Читать книгу Afoot and Afield: Portland/Vancouver. A Comprehensive Hiking Guide онлайн

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At about 1.5 miles a railroad track crosses the river and parallels the trail. A nice highlight comes at 1.9 miles when you reach a lovely unnamed lake on the north side of the trail. Here you can look for wildlife such as deer and a variety of birds or eat lunch on a small bench and picnic table at the lake’s west end. The trail’s last 0.5 mile are paved and include a bridge over a small but very attractive side creek just before trail’s end at the Hantwick Road Trailhead.

While in the area, take the time to check out Lucia Falls, in a small county park 0.3 mile west of the Hantwick Road turnoff. Swimming is not allowed here to protect the fish, but the cascading falls is picturesque and well worth a visit.

TRIP 6 Bells Mountain Trail

Distance 4.2 miles, Out-and-back; 7.5 miles, Point-to-point Elevation Gain 1100 feet, Out-and-back; 1800 feet, Point-to-point Hiking Time 2 to 8 hours Optional Map USGS Dole, Yacolt (trail not shown) Usually Open February to November Best Time February to November Trail Use Dogs OK, mountain biking, horseback riding Agency Yacolt State Forest Difficulty Moderate to Difficult

HIGHLIGHTS The relatively new Bells Mountain Trail serves as a useful link between the trails in Moulton Falls County Park and the extensive network of trails around Silver Star Mountain. Although not wildly scenic, the trail is fun because it is hikeable nearly all year, includes some nice views and creekside scenery, and gives you a good workout. On the downside, the middle section of the trail is unattractive since it passes through several clear-cuts and illegal all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) have badly damaged the tread. At either end, however, the trail is quite lovely and fun to explore.