Weekend Gem-Bear Point
Wow, what a great spring trip that this was! I went to Bear Point up high in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite local high Cascade peaks. If you want a longer extended trip, I suggest starting by the old guard station next to the Breitenbush Resort, at the beginning of the S. Breitenbush River Trail and following it up to Bear Point. But, it is 14.5 miles one way to the Point, so if you are only out for a day hike or are looking for an easier hike start from the upper trailhead instead, it is only 3.8 miles then. Anyway, the river trail goes through some great old growth doug fir forests as it winds higher into the wilderness, make sure you take a look into the Gorge on the way. The way to this narrow slot canyon is not marked, but if you listen to the river for the roar and look for the trees with the hand holds, you should be able to find it just fine. I was surprised to get all the way to 4400 ft. before I hit serious snow and found an epic camp spot with a view of the mountain hidden at the saddle of the ridge just before the intersection to Bear Point. That trail was also mostly free of snow too, the southwest facing slopes that the trail switchbacks up were open to great views of the Wilderness and even had some small spring flowers growing. However, when the last 1/8 of a mile switches to a southern facing slope, I hit a bunch of crusty snow piled up a few feet on a fairly mellow grade, so bring microspikes for the last bit.
The Gorge
Great old growth doug firs and cedars line the way!
Roaring Creek
Bear Point from the ridge saddle