Stahlman Point Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Stahlman Point Trailhead
- End point: Stahlman Point
- Hike Type: Out and back
- Distance: 4.2 miles
- Elevation gain: 1345 feet
- High point: 3,058 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: All year, except when there is low-level snow
- Family Friendly: Yes, except caution must be used at the summit
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: No
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Hike Description
On this short hike, you'll escape the crowds of busy Detroit Lake and climb above it to a former lookout site. Stahlman Point is just south of the confluence of the North Santiam and Breitenbush rivers, where the town of Detroit is situated. This is not a wilderness hike, however. Both on the lower and upper sections of the trail, you'll hear the boats on the lake and Highway 22 traffic. The views from the summit are outstanding, especially towards Mount Jefferson, and there's a grove of impressive old growth along the way.
You will begin hiking along a creek in a dense second growth forest of Douglas-fir. In half a mile, the forest opens up due to recent thinning, and you will get several viewpoints of the lake below you. After two miles of gentle climbing, the trail enters a section of old-growth Douglas-fir and hemlock with a diverse understory. There are several big patches of huckleberry, which ripen in late August.
The final ascent to the lookout site atop Stahlman Point is steep and rocky. You will get spectacular views of French Creek Ridge, Mount Jefferson, and the upper drainage of the North Santiam River. Unfortunately, you will also be able to view the expanse of destruction wrought by the 2020 Lionshead Fire. The foundation of the now demolished lookout tower provides great seating for a group lunch. Hang on to the little ones here, as there are steep dropoffs on the south and east sides of the summit.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
- Green Trails Maps: Detroit, OR #556
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Willamette National Forest: Detroit Ranger District
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Willamette National Forest
- Adventure Maps: Mount Jefferson, Bull of the Woods & Opal Creek Wilderness Trail Map
- Pacific Northwest Recreation Map Series: Willamette Cascades
- National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington
Regulations or Restrictions, etc.
- No forest pass needed
- Share trail with mountain bikers
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Stahlman Point Hike
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Stahlman Point Hike
Guidebooks
- 52 Hikes for 52 Weeks by Franziska Weinheimer (Hike Oregon)
- 101 Hikes in the Majestic Mount Jefferson Region by Matt Reeder
- 100 Hikes: Central Oregon Cascades by William L. Sullivan
- Wild in the Willamette edited by Lorraine Anderson with Abby Phillips Metzger
- Oregon Hiking by Sean Patrick Hill
- Pacific Northwest Hiking by Scott Leonard & Sean Patrick Hill
More Links
- Stahlman Point Trail #3449 (USFS)
- Stahlman Point (Hiking Project)
- Stahlman Point (jessB.org)
- Stahlman Point (The Ringers)
- Stahlman Point Trail #3449 (Hiking Project)
- Stahlman Point (Oregon Adventures)
- Stahlman Point (Cascade Ramblings)
- Stahlman Point Trail (All Trails)
- Stahlman Point Trail #3449 (TrailForks)
- Stahlman Point (Forest Lookouts)
Contributors
- CFM (creator)