Mt. Hood from Timberline Trail #600 at Bald Mountain.

After hiking to Ramona Falls last week, I thought about trying a new hike at Bald Mountain, a butte located north of Ramona Falls. I needed a new hike destination anyway. I drove fifty mile from my house to the Top Spur Trailhead located along Forest Service Road 1828-118. The dogs jumped out of the car and began racing up the trail.

I headed through the woods southbound on the Timberline Trail #600 as my dogs ran ahead of me loose. I noted the trail began curving to the east and then the forest ended as Mt. Hood came into view. I also saw the narrow trail running alongside a steep hillside with some steep drops.

My dogs are clueless to what might happen if they strayed off the trail. Henry was curious about the cliff ledge, so I leashed the coupler to both their harness, attached the leash to the coupler and to the carabiner attached to my camera pack belt. Immediately both my Labs decided they wanted to tow me along the trail or wrap me with the leash, which I saw this as a real potential problem.

Right then I aborted moving forward, turned around and headed back to the trailhead. I may have to revisit Bald Mountain without the dogs. I might feel guilty leaving the two at home the next time around, but that is better than losing one or both dogs, or all three of us in some mishap.

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