Buck Peak from Lost Lake Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Lost Lake Trailhead
- End point: Buck Peak
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Out and back
- Distance: 15.8 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 2500 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: May-Sep
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: Yes
- Crowded: No
Contents |
Hike Description
This hike begins at busy Lost Lake, a beautiful lake with a developed campground and a good trail system. Start by walking to the Lakeshore Trail and turning right. The Lakeshore Trail circles Lost Lake through old-growth Doug Firs, Hemlocks and Cedars. You'll have great views of the lake and your first views of Mount Hood. You'll cross the Inlet Creek and then about 2 miles in, you'll come to a junction with the Huckleberry Trail #617.
Climb the Huckleberry Trail for about 2 1/2 miles to a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail. You'll gain about 800 feet of elevation on this trail. Turn right and head north on the Crest Trail. The Crest Trail hugs the top of a ridge that defines the eastern edge of the Bull Run Watershed. Several yellow signs warn hikers to stay out of the watershed. You'll gain another 500 feet or so in 3.3 miles on the Crest Trail.
The next trail junction is with the Buck Peak Trail. Follow the Buck Peak Trail uphill to the right. This trail is quite overgrown and the sign at the junction was laying on the ground at the time of our last visit. If you do this hike in late August you won't mind the overgrowth as it will be loaded with delicious huckleberries. The trail is only about a half mile long. At the summit, there's a tree with two signs telling you that you're at Buck Peak, elevation 4751 feet. More importantly, there's a spectacular, if rocky viewpoint. From here, you can see Mount Jefferson, Mount Adams, Mount Rainier and of course Mount Hood and Lost Lake.
The return trip is mostly over the same route. When you get to Lost Lake, though, turn right on the Lakeshore Trail and complete the circuit around the lake. There's a lot more old-growth here, as well as boardwalks and educational signs.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Regulations or restrictions, etc
- Unknown
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Related Discussions / Q&A
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Guidebooks that cover this hike
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Contributors
- Stevefromdodge (creator)