Grassy Knoll and Big Huckleberry Mountain came through with spectacular views and ample displays of wildflowers, even in midsummer. At 8:45 a.m. the temperature was 50 degrees and low-level clouds obscured distant peaks, but the temperature rose to the low 60s and the clouds lifted by noon, fully revealing snow-capped mounts Hood and Adams plus dozens of forested peaks to the far horizons.

The one (expected) disappointment was that the spring and early summer wildflowers on Grassy Knoll were past blooming, leaving Grassy Knoll an uninspiring expanse of brown and tan ground cover. In compensation, the woods and forest edges of other meadows had wildflowers blooming in profusion—Foamflower, Woodland Beardtongue, Yellow Hawkweed, Paintbrush, Sickletop Lousewort, Hooker’s Onion, Mountain Aster, and Western Red Columbine. For much of the hike, huckleberry bushes lined the trail filled with fat, ripe, juicy berries, packing a wallop of flavor: first sweet, then tart—a treat throughout the hike.

The trail is in excellent shape to Grassy Knoll, and more or less level after the relatively steep first mile. From Grassy Knoll to Big Huckleberry Mountain it’s occasionally so overgrown with masses of flowering Woodland Beardtongue, Angelica, and Ocean Spray arching over it that you wouldn’t guess there was a trail was under all the foliage. It was easy enough to push aside the bushes with their dozens of bees on the blossoms.

From Grassy Knoll onward, Mount Adams revealed and concealed itself behind trees or Little Huckleberry Mountain, and Mount Hood appeared on the horizon with a view to the south. The Whisky Creek Fire burning in the Columbia River Gorge was sending so much smoke eastward across the lower reaches of Mount Hood that the mountain sometimes seemed to be floating on a white pillow.

No other cars on Forest Road 6808 or FR 68 on the drive to the trailhead or at the trailhead upon arrival or upon return; no other human beings encountered during the whole 11.7 miles hike. Bear Creek Road once it turns into gravel Forest Road 6808 had series of potholes here and there that required slowing down to 5 miles an hour or less, but the road seemed in no worse shape than most other forest roads. And the hike was well worth driving through potholes to the trailhead: The trail alternates flower-filled woods, open meadows, and breathtaking views all the way to Big Huckleberry Mountain.

Did an overnight at Big Huckleberry. Wildflowers popping off at Grassy Knoll and for the next mile or so. 

Water at Cold Spring, and another small stream just past there on the trail. Not sure how long these water sources will be there for. Note that Cold Spring camp is right next to the trail, so there is not much privacy although this seems to be a pretty quiet trail. 

Several small spots to camp at the top, with views of Wy'east and some obscured views of Pahto. Some biting flies, mosquitos seemed to wait until dusk to come out. 

Overall a nice overnight, great way to have spent the solstice. This is a nice option if you need to start your hike in a little later in the day. 

Road is a little rough but most vehicles shouldn't have a problem reaching the trailhead. 

Great day hike!

Spectacular! Hiked 2+ miles beyond grassy knoll. Didn't make it to the top, but it was a beautiful hike, beautiful blooms, snow not a problem. A few trees to hop over, but no problem there. I didn't use bug spray, but recommend brining it as it can't buggy; especially in low wind areas. Go now! Flowers are awesome!!!

Backpacked up to Cold Springs Camp from Grassy Knoll trailhead 7/23-7/24. Only saw two other parties the whole trip, and neither were backpacking. This was good because Cold Springs Camp is really the only decent campsite that's near water on the trail. 2-3 tents could fit in the campsite. The spring isn't huge, but was totally adequate for drinking water. No biting bugs at camp and nice wildflowers blooming on the Knoll. Pretty steep ascent up to the Knoll, which was a good workout. 

After setting up camp, we hiked up to Big Huckleberry mountain and, at the recommendation of other reviewers, 0.25 mile past the Big Huckleberry trail on the PCT to a great Adams view. We thoroughly enjoyed this, though the views are not all that different from what you see on the Knoll trail.

Road to the trailhead is passable in anything with some clearance (I had a Rav-4). I wouldn't bring a sedan up it, but you probably could if you went slow and were confident. There are a decent amount of potholes, branches sticking into the road, etc. as well as the road being narrow.

Overall, it was a great trip! Would definitely go back.