My friends Che and Dharma (two greyhound mixes) invited us to join them and their best friend’s (a young neighbor couple) for a weekend outing to MT ADAMS in early June of 2017, “…so what could we do but laugh and go.”
DAY 1 PORTLAND to TROUT LAKE, WA
We drove up the Columbia River Gorge on a Saturday. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Portland taking WA Hwy14 E, then left/North on Hwy 141 to Trout Lake.
I was a little anxious on the drive, pacing back and forth, so Carole pulled over a couple of times to let me out of the car.
Our first stop in Trout Lake was the MT. ADAMS RANGER STATION. where we picked up great maps and information. We also found out dogs are allowed on the trails, yippee, and no permits or fees required, double yippee!
From there we headed over to the HEAVENLY GROUNDS & STATION CAFE (where I might add, we had most of our meals) for lunch. They have a great pet-friendly picnic area out back, and delicious Huckleberry Pie to boot!
After lunch we checked into the TROUT LAKE COZY CABINS (aptly named, Cozy, with 5 cabins of varying sizes nestled off the hwy) where we spent two nights.
We had Cabin #1, the Songbird, and smallest cabin. There are all sorts of amenities, including a dog bed and bowl for me! Each Cabin comes with a gas fireplace, TV, and Kitchenette with microwave, coffee pot, toaster, small refrigerator, a small electric skillet, plates, cups, wine glasses, silverware, as well as an outdoor BBQ and picnic table. I think I could actually live here!
Our friends had their own cabin which was equally as cozy.
DAY 2 – LANGFIELD FALLS, SLEEPING BEAUTY, and NATURAL BRIDGES
First we ate Breakfast at the CAFE before heading out on our day’s adventure.
Then it was off to LANGFIELD FALLS, Trail #8, for our first hike of the day. The road to the Falls was littered with branches and other debris from recent storms creating a driving obstacle course.
When we got to the Parking Area there was no one else in sight and Che and Dharma were soon out of their car and off like a shot, up and over the mound of snow that blocked the trail entrance, while I looked longingly after them wanting to run free too. Thanks to our neighbors, Carole hesitantly agreed to let me off-leash, even though she was nervous about the narrow trail and thundering waterfall.
This is a short hike .5 roundtrip to the Falls and back. No Permit Required.
Our neighbors and my friends Che and Dharma.
Next we headed to SLEEPING BEAUTY Trail #37. To get to the trailhead we drove what seemed like forever up a narrow winding gravel road with a lot of chuckholes, passing beautiful Dogwood and Indian Paintbrush along the way.
When we finally reached the top, there were quite a few cars parked up and down the dirt road. We were surprised to find it was so packed. I immediately headed uphill off-leash with my friends and new found freedom leaving Carole in my dust.
Eventually I stopped to rest just 25 minutes shy of the top giving Carole time to catch up, and before we headed back down together. We didn’t make it to the summit (we were told there was a spectacular view,) but still felt good about our effort.
This is a 2.8 mile roundtrip hike with a 1400′ elevation gain. No Permit Required.
We then decided it was time for a break, so we headed back to town for a snack at what had become OUR CAFE (Huckleberry milkshake and fries) before taking our last drive of the day to the NATURAL BRIDGES, a short, flat .5 out and back…you won’t want to miss these cool natural bridges!
All in all, I give this trip Four Paws Up! We had a great time with our Friends, loved our Cozy Songbird Cabin, the Cafe, and Hikes. We both decided we can’t wait to come back to Trout Lake and Mt. Adams to do it all again…and more!
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=31184
- 2455 Hwy 141, Trout Lake, WA 98650
- 509-395-3402
- Summer (mid-June-Labor Day) Open 7 days a week 8a-4:30p
- For Trail Information check the website above and we recommend All Trails website too
www.troutlakecozycabins.com
- 2291 Hwy 141, Trout Lake, WA 98650
- 509-395-2068
- Pet Cleaning Fee
HEAVENLY GROUNDS & STATION CAFE
- 2374 Hwy 141, Trout Lake, WA 98650
- 509-395-2211
- Summer Hours 7a-8p (Note: Espresso Shop closes earlier)
- Winter Hours 7a-6p
CODY’S PACKING LIST
- Dog Food
- Medications
- Dog Treats
- Brush
- Dog Bowls
- Sheet
- Paw Butter for my paws
- Dog First Aid Kit (we keep in car)
- Water
- Fleece Vest (for cooler temperatures)
- Regular Leash and Hands-free Leash
- Dog Waste Bags
Fun times with Cody dog! Hike ON!
Cody’s blogger personality is really peppy! Thanks for all the good trip tips! I always find, “what’s good for the dog….is usally pretty great for everybody.” These trips seem FUN and REPLACABLE. Thank you!