Natural Arch Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
This page is marked as a Closed Hike. Some or all of this hike has been closed by a governing body and hikers may be liable for fines or even arrest. At least part of this route may be dangerous and hard to follow, or it may cross areas with sensitive plant life or wildlife habitat. Trailkeepers of Oregon does not endorse or recommend hiking this route. When restrictions are lifted, this notice will be removed. |
- Start point: Natural Arch Trailhead
- End point: Natural Arch
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Out and Back
- Distance: 1.0 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 460 feet
- High Point: 3,860 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Seasons: Spring - Fall
- Family Friendly: yes, for older kids
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: No
Contents |
Hike Description
NOTICE: Trails in this area were affected by the 2020 Beachie Creek Fire. Please check on current closures with the Oregon Department of Forestry before planning an outing.
This hike is located in the Santiam State Forest which is heavily managed for timber production. The 50-foot tall, 40-foot wide arch was discovered in 1951 after the Sardine Creek Fire scoured the hillside and removed the tree cover.
From the Natural Arch Trailhead, go back ten yards and find the trail. The trail makes four switchbacks in secondary forest to the nose of a ridge. Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and vine maple predominate over a bear-grass, bracken and Oregon grape understory. Cross a scree slope and drop steeply down to make six switchbacks. Some of the steepness is ameliorated by wood-reinforced steps. Then, there’s a short traverse down to a rock face. You can scramble through the arch and down to the right and then climb up to the top of the rock and go right to sit on the top of the arch. Small caves indent the base of the arch. Be careful! Combine this visit with the nearby Rocky Top Hike.
Maps
- Natural Rock Arch and Rocky Top Trails (Oregon Department of Forestry)
- Adventure Maps: Mount Jefferson, Bull of the Woods & Opal Creek Wilderness Trail Map
Regulations or Restrictions, etc.
- No passes needed for the trailhead.
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Natural Arch
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Natural Arch
Guidebooks that cover this destination
- 101 Hikes in the Majestic Mount Jefferson Region by Matt Reeder
More Links
- Santiam State Forest Recreation Guide (Santiam State Forest)
- "Views worth the effort to Natural Rock Arch Trail" (Statesman Journal)
- Santiam Forest, Natural Bridge and Rocky Top (Compact Camping Concepts)