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ENJOY!
Hike Coordinator: Missy Kroeker
Narration by Missy Kroeker
Cone Peak/Iron Mountain trail is known for its spectacular wildflower show this time of year and amazing views of iconic Oregon peaks but…….
It was Independence Day weekend, there was an excessive heat advisory in effect, a two- and half-hour drive to the trailhead at Tombstone Pass and the trail description labeled it as HARD. My husband, Michael, and I took bets if anyone would show up for this hike. Surprisingly, two other hearty souls came driving into the parking lot that morning, Erika and Terry. Erika, a first time FOU hiker and Terry, long time avid hiker and friend, were the only two brave enough for this hike. So, Michael looked at me and said, “I guess we’re going.”
The long drive seemed shorter as we caught up with friend Terry and got to know our new friend Erika. The trailhead parking lot was not crowded but it was warm as we headed out. The start of this trail is a nice little quarter mile of shady forest to Tombstone Prairie then heads up and across the highway where the ascent starts. The next section of trail is traversing switch backs through beautiful forest with a smattering of wildflowers before it opens out onto the rocky open hillside where “wildflower heaven” begins. This amazing beauty distracted us from the climb and heat. Continuing through a variety of rocky outcroppings crowned with wildflowers of all sorts and shady forest, we arrived at the trail junction to the Iron Mountain lookout.
The heat and climb were taking their toll on our tired legs. We decided to find a shady, breezy spot with a view to eat lunch and rest. After a switch back or two, Terry spotted a stone bench that fit the bill. Once we had rested and replenished our bodies with food, we set off for the hardest part of this trail. It’s .7 miles to the top, but it can seem like 7 miles, especially in the heat of the day. All the hard work paid off in a sense of accomplishment as we made it to the top of Iron Mountain along a trail lined with never ending wildflowers and truly stunning mountain views.
The heat at the exposed lookout platform finally chased us back down the trail to the junction of the Cone Peak trail. Now, we were headed back to Tombstone Pass. A long shady forested descent to recross the highway and make our way to the parking lot.
Back at the car, we enjoyed some iced watermelon and cold sparkling water that I had stashed in an ice chest in the trunk of the car. We replaced our hiking shoes with sandals as we rubbed ice on our necks and recounted the beauties and challenges of the trail. Isn’t this why we hike? The physical challenge to experience the beauty of creation and the fellowship of friends old and new?
“God spoke today in flowers. And I, who was waiting on words almost missed the conversation.”
– Ingrid Goff-Maidoff –
Pictures below by Missy Kroeker
