Between Estacada and the Ripplebrook Ranger Station on highway 224, you can exit on Memaloose Road. If you continue along for about 12 miles you will come to an easy uphill hikethat has great visual rewards. The views from the top of the Memaloose Lake hike are breathtaking. You can see Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. St. Helens and the Three Sisters. You will encounter many beautiful and exotic plants, cross the creek a few times and enjoy a beautiful lake halfway up to the top of the mountain viewpoint. I went last spring with Cub Scout Pack 717. It was a fabulous day for a hike.
This photo was snapped from the top of the viewpoint.
The hike takes you into a canopy of old growth trees that is carpeted by ferns, moss, shamrocks and trilliums.
The Rhodedendron is a common plant found in the forest in the Pacific Northwest. It comes in many colors, but the light pink shown here is common in the forest in this region.
Memaloose Lake. About halfway up to the top, you will find a great place to have a lunch or snack. You can camp up here, but you must pack in.
Here we all are! You can spend quite a bit of time enjoying the views and trying to figure out which mountains you are seeing. This hike is a must if you are planning on seeing some great sights in and around Estacada.
This hike is a quick drive from the Sandy, Gresham and Estacada, Oregon areas. To learn more about these communities or to search local Real Estate please go to www.johnlscott.com/valerieharvey
This post is brought to you by Valerie Harvey, your local Gresham & Sandy, Oregon Realtor.
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