https://www.oregonhikers.org/w/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Retiredjerry&feedformat=atom Oregon Hikers Field Guide - User contributions [en] 2024-03-28T15:34:57Z User contributions MediaWiki 1.21.0rc5 https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Snow_Hiking_and_Camping Snow Hiking and Camping 2024-03-23T13:58:13Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Information page]]<br /> <br /> &lt;b&gt;Some information about hiking and camping in snow:&lt;/b&gt;<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=31154 A forum topic discussing snow.]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Snow_Hiking_and_Camping Snow Hiking and Camping 2024-03-23T13:56:15Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Information page]]<br /> <br /> &lt;b&gt;Some information about hiking and camping in snow:&lt;/b&gt;<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=31154]: A forum topic discussing snow.</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Snow_Hiking_and_Camping Snow Hiking and Camping 2024-03-23T13:48:38Z <p>Retiredjerry: Created page with &quot;https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=31154&quot;</p> <hr /> <div>https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=31154</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Main_Page Main Page 2024-03-23T13:48:15Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>__NOTOC__<br /> <br /> [[Image:OregonHikersFieldGuideHome.jpg|right|400px]]<br /> <br /> Welcome to the '''Oregon Hikers Field Guide''' — a guide for hiking in Oregon and Southern Washington. This guide is written and maintained by hikers from the Oregon Hikers forum, and is a place to learn about great hikes and destinations our beautiful region from the people who know the area best! <br /> <br /> Use our search engine, categories, or alphabetical index to learn about popular summits, waterfalls and lakes in our area, and also a bunch of lesser-known trails! <br /> <br /> &lt;b&gt;&lt;font color=red&gt;NOTICE: The wildfires of recent years have forced many trail and road closures that are still in effect. In addition, some trails have been impacted by winter storms, with passage very difficult because of slides and downed trees. Please check the relevant agency web sites for a current status before you leave home, especially if you are traveling a long distance.<br /> <br /> For a list of [https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Category:Closed_Trails CLOSED HIKES] that are in the Field Guide, please click the link.&lt;/font color&gt;&lt;/b&gt;<br /> <br /> === Explore by Area ===<br /> {|<br /> |&lt;imagemap&gt;<br /> Image:OregonWashingtonIndex4.jpg|402px|Field Guide Area Map<br /> rect 16 10 107 116 [[Washington Coast Hikes]]<br /> rect 134 62 236 155 [[Southwest Washington Hikes]]<br /> rect 16 127 78 317 [[Oregon Coast Hikes]]<br /> rect 88 164 144 238 [[Portland Hikes]]<br /> rect 153 164 255 180 [[Columbia River Gorge Hikes]]<br /> rect 153 195 216 237 [[Mount Hood Hikes]]<br /> rect 110 244 254 313 [[Central Oregon Hikes]]<br /> rect 16 324 254 354 [[Southern Oregon Hikes]]<br /> rect 262 152 392 354 [[Eastern Oregon Hikes]]<br /> #poly 104 126 105 171 269 162 267 124 [[Keyboard]]<br /> # A comment, this line is ignored<br /> #circle 57 57 20 [[Foo type B]]<br /> desc bottom-left<br /> &lt;/imagemap&gt;<br /> |<br /> ===Oregon===<br /> * [[Columbia River Gorge Hikes| Columbia River Gorge Hikes]] ([[:Category:Columbia River Gorge|index]])<br /> * [[Mount Hood Hikes]] ([[:Category:Mount Hood Area|index]])<br /> * [[Central Oregon Hikes]] ([[:Category:Central Oregon|index]])<br /> * [[Oregon Coast Hikes]] ([[:Category:Oregon Coast|index for Oregon Coast]] and [[:Category:Coast Range|index for Coast Range]])<br /> * [[Eastern Oregon Hikes]] ([[:Category:Eastern Oregon|index]])<br /> * [[Southern Oregon Hikes]] ([[:Category:Southern Oregon|index]])<br /> * [[Portland and Willamette Valley Hikes]] ([[:Category:Portland Area|index for Portland Area]] and [[:Category:Willamette Valley|index for Willamette Valley]])<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Washington=== <br /> * [[Columbia River Gorge Hikes]] ([[:Category:Columbia River Gorge|index]])<br /> * [[Southwest Washington Hikes]] ([[:Category:Southwest Washington|index]])<br /> * [[Washington Coast Hikes]] ([[:Category:Washington Coast|index]])<br /> <br /> |}<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''Find a Hike'''<br /> ** By difficulty: [[:Category:Easy Hikes| Easy]], [[:Category:Moderate Hikes| Moderate]], [[:Category:Difficult Hikes| Difficult]], [[:Category:Universal Access Hikes| Universal Access]]<br /> ** By type: [[:Category:Family Hikes| Family Hikes]], [[:Category:Backpackable Hikes| Backpackable]], [[:Category:Wilderness Hikes| Wilderness]], [[:Category:Snowshoe Hikes| Snowshoe Hikes]], [[:Category:Off The Beaten Track| Off the beaten track]], [[:Category:Hike and Bike| Hike and Bikes]], [[:Category:Rails to Trails| Rails to Trails]], [[:Category:Scrambles| Scrambles]]<br /> ** By environment: [[:Category:Lake Hikes| Lakes]], [[:Category:Wildflower_Hikes| Wildflowers]], [[:Category:Old Growth Hikes| Old Growth]], [[:Category:Wildlife Viewing Hikes| Wildlife Viewing]], [[:Category:Waterfall Hikes| Waterfalls]], [[:Category:Creek Hikes| Creeks]], [[:Category:Alpine Hikes| Alpine]], [[:Category:Viewpoint Hikes| Great views]], [[:Category:Beach Hikes| Beaches]]<br /> <br /> <br /> *'''Find places and things:'''<br /> ** Mountains: [[:Category:Viewpoints| Viewpoints]], [[:Category:Exposed Summits| Expansive Views]], [[:Category:360 degree summits| 360 degree panoramas]], [[:Category:Alpine| Alpine Areas]]<br /> ** Other environments: [[:Category:Waterfalls| Waterfalls]], [[:Category:Lakes| Lakes]], [[:Category:Creeks| Creeks]], [[:Category:Springs| Springs]], [[:Category:Old Growth Forest| Old Growth]], [[:Category:Geologic Features| Geologic Features]], [[:Category:Wilderness| Wilderness]], [[:Category:Beaches| Beaches]]<br /> ** Structures: [[:Category: Historic Sites| Historic Sites]], [[:Category:Campsites| Campsites]], [[:Category:Picnic Area| Picnic Areas]], [[:Category:Lookouts| Lookouts]], [[:Category:Former Lookouts| Former Lookouts]], [[:Category:Shelters| Shelters]] <br /> ** Jurisdictions: [[:Category:Oregon State Parks|Oregon State Parks]], [[:Category:Washington State Parks|Washington State Parks]], [[:Category:California State Parks|California State Parks]], [[:Category:National Parks| National Parks]], [[:Category:Wildlife Refuges| Wildlife Refuges]], [[:Category:Bureau of Land Management| Bureau of Land Management]] <br /> ** State Forests: [[:Category:Clatsop State Forest| Clatsop]], [[:Category:Santiam State Forest| Santiam]], [[:Category:Tillamook State Forest| Tillamook]], [[:Category:Yacolt Burn State Forest| Yacolt Burn]]<br /> ** National Forests: [[:Category:Crooked River National Grassland| Crooked River]], [[:Category:Deschutes National Forest| Deschutes]], [[:Category:Fremont-Winema National Forest| Fremont-Winema]], [[:Category:Gifford Pinchot National Forest| Gifford Pinchot]], [[:Category:Klamath National Forest| Klamath]], [[:Category:Malheur National Forest| Malheur]], [[:Category:Mt Hood National Forest| Mt Hood]], [[:Category:Ochoco National Forest| Ochoco]], [[:Category:Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest| Rogue River-Siskiyou]], [[:Category:Siuslaw National Forest| Siuslaw]], [[:Category:Umatilla National Forest| Umatilla]], [[:Category:Umpqua National Forest| Umpqua]], [[:Category:Wallowa-Whitman National Forest| Wallowa-Whitman]], [[:Category:Willamette National Forest| Willamette]]<br /> <br /> <br /> *[[About Hiking|About Hiking]] — General information about hiking<br /> *[[Beginner Hikes]] — This is a list of hikes specifically for novice hikers<br /> *[[Must See Hikes]] — A list for experienced hikers visiting or new to the area<br /> *[[What Conditions to Expect on Trails]] — Know where to hike during the year<br /> *[[Winter and Spring Backpacking]] — Some places you can go in winter and spring<br /> *[[Snow Hiking and Camping]] - some ideas about hiking and camping in the snow<br /> *[[Lightweight Backpacking]] - Ideas about traveling light on the trail<br /> *[[Public Transportation]] — Public transportation to trailheads is limited but there's a little<br /> *[[West Coast Hiking Clubs]] <br /> <br /> <br /> === Indexes ===<br /> * [[Special:Allpages|Full index]]<br /> * [[Special:Categories|Show all categories]]<br /> * [[Special:Listusers|User list]]<br /> <br /> === Disclaimers ===<br /> * [[Oregon Hikers Field Guide:Hiking Disclaimer|Hiking Disclaimer]]<br /> * [[Oregon Hikers Field Guide:Copyright Notice|Copyright Notice]]<br /> <br /> <br /> We're always looking for dedicated people to help with this effort! Do you have photos or descriptions you'd be willing to share? We need everything from photos of trailhead signs to full hike descriptions. (Click [[:Category:Needs pics|here]] for a list of immediate photo needs! Credit will be given if requested.) As you look at Field Guide pages, let us know if you have information that can help embellish the existing descriptions, or if you'd be willing to help us work on areas we have no coverage for. For more information on how to help, click on the &quot;Get Involved&quot; tab near the top of every page.</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Timberline_Trail_around_Mount_Hood_Hike Timberline Trail around Mount Hood Hike 2023-09-05T21:01:41Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Northwest Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Mt Hood National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Mount Hood Area]]<br /> [[Category:Mount Hood Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Alpine Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Exposed Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Glacier Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Loop Hikes]] <br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Waterfall Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:ParadiseParkZigzagCanyon.