This hike description is actually two hikes in one. The first part of this hike takes you to a destination in its own, Grassy Knoll. The remainder of this dialog takes you on to Big Huckleberry Mountain.

The trail begins just off Forest Road #68 and begins climbing immediately. The trail climbs steadily through dense forested areas as it makes its way to a outstanding viewpoint about a mile into the hike.

The trail works its way over to the edge of an uplift where you get fantastic views of a lava flow valley and Mt Adams peeking out from behind Little Huckleberry Mountain. In season, this hike is about as floral as it gets.

Shortly after the trail reaches the ridge line of the uplift, you will find yourself looking up at Grassy Knoll. The trail gets steeper at this point, but its only a short climb to the top of the knoll. Here you are treated to excellent views of the Columbia River Gorge and Mt Hood peeking out from behind Mt Defiance.

This place on the hike is a worthy destination in itself, but for those who want more of a challenge, just retrace the last couple hundred feet of the trail and bear left on the trail that leads up the ridge line.

This ridge line trail will take up through floral meadows with wonderful views of the surrounding terrain. At about 3 miles into the hike, the trail takes a left turn into a densely forested area where you will remain for the next couple miles. This part of the trail wanders up and down in elevation, eventually climbing steeply to meet the Pacific Crest Trail #2000.

As soon as you meet the PCT, you will leave it by follow a spur trail to the right which leads to the top of Big Huckleberry Mountain.

When you reach the top you will be treated to excellent views of Mt Adams to the northeast, and Mt Hood to the south. In season, this too is a floral garden.

Mt Hood Oregon as seen from Grassy Knoll

From Portland, OR
From Portland, travel east on Interstate Hwy 84 to Exit 44 to Cascade Locks. Exit the freeway and cross over the Columbia River into Washington via the Bridge of the Gods. Then turn right, or east, and head east through Stevenson, Washington to the intersection of the Wind River Highway to Carson, Washington. Bear left onto the Wind River Highway which will take you through Carson, Washington.

from Vancouver, WA
From Vancouver, WA travel east on SR14 through Stevenson, Washington to the intersection of the Wind River Highway to Carson, Washington. Bear left onto the Wind River Highway which will take you through Carson, Washington.

from Carson, WA
About 4 miles from SR14 you will come to the Bear Creek Road on your right. Turn right onto this road and follow it east. It will become Forest Road 6808. Continue on this rugged gravel mountain road for about 10.8 miles from the Wind River Highway and you will come to a junction with Forest Road 68. Bear left at this point onto FR68 and follow this seasonally rough road for about another 2 miles. Then on your right you will see the parking area and trailhead for this hike.