Because of smoke and heat, this hike was postponed 3 times, but we finally enjoyed the Table Rock trail with cool temperatures and a breeze. Amazingly, we had the trail to ourselves. When does this happen??
My hikers had never been on the trail before, so it was fun to introduce them to a favorite of mine.
We were able to scramble over and under some blowdown on the trail and pick our way carefully across the long stretch of rockfall. We took the "secret" loop on the way down and were happy to use the "easy" way out.
We enjoyed a long lunch with some huckleberry gleaning and napping at the top. Sadly, the haze completely obliterated the view of the mountains. We were tickled to see that the gorgeous gentian was blooming in spite of the drought.
It was decided by all that this hike should be listed as difficult.
Very happy hikers were: Nancy Tucek, Sumon Montri, J. Elizabeth Seibert, David McKenna and Mary Coleman, leader.
The columnar basalt of Table Rock.
David McKenna, Nancy Tucek, Sumon Montri and Mary Coleman heading out over the rock fall below Table Rock.
Photo by Elizabeth Seibert.
Another view of the group showing the surrounding area.
Gentian in the sunlight.
