Owl and Alki Points and the Rockpile from Vista Ridge October 12, 2018
This was our first hike on the Owl Point trail, which follows the northern edge of Vista Ridge and leads to views of the north side of Mt Hood and the Clear Branch valley below. Much of the lower elevation landscape was burned by the Dollar Lake Fire in 2011.
The first views from the 0.3 mile trail junction display the luminous seed heads of abundant fireweed at the edge of the burn zone.

Pearly everlasting and fireweed
The trail leads along the ridge, mostly through forest with a few viewpoint and meadow openings.

A meadow

Fungus along the trail

Beargrass and huckleberry
The first major viewpoint along the trail is called The Rockpile:

Approaching The Rockpile

Dan at The Rockpile
We went on a short way to Owl Point where we had lunch and signed in at the trail register.

Owl Point

Dan at Owl Point
The next views are a panorama from northeast to south:

Upper Hood RIver valley in the distance

Laurance Lake

Continuing south – Clear Branch Valley

Lower flanks of Mt Hood and the Dollar Lake burn

Mt Hood
Leaving Owl Point:
Finally we went on to Alki Point which let us look north into Washington on this brilliant blue day.

Alki Point – first Mt Rainier (behind Mt Defiance) and Mt Adams come into view.

Farther out on the point, we can also see Mt St Helens.
On our return, we stopped at the 0.8 mile overlook with a better sun angle. The one yellow tree, possibly a larch, stood out in front of The Pinnacle in the grey foothills leading up to the mountain.

Barrett Spur in front of Mt Hood

Coe Glacier close up
We enjoyed this trail for great views of Mt Hood from a new aspect.

Huckleberry foliage
5.4 miles. 800 feet. (#56)
Hoyt Arboretum October 14, 2018
We also took a three mile wander with our son along trails in Hoyt Arboretum in the west hills of Portland to see the fall colors. (#57)
Aralia with birds eating the berries:

Sassafras
CRAFTING
I finished the Fiore Washcloth.