Ruckel Creek Backpacking Trip-Also known as "The Hiked that Kicked my Butt!"

I would like to start this post off by saying that I love backpacking. My family and I have always been interested in challenging ourselves and we don't shy away from a tough trip. On this particular occasion, Josh and I selected Ruckel Creek for a two day, one nighter. The hike is about 6.3 miles in total. It was listed as 'difficult' but having done several desingated 'difficult' hikes that turned out to not be difficult, we thought that premise applied here as well-oh how wrong we were.

Me-the eager beaver :)

The old abandoned Columbia Gorge highway...from wayyyy back when.

Ruckel Creek

Ruckel Creek Falls

The whole trip began with an ominous slope. Josh jokingly said, "Ha ha it's going to be like this the whole way..." We were impressed that the switchbacks themselves, needed switchbacks. It was a bit ridiculous really. We gained 4500 feet of elevation in 6.3 miles! Absolutely beautiful scenery for sure but bloody painful packing.

Right at this moment-Josh and I thought we were getting close! BAHAHAHAHA....not yet....

I really liked this shot-another mountain meadow

I proudly wear Icebreaker clothing! Those New Zealand sheep have great wool!

Stopping to look at the flowers :)

Josh and I kept thinking we were almost done with the uphill and THEN it started. The trail went from switchbacks to literally, straight up. My theory on this is that the guys/gals putting the trail together got sick and tired of switchbacks and thought, heck, we'll just go straight up! By this time, our thighs were thoroughly whipped and we had next to nothing left. We were each carrying 40 and 45 pound packs up the hill. Josh proudly declared

that "this isn't fun anymore" and the clouds descended on our mountain top.

The Cheezits didn't stand a chance! :D

We arrived at Benson Plateau after 5.5 hours of hiking with spaghetti legs and heavy eyelids. With the fog, it looked like we were in J.R.R. Tolkien's world...

Anyways, we got to Benson around 4:30 pm and wandered around looking for our supposed "view". With the fog, we have no idea where it actually was. The temperature had dropped to the mid forties and the fog made it feel even cooler. I gotta say it felt GREAT to take off my boots :)

We quickly cooked up a massive package of Annie's Mac n'Cheese (mmm) and crawled in to our sleeping bags. We were asleep by 6pm. Wow.

The next morning-

arrived and we were up at 7am. We had a fabulous breakfast-courtesy Josh hauling up some Safeway cheesey bagels :)!!!!

Can you tell we were pooped?!

The hike down-We thought it was a nice change

The view back up the trail....daaaaaang

I was stoked on all the foliage...

A beautiful day of hiking!

Soakin' it up!

Josh scanning the area for flat spots for "next time"....we have no plans to go back at this point!

One of the many mountain meadows- complete with a stream!

God bless MSR-we love your filter!

The view looked much better with sunshine!

Would I recommend this hike to anyone? Unless you are wanting an intense training trip, I wouldn't. The trip is entirely uphill and despite some gorgeous views, the ratio of views:scenery is a little skewed. The first 3-4 miles are steep but the last 2 miles feel like they are straight up. There is a spring at about mile three in the mountain meadow (so bring a filter) but after that, no water sources. Once committed to Benson, you are goin' all the way because it is the only flat spot on the hike! Make sure you know what you are in for and then bring lots of calories. Have fun and let me know what you think of the hike if you give it a go!