Around Bonney Meadows
For a loop hike further off the beaten path this exploration around Bonney Meadows and Boulder Lake was a nice excursion. I started from Bonney Meadows campground (popular despite the rough roads to access) and went south on the Hidden Meadows Trail which skirts the perimeter of the meadow, with some lovely views of Mt. Hood Beyond. The trail continues south and downhill through forest regrowth, a trail more used and maintained by bikers. Where it crossed Forest Road 4881 121, I followed the road east, over swamp creek and found the Forest Creek Trail heading north, although I left it later for the road to hike to Little Boulder Lake and then on down to Boulder Lake for some swimming and sunning on the rocky shore before climbing back up on the trail to return to Bonney Springs. A 8.4 mile loop with 1100 feet of elevation. While in the area I also visited Bonney Butte, parking at the road and hiking up the road to the former lookout and hawk watch site.