I parked at the Bridge of the Gods TH to the PCT, hoping to backpack as far as Panther Creek. Just a mile north of the Table Mtn turnoff, I encountered numerous blowdowns and a rough washout. It definitely slowed me down. The bigger disappointment however, was a couple miles beyond that when I encountered several large snow fields. I crossed the first half dozen with trepidation, but finally reached one especially large, sketchy snow slope, and opted to turn back. Also, the trail (particularly up Table Mtn) was buggier than I'd expected for this time of year. 

My friend and I hiked along the PCT from the Bridge of the Gods up to Rock Creek, camped at Rock Creek and then returned to Bridge of the Gods the next day. The trail is in really good condition until the junction with the Table Mountain summit trail. After that, we began to encounter lots of blowdowns. The trees themselves are not big, but they still had a ton of branches on them which made them difficult to navigate. It was very easy to get snagged or caught up by the branches. This slowed our pace and was very annoying. 

Once we reached 3,000 feet in elevation, the trail began to wrap around to an east facing slope. We began to encounter many patches of snow. While annoying, they were not too difficult to navigate. Once we reached the ridge, the trail curved back to the west facing slope and the trail became snow free again. There were also not too many blowdowns during this section. We crossed through an old logging section before re-entering the woods. 

About a mile before the turn off to Three Corner Rock trail, we once again encountered snow patches on an east facing slope above 3,000 feet. The patches eventually turned into continuous snow. Due to the warm temperatures the snow was slushy and we post holed a few times. There were also a few exposed sections that had we slipped on those parts, we could have slid a hundred feet down the mountain. Eventually the trail flattened around about 3200 feet. While it was still snow covered, there was no more danger of sliding down the mountain. We did not have microspikes, but did have poles which were invaluable. There were a few moments I wished I had microspikes.

We reached the junction with Three Corner Rock and decided to try and make it to the summit even though the trail was still covered in snow. Luckily, once we got up to the ridge line, the trail and the summit of Three Corner Rock itself was completely snow free! We scrambled up to the summit and enjoyed some sun. We then returned down the Three Corner Rock trail and got back on the PCT. We began to descend and were finally off the snow around 2800-3000 feet. The trail down to the Three Corner Rock trail was a breeze. 

We then crossed the road back into the forest to continue onto Rock Creek. We encountered some of the worst blowdowns during this last 3-4 mile section. There were several places we had to work our way through branches with pine needles still on them. We eventually made it to Rock Creek after hiking 20 hard miles. There are a few places next to the river where people have appeared to camp, but they violate LNT since they are literally right next to the river. We found a social trail which goes up a small bluff where we found a few flat spots to set up our tents. 

The next day, we returned to Bridge of the Gods. In order to bypass the sketchiest snow crossings, we took the Three Corner Rock trail up to a logging road that runs parallel to the PCT and eventually meets up with it. The logging road was also covered in snow, but since it ran along the top of the wide ridge, it was flat and there was no danger of sliding down the mountain if we fell.

Once we got within 7-8 miles of the Bridge, the bugs started getting annoying. They didn't bother us when we were moving, but when we stopped for a snack break they were buzzing all around us. They didn't seem to bite us but were very annoying.

Overall, we hiked 40 miles. Several of those miles were difficult due to snow and blowdowns but we enjoyed the sunshine and many great views. 

Trail muddy but otherwise in good condition.  Some tree fall but nothing that poses major obstacle.  No snow at all.  

The North Table Mountain Trail via the PCT has been on my bucket list for a long time and this weekend was time to pull the plug on this adventure.  We started at the Rock Creek Pass Trail head  about 9:00 AM and followed the PCT South, walking into a cloud.  We decided to take a brief detour and tag Three Corner Rock which was  a short diversion.  Rejoining the PCT we headed out, continuing south on the PCT.... the PCT is in great shape of course and there were a few scattered snow patches  but they will be gone in a week or less.  The PCT crosses several roads and traverses several large clear cuts but is signed and easy to follow. 

You need to be diligent  in looking for the short user trail that will take you to North Table Mountain trail.... we walked past it the fist time but I knew we had gone too far and turned around , walked about 100 feet back and found it...  You can find the user trail right before the PCT gets to the Powerlines AND right before we the PCT takes a hard 90 degree right.  There is a small rock carin now marking the trail.... follow this down it is brushy and twists downhill for a couple hundred feet and then pops into the open on a maintenance  road.  Follow this down under the power lines and you will see two roads / trails,,, follow the one to the left and you will see a sign that tells you Table Mountain is 1.4 miles... from there is is a simple route... decent trail opening up to some beautiful views ... both to the east and west.  There is a bit of scree and to traverse in a few places but you will reach a plateau before you know it.... there are two trail at this point... follow the trail to the left will take you to the Table Mountain summit sign and allow you to go a bit further to the view point.  If you choose the trail to the right if will connect with the trail leading down the west ridge....    We tagged the summit and enjoyed the view before heading back.... retracing our steps.

We had some information that tis was a 12 mile hike, but we GPS's if at just over 17 miles and about 3400 ft elevation gain....  

While it is close to the same distance as the approach from the south, I personally think this is a easier and more scenic route into Table Mountain.

Nice parking area. Lots of bugs, but not the kind that bite humans - saw a lot of large dragonflies. Also spotted a small frog and a garter snake.

Heartbreak lives up to its name; I went up Heartbreak and down the Western trail, which was also pretty rough, with lots of loose gravel and dirt. The scramble portion of Heartbreak was definitely an all-fours venture for me - taller folks won't have a problem just walking up it. There are a few places on the final ascent with thick vegetation over the trail.

View from the summit was spectacular. Saw four volcanoes (you can catch a glimpse of Saint Helens from the ridge), and a half-dozen wheeling vultures. Also got very lucky and spotted a bald eagle riding a thermal overhead. Fantastic bird-watching!