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Trip Report    

Day Hike - Table Mountain (Columbia River)

Steep, interesting, rugged hike near the Bonneville Dam.

Nancy Lloyd Nancy Lloyd
July 16, 2016
  • Road suitable for all vehicles

  • Overall, the trail is in good shape, with only a few areas overgrown. There are a few different access points, depending on how long/short you want the trip. We did about nine miles rt from an off the beaten path location. Unless you start from and continue along the PCT, you have to be familiar with which way to go at various junctions. A loop can be done either clockwise or counter-clockwise. We did the clockwise loop by ascending the west ridge and descending Heartbreak Ridge (east). The west ridge route is very steep and rocky. Loose and pebbly rock along much of the ridge is hazardous if you descend this route as there are drop-offs. I recommend descending Heartbreak Ridge (east). You have to negotiate a several hundred foot talus/boulder field, but it is not difficult if you take your time.  I do not recommend this trip in wet or snow conditions.

Excellent, challenging hike with ridge climbing that borders on low-level scrambling. Nice views of the Columbia River area on a cloudy day. Lots of wildflowers.  A couple of water sources, but one will probably be dry in late summer and a hard to reach stream, so bring lots of your own water. Traverse the narrow top of Table Mountain to its end for a dramatic peak down the long, vertical face - the result of the mountain falling away about 1,000 years ago and creating the legendary land bridge now known as "Bridge of the Gods."  Although the counter-clockwise direction is popular, I recommend doing it clockwise. Trekking poles highly recommended.  This trip was about 9 miles and 3,500' gain. Well worth the effort.