Day Hikes

New Zealand: Mt Taranaki

Published July 2018 by Trevor. Updated August 2021.

Attempting to summit Mt Taranaki (aka, Mt Egmont) is a test of both endurance and weather, irrespective of the season.

The view to the summit. — Looking up to the summit.

On this day in January, it was cloudy, windy and wet with the odd rock slide to boot.

Navigating the landslide — Navigating the rock slide.

While we didn’t quite make the summit due to the inclement weather, we did the next best thing and decided on a traverse below the summit.

Hardy hikers — The hardy hikers heading off.

Navigating our way using a map, crisscrossing a raging river on a traverse below the summit and getting lost was an interesting challenge. Topography map reading skills that day came in very handy, along with a fair degree of perseverance with very wet feet and boots.

dramatic terrain — The terrain is quite dramatic!

We came across some fellow trampers coming in the opposite direction who exclaimed ‘but we’re not wet’. “Hah, but you will soon be’, I uttered quietly under my breath.

My partner’s brother and his son, who live in New Plymouth, climb this mountain a few times a year. From all accounts, they are very agile and fast in both getting up and down. Next time, we plan to summit with them, weather permitting!

Onwards and upwards!

Trevor

Insights

Mt Taranaki summit is 2,518m (8,261ft).
The summit is 6.3km (3.91mi) one way, return via same track from the car park at North Egmont.
Allow 5-6 hours up; 3-4 hours down (dependant on the weather).

Surrounding view of the Egmont National Park

In winter/spring conditions, snow and ice on the mountain requires New Zealand mountaineering experience and alpine equipment and a different route.
The best time of year to attempt the summit without alpine equipment is February to mid April. Always check with the Egmont National Park Visitor Centre for up to date information as conditions can change suddenly. Thick cloud can descend suddenly on the mountain anytime, making navigation very difficult – be prepared to turn back.

Holly Hut – one of the Department of Conservation huts on the track

While the distance may not seem far to the summit – it’s the elevation gain that will get you puffing. In 6.3km (3.9mi) from North Egmont to the summit area, the gain in height is 1,600m (5,249ft) – that’s steep!
Mt Taranaki has great spiritual significance to local Maori: the crater and summit is the sacred head of Taranaki, the rocks and ridge are his bones, rivers his blood and plants and trees are his cloak and offer protection from the weather.

Note: There is nowhere in Taranaki to hire ice axe and crampons/alpine equipment or tramping gear. Either bring your own or hire gear prior to your arrival.
Check out the latest weather forecast for Egmont National Park before you set out.
You might also like our posts on Climbing Mt Taranaki and Discover Your Perseverance

Australia: Bluff Knoll

Published May 2018 by Trevor. Updated July 2020.

Having been born and bred in Western Australia, and staying on my Uncle and Auntie’s farm near the foot of the Stirling Ranges, I would often look up and marvel at this lovely peak called Bluff Knoll (1,095m/3,592ft). ‘One day I will climb that peak’, I said quietly to myself – well it only took me some 50 years. Better late, than never!

Bluff Knoll is Western Australia’s second highest peak – the highest is Mt. Meharry, 1,249m.

Rocky outcrop on Bluff Knoll — Bluff Knoll – somewhat clouded over

While small by our standards, it’s still a challenging climb due to the inclement weather that often blows in off the Southern Ocean, with snow often found at the top. So I chose to do it in winter! On this day, while it was literally ‘hosing’ down several kilometres away, it was dry at the start of the track and sunny. The spectacular peak, which you often encounter 360 degree views of the countryside below, was this day clouded in mist which added to the eerie atmosphere of the day.

The climb up for the first hour is relatively easy, utilising steps. After that, you head up through an old river bed then a zig zag across a saddle and on a well made trail to the top. I say the top, but due to all the mist and clouds around us, the only way of telling that you were at the top was that there was ‘no more up’ to climb. Just make sure you follow the markers as we encountered a few hikers that had gotten lost.

Anyway, it was nice to grab a rock for a seat, dangle our legs over a ledge and marvel at the ‘so called scenery’ below, eat our sandwich and contemplate life. Then it was time to head back down the same way we came up.

