Burnt Out

I went camping this past weekend, at a nice little spot between Hood River and the north side of Mount Hood in the Cascades. I had my heart set on doing the Cooper Spur hike, a solid trek at 8000 foot elevation, but the road to the trailhead was closed -- and this is why. Forest fires wrecked havoc on the area last fall. So instead we did a 7 mile trip up to Tilly Jane shelter, and I hate to say it, but the destruction was stunning. The trail was covered in inches of ash, like walking in sand, and there were gnarled, scorched trees as far as you could see. But, if you looked close enough, you'd see signs of the green returning. I'd love to do it again next year and gauge the regeneration.