Toothpick and Gyre Loop

A record number of hikers at 28 strong joined our hike today. Challenged with the large turnout, we organized into three groups at the Toothpick TH on Tolman Creek Road.

Richard led the faster group destined for Lewis Lookout for lunch, taking in the Gyre loop on the way. Cindy led the slower group up Toothpick, Caterpillar, along one side of Gyre and down past Gimble to Lewis Lookout. Remarkably (actually, thoughtfully), the two groups convened at Lewis for lunch together. Elisabeth shared chocolate Easter eggs and we were off.

On the return, Richard’s group headed for the intersection via other side of Gimble loop and Cindy’s group headed straight back up to the intersection. Along the trail, we saw early wildflowers: Hounds’ Tongue, Snow Queen, Milk Maid, yellow flowers on Oregon Grape, and more. It was a perfect day for this hike, although the clouds obscured the views from top of Gyre Loop and the Toothpick view ot Mt. McLoughlin. Fast group covered 6 miles, moderate group covered 5.5 miles.

After the hike, thirteen of us went to the SOU Schneider Museum to view the new Exhibit, The Presence of Nature. What an appropriate exhibit for our AHG nature lovers to enjoy. The Museum Director provided our group a personalized tour with orientation to the artists and their work. How very fortunate we were for his generosity.

Hike Leader: Elisabeth

Photos By: Kate, Tysen, Valerie