Unfortunately, while the views from the top were not forthcoming, I will always hold dear to my heart and marvel at the gorgeous views from my early childhood which will remain with me forever.

Onwards and upwards!

Trevor

Bluff Knoll as seen from the car park, with the hike starting from the shelter on the right.

Insights

Before heading out, download the local forecasts – Bureau of Meteorology and Mountain Weather.
Bluff Knoll is located within the Stirling Range National Park. A small fee is payable at the entrance to the National Park – AUD13.
Pack a warm fleece and rain jacket as the weather can change very dramatically at the top.
Bluff Knoll is a 6km round trip from the car park trail head. Approximately, 2 hours up and 1 1/2 hours down.

The elevation profile of the hike – steep up and down!

The Stirling Range is renowned for its unusual, and sometimes spectacular cloud formations. The Aboriginal name for the range, Koi Kyenunu-ruff, means ‘mist rolling around the mountains’ – obviously, a frequently seen occurrence. The range is also one of few places in Western Australia where snow occasionally falls.
For further information, go to the Department of Parks and Wildlife.

Stirling Ranges — Stirling Range National Park

USA: Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Published February 2018 by Trevor. Updated February 2021.

Looking for a short day hike just out of Portland? Well, a hike to the top of Multnomah Falls, 542ft (165m), may just whet your appetite – and more so. Located on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge, adjacent to the Columbia River, there are several hiking options or loops you can take.

We did the loop from the base of Multnomah Falls Lodge, to the top of the Falls along a well kept trail, then hooking right to Wahkeena Springs descending back down to Lemmon Viewpoint and Wahkeena Falls, before closing the loop back to our starting point at Multnomah Falls Lodge – all up around 6.2miles (10km), 3 hours.

Hiking Map Multnomah Falls — Hiking trails around Multnomah Falls, with our trail highlighted in yellow.

Multnomah Falls Trail — The track is good quality at the start and becomes more rocky and uneven further up.

Multnomah Falls is a 45-60 minute drive from Portland.

Onwards and upwards!

Trevor

Insights

With picnic areas and lots of hikes to choose from, the area tends to get very crowded.

Finding a park can be tricky on a weekend especially during summer months so suggest arriving early – before 10am. Parking is free.

If doing the loop from Multomah Falls, beware the trail can be quite rocky and uneven so may be wise to wear sturdy footwear.

Take adequate water, especially on a warm-hot day which you tend to get in Oregon during the summer months.
For other ideas on what to do around Portland, Oregon click here for a 2 day itinerary or read this post on Eagle Cap Wilderness

USA: Tolmie Peak, Mt Rainier National Park

Published December 2017 by Trevor. Updated February 2021.

Planning on visiting Seattle, we wanted to climb Mt. Rainier (4,392m/14,410 ft). As all bookings with established climbing guides were booked out well in advance, the next best thing was to try and see it up close and personal. So, with a limited amount of time, the advice was to hike up to Tolmie Peak to an old fire lookout, where the views of Mt. Rainier are literally ‘in your face’. That’s of course provided there is no smoke from wildfires – more on that later.

Getting there

Most people set off from the parking area at Mowich Lake campground, heading round the west side of Mowich Lake. But you can also park at the trailhead before on the left side of the road, near Mowich Lake – saves you around 1.6km (1 mile). Follow the trail through open lowland forest along the west side of the lake, gaining elevation gradually, and then on increasingly steep grade as you move away from the lake up to tiny Ipsut Pass approximately 3.2km (2 miles) from the trailhead. This pass is part of the Wonderland Trail – look down the other side of it to get an idea of how steep sections of this iconic trail are.

Trail through the forest — The trail winds through forested areas

If you want views of Mt. Rainier, continue past the lake for the final uphill grind. It’s a steep 1.6km (1 mile) to Tolmie Peak and the lookout.

Looking south, Mt. Rainier is huge from this vantage point, and Eunice Lake glittering at the bottom of Tolmie Peak makes for a fantastic photo from here. We were also lucky on the day to bump into a ranger who let us into the fire lookout – a lot of history here and nice spot to stop, contemplate life and have a snack.

