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| Topographic map (follow trail North to South) |
Route: Trail 626 from Vista Ridge trailhead, 2.5 miles to user trail continuing up the ridge. South another 1.5 miles to the top of Barrett Spur. Descent via same path.
Stats: 8.1 miles (3,600' gain)
Notes: Trail 626 links up with the old Vista Ridge trail after 0.3 miles. After filling out our wilderness pass at the kiosk, we continued uphill at a fast pace, gaining 1,300' and 2.5 miles in just under an hour. After a quick peanut butter snack, we left the trail and started up the direct, steep slope to the base of Barrett Spur. Gaining 1,500' in only 1 mile, we finally started up the steep user trail on the north ridge of the spur proper. We quickly discovered the slick, transparent sheets of ice on the north side of most rocks, and proceeded with caution until gaining the summit of the first and lower of Barrett Spur's 2 peaks. Looking south, the view of Mt. Hood's daunting north face was incredible, glaciers and steep faces making us feel small. Looking across the ridge to the true summit of the spur, I continued until the start of the final climb, where the ice and exposed nature convinced me to halt. Ryan proceeded on to the summit (you can see him at the top), then returned for a lunch break of epic proportions. Our perch felt like the top row of a movie theater, with Mounts St. Helens, Ranier, and Adams the stars. The clouds beneath us began to thicken and race towards us, so we began the steep trek back down to the car.
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