Old Holgate Hike
From Portland Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Holgate Trailhead
- End point:Powell Butte Main Trailhead
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type:Out and Back
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Elevation gain: 310 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Seasons: Year round
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: Yes
Contents |
Hike Description
There are several old roads in our region that have turned into popular trails. The Historic Columbia River Highway Trail is probably the most famous, but there's also the Weldon Wagon Road, the Santiam Wagon Road and others. Within the city limits of Portland there's another mostly forgotten road. What was once Holgate Road across Powell Butte is now the Old Holgate Trail.
This hike starts at a somewhat hidden, small trailhead and follows the trail for it's entire length. The first part of the trail is a timbered traverse across the north face of Powell Butte. There's a large water pipe on part of the road, but the hike manages to remain fairly remote feeling in spite of the clutter. Buttercups, candy flower and trilliums line the trail in spring and rabbits and squirrels are common. At 2/10 of a mile, there's a small trail leading down the hill to the left to 148th Avenue.
At about 1/2 mile, the Old Holgate Trail emerges from the forest as it crosses a modern service road. Continuing straight ahead, the trail now passes through an old pasture next to mid-century era cement water courses. There are great views of Mount Hood, Mount Adams and Mount Saint Helens. Soon, you'll come to the Mountain View Trail, a universal access trail leading to the top of Powell Butte. For this hike, turn left and walk the short distance to the main parking lot. There are public bathrooms and picnic tables here.
To return, head straight out the west end of the lot on the Goldfinch Trail. This trail leads right back to the Old Holgate Trail and you can return the way you came.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Regulations or restrictions, etc
- None
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Old Holgate Hike
- (Click here to add your own)
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Old Holgate Hike
- (Click here to ask a question or start a conversation)
Guidebooks that cover this hike
More Links
- See more information at Describe the link here
Contributors
- Stevefromdodge (creator)