Eunice Lake and Mt Rainier — Mt Rainier and Eunice Lake from Tolmie Peak on a good day. Photo: skibum

Oh, yes – I nearly forgot. The wildfires, emanating both from British Columbia and now Oregon blew in quite a lot of smoke which limited our views of Mt Rainier, but was still a great hike up to Tolmie Peak.

Hazy view Eunice Lake Mt Rainier — Hazy and smoky view overlooking Eunice Lake towards Mt Rainier on a not-so-good day

Onwards and upwards.

Trevor

Insights

If driving from Seattle, it’s around 2 hours one way to the Tolmie Peak trail head at Mowich Lake. Take Mowich Lake Road, which is beyond the Carbon River Gorge bridge, right outside of the town of Carbonado. Turn right onto Mowich Lake Road and follow it for about 27km (17 miles) to its end. Note that this road is loose gravel, and can be rough in places with lots of pot holes. You could consider driving an SUV, though we drove a normal sedan – just take it slowly. The trailhead is on the left side of the road, near Mowich Lake.

The trail is listed as 12km (7.5 miles) roundtrip. There is no reason to drive all the way to Mowich Lake Campground – unless you want to of course. Parking at the Tolmie Peak trailhead, on the west side of Mowich Lake will save you about 1.6km (1 mile) each way. All up around 3.5 hours return.

The trail itself is well sign posted. Follow the signs towards Ipsut Pass, turning left and descend 30-60m (100-200 ft) just before you reach the pass. From here it is mostly uphill, but the grade isn’t too bad. From here you will catch your first views of the lookout tower. Continue West along the lake’s edge and ascend the ridgeline Northwest of Eunice Lake until you reach the lookout tower.
Elevation gain is around 455m (1,492 ft).

A National Park Pass is required to access hiking trails in the park – cash only.
We undertook this hike towards the end of summer in August. In late autumn/early winter I imagine it would be difficult because of snow.

Summit ridgeline — The summit ridgeline – lookout tower on the left

New Zealand: Tongariro Alpine Winter Crossing

Published December 2017 by Trevor. Updated September 2021.

The Tongariro Alpine winter Crossing with its amazing views is awe-inspiring. So, after having hiked it in summer, it was time to try it over winter.

Often described as one of New Zealand’s greatest day hikes, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing can be a challenging journey across a remarkable volcanic landscape. Even more so in winter.

The snow and skyline provide for some spectacular shots

For safety reasons, we would recommend taking a guide during the winter months. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is covered with snow and ice and the trail can often be hard to navigate. Plus, conditions can change very quickly leading to white out conditions.

Get your gear on – ice axe, crampons (depending on snow and ice levels) and helmet

The crossing from end-to-end is 19km, so would recommend an early start. It can also be a bit of a long hot slog once the snow conditions deteriorate, especially on a sunny day.

It’s easy to overheat on the uphill climb on a sunny day

After the Ketetahi hut, there is a lengthy descent back to the Ketetahi Car Park (end of the crossing).

Prepare to glissade some sections – with expert guidance!

Onwards and upwards!

Trevor

Insights

You can do this self guided if experienced, ensuring you have the right equipment for snow and ice conditions eg. hiking boots, warm jacket, waterproof trousers, backpack, crampons, ice axe and helmet (included for free if you book a guided crossing).

Taking the right gear is essential – hiking poles are also helpful when not using an ice axe

Beware of any volcanic activity on the mountain

Take at least 2 litres of water and food or snacks as there is no place on the crossing where you can obtain it – otherwise it will be a very long 19km to your pickup.

Dramatic views of Mt Ngauruhoe, aka Mt Doom in Lord of the Rings

It takes around 8-9 hours to undertake the winter crossing, depending on conditions – this compares to around 6-7 hours in summer.
A good level of fitness is recommended.

If you want to go with a guided group with equipment supplied in the price, we recommend adventureoutdoors.co.nz or adrift.co.nz.

Great photo opportunities which are quite different to the summer crossing

Avoid wearing sports shoes and cotton clothes.

The weather is ever changeable, so having the right gear is crucial

Ensure you have arranged transport pick up at the end of the crossing – otherwise it’s a long walk home.