Columbia River Gorge NSA Table Mountain Hike Hike 33 Length: 8 miles with loop Elevation Change: 3200' gain Season: Late spring thru fall Difficulty:    Very Difficult due to length of hike and elevation gained Permit:   No Pass Required unless you start at Bonneville Dam TH Features: This is a hike that I've always promoted begining at the Bonneville Dam trailhead. However, since I hiked this hike from the same trailhead as Aldrich Butte, well, I just don't see any sense in telling hikers that the only way to hike this mountain is the hard way. There are those who feel as though we might be tresspassing by approaching either Table Mountain or Aldrich Butte from the powerline road, but I see this hike promoted by those who have businesses in the gorge, so I would imagine as long as we are civil and leave no debris, all will be well. Having said that, let's talk about the hike. The beginning of this hike from the powerline road is on an old abandoned road. Over time this road has been rutted and overgrown but still represents an excellent approach to Table Mountain. At about three quarters of a mile you will see the road to Aldrich Butte. Keep straight ahead and continue to climb. At approximately 2 miles you will encounter the Pacific Crest Trail. Follow the PCT for another mile and you will cross over a ridge where you will see a users trail leaving the PCT and headed up Table Mountain. Follow this trail. It is at this point that the hike up Table Mountain becomes a difficult endeavor. The trail up this mountain is interesting and fun. When you arrive at the summit, you will be pleasantly surprised. The top of basically level and three sided. Bear to the left and walk along the western flank until you reach a point of the triangle on the north. Depending on the weather, you can see Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. St. Helens from this end. Then follow a trail to the point on the southeastern side of the mountain. Here you will be standing at the abrupt cliff face of Table Mountain, so use extreme caution. This is a dangerous place to be. The views, of course, are magnificent. On a clear day you can see Mt. Hood to the south. You can return to the trail you used to get on top of the mountain by walking westward, but instead of going back to the north point, just bushwack a very short distance and you will come to that trail. Desend accordingly. A Virtual Hike in the Columbia River Gorge NSA All for the love of hiking!