Three Corner Rock 4th of July, 2018 (Hike#40)
This easy hike follows the Pacific Crest Trail south from the 2090 road in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The beautifully maintained and graded trail switchbacks up a ridge lined with a variety of summer wildflowers. 
The last 3/4 mile is on a rutted red access road which goes to the saddle – and to the volcanic pile of Three Corner Rock that is holding down the ridge from blowing away on this windy July 4th.
We scramble part way up the rock to a windbreak and have lunch – only one of our hiking party braves the blast to scramble all the way to the top.
Meanwhile, we admire our five volcano view: Jefferson, Hood, Adams, St Helens, Rainier, along with views of the Columbia River all the way to Portland to the west. This was a good place for a lookout back in the day!
Mts Hood and Jefferson beyond the cell tower.
Mts St Helens, Rainier and Adams.
Silver Star Mountain
Among the flower palette are tons of red paintbrush, white bunch berry, and purple penstemon – nothing blue blooming up here today.
Other wildflowers – some are first sightings this year:
The map and June flower comparison is on my blog post from last year. 4.4 miles/1200 feet.
We stopped in Cascade Locks on the way home to buy fresh salmon for our 4th of July barbecue dinner.
Bridge of the Gods over the Columbia River.
Native fish market at Bridge of the Gods. The burned skyline shows how close the Eagle Creek fire was to Cascade Locks.
CRAFTING
Pinwheel Quilt completed and just waiting for baby:
Fabric baskets for a sister’s birthday:
I started a quilt for the Welcome Blanket project:
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