05:25 PM PDT on Monday, August 15, 2005

By kgw.com and AP Staff

MOUNT HOOD, Ore. -- Two Oregon Congressmen began a 41-mile hiking and camping trip on Mount Hood Monday, as part of an ongoing effort to address the mountain's future.

kgw.com/gov't photo

Congressmen Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland), left, and Greg Walden (R-Hood River), as they begin a 4-day, 41-mile trek around Mt. Hood on the Timberline Trail.

Liberal Democrat Earl Blumenauer represents the west side of the mountain, while conservative Republican Greg Walden represents the eastern flank.

The pair said they are embarking on the four-day hike up the mountain with the goal of creating what they called a "long-term vision that will guide the Oregon congressional delegation for years to come."

Blumenauer and Walden are hoping to collaborate on legislation for Congress to consider next year. The bill could include new wilderness areas on Mount Hood.

Scientists from the U.S. Forest Service are traveling with them to brief them on the environmental and recreational issues surrounding the mountain, which is the state's highest peak.

During their hike on the Timberline Trail, Walden and Blumenauer said they will also meet with tribal representatives and other experts to better understand the impact of federal policies on Mount Hood.

Walden and Blumenauer hosted "summits" on the mountain's future in 2003 and 2004. Last month, they held a series of round-table discussions with a variety of experts and others interested in the mountain on forest health, transportation, development, recreation, watersheds and wilderness protection.