Monte Cristo Trail Hike.

If it is early July in Trout Lake, then it is time to get to the Monte Cristo Trail. The trailhead is very hard

to find, which explains why we never see people on the trial, which explains why nature is taking back some of the trail (as pictured here).

Monte Cristo Trail, Gifford Pinchot Forest, Washington State

This time of year, one can see at least 2 or 3 dozen different species of flowers in bloom, two or three mountains, and "Sound of Music" views.  

We enjoyed clear, blue skies overhead as we saw a weather front of clouds to the West, over Camas and Vancouver.  Strong, blustery winds buffeting us on exposed ridges. .

Mt. Hood from Monte Cristo Trail

Monte Cristo Trail view of Mt. Adams

Great exercise walking up and down hills for over three hours, which made our dinner of homemade, grilled pizza taste even better.