and old growth Red cedars. The trip will proceed if the weather forecast calls for moderate or intermittent drizzle, but will be canceled or postponed if heavy rain and cold, windy conditions are forecast.
Note to drivers: the last 1.8 miles or so is on a dirt road which is in pretty good condition overall, but does have some potholes and shallow gullies. Certainly 4WD and high clearance is not necessary. Our hiking plans may be modified depending upon weather conditions.

  • Event Leader: Joel Greer

  • Event Leader Phone: 281-701-0205

  • Event Leader Email: joelrgreer@gmail.com

  • Assistant Leader:

  • Event category: Trips

  • Area Type: Coastal

  • Departure Location: Eugene Target, W11th, parking lot closest to W11th

  • Rating: Moderate

  • Roundtrip total drive miles: 132

  • Season: 2020

  • Permits Required:

  • Event Status: Passed

  • Supplies and Equipment Required: Be prepared for rain and some mud, so bring waterproof hiking boots, jacket, pants, and hat or poncho. Layer appropriately for the temperature, and no cotton clothing. Bring water, snacks, a light lunch, and a pad to sit on.

  • participant prerequisites:

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 8

  • Member Fees: 1

  • Elevation Gain: 1100

  • Non-Member Fees: 5

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

Sixteen hikers began the month of December with an authentic experience in the coastal temperate rainforest at Cape Mountain. The temperature held pretty steady at about 43 degrees for the duration of the hike. For the first hour or so, we experienced the "rain" in "rainforest," but it was a mild drizzle. As we hiked through the lush forest of Sitka spruce, Douglas-fir, Red cedar, moss, and ferns, the rain ended and we even had some intermittent sunshine. There were several nice views of the coast and coastal lakes along the way, and there were quite a few recently fallen branches and some small trees across the trail. We made two creek crossings then climbed up the Nelson Ridge Trail for lunch under an enormous Sitka spruce and nice views of the Pacific ocean. Another 2.3 miles of hiking brought us back to our cars at the Dry Lake trailhead.