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood and the massive Zigzag Canyon from the [[Zigzag Overlook]] ''(Tom Kloster)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:Zigzag Canyon Falls, Timberline Trail.jpg|thumb|250px|Waterfall in Zigzag Canyon, Timberline Trail ''(bobcat)'']]<br /> [[Image:Ramonafalls.JPG|thumb|250px|Ramona Falls with bridge at base of falls ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:The Citadel from the Muddy Fork, Timberline Trail.jpg|thumb|250px|Rocky ramparts above the Muddy Fork, Timberline Trail ''(bobcat)'']]<br /> [[Image:Harsh paintbrush (Castilleja hispida), Bald Mountain, Timberline Trail.jpg|thumb|250px|Harsh paintbrush ''(Castilleja hispida)'', Bald Mountain, Timberline Trail ''(bobcat)'']]<br /> [[Image:Lower pond, McNeil Ponds.jpg|thumb|250px|One of the &quot;McNeil Ponds&quot; on the Timberline Trail ''(bobcat)'']]<br /> [[Image:CairnBasinShelter2.JPG|thumb|250px|Cairn Basin Shelter ''(Jeff Black)'']]<br /> [[Image:ElkCoveView.jpg|thumb|250px|Mount Hood from Elk Cove in early August ''(Tom Kloster)'']]<br /> [[Image:mthoodtimbhighnorth.JPG|thumb|250px|North of Timberline Trail high point, the trail goes over a vast lava field marked by large rock cairns with posts ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:ClarkCanyonHood.jpg|thumb|250px|Clark Creek Canyon from the Timberline Trail ''(Tom Kloster)'']]<br /> [[Image:Towhead babies, Mt. Hood Meadows, Timberline Trail.jpg|thumb|250px|Towhead babies, Mt. Hood Meadows, Timberline Trail ''(bobcat)'']]<br /> [[Image:PCTTimberline1.jpg|thumb|250px|The Pacific Crest Trail leaves the Timberline Trail to head south from this point on Boy Scout Ridge ''(bobcat)'']]<br /> [[Image:WhiteRiverCanyon4.jpg|thumb|250px|High meadow near the White River Viewpoint ''(bobcat)'']]<br /> [[Image:mthoodmap2017a.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:mthoodmap2017b.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:mthoodmap2017c.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:mthoodmap2017d.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Timberline Lodge Trailhead}}<br /> * Ending Point: [[Timberline Lodge Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail Log: [[Timberline Trail around Mount Hood Hike/Log|Trail Log]]<br /> * Hike Type: Loop<br /> {{Distance|38.3 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|9000 feet}}<br /> * High Point: 7350 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Summer and early Fall<br /> * Family Friendly: No<br /> * Backpackable: Yes <br /> * Crowded: crowded at some places<br /> <br /> === Hike Description ===<br /> &lt;b&gt;&lt;font color=red&gt;As of June 2021, the Timberline Trail between Yocum Ridge and the Muddy Fork is closed because of damage from the September 2020 wind storm. SAR has had to rescue people. Use the PCT to do the lower crossing of the Muddy Fork instead.&lt;/font color&gt;&lt;/b&gt;<br /> <br /> The hike around [[Mount Hood]] is one of the best hikes in the area. You get great views of Mount Hood, and of the surrounding territory including Cascade volcanoes such as [[Mount Saint Helens]], [[Mount Rainier]], [[Mount Adams]], [[Mount Jefferson]], and the [[Three Sisters]]. You can see the Coast Range to the west. You can see Portland and the Willamette River. You can see the Columbia River. You can see the desert to the east. <br /> <br /> It's really interesting to see how the plants and geology vary as you go as low as 3300' by [[Ramona Falls]] through deep forest to barren lava flows as high as 7300' on the east side of the mountain.<br /> <br /> Most people take 4 days and 3 nights, beginning and ending at [[Timberline Lodge Trailhead|Timberline Lodge]], and go clockwise. A number of other alternatives are mentioned below. The detailed description is the same regardless of how you do it. At a few places there are several choices of route which can make the hike a little shorter or longer.<br /> <br /> Compared to the &quot;Dilbert World&quot; we're used to, it's refreshing to get into the routine of getting up in the morning, eating, packing up, hiking several stretches with rest stops, finding a place to get water and camp, and repeating. Anyone that has the opportunity should do this hike at least once. You might like it so much that you want to try a longer trip such as the trail around the Three Sisters, the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier, or thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.<br /> <br /> A more complete guide than this is https://elevationchanges.com/timberlinetrail/<br /> <br /> === Description ===<br /> As usual, mileages can differ between sources. These mileages are from a GPS track. Sometimes a trail is re-routed which can change mileages. These will at least give you an approximate value. These were updated September 2016.<br /> <br /> Start at the top of the parking area to the East of Timberline Lodge at elevation 5900 feet. Go West, below/in front of Timberline Lodge. If you haven't been there, go check it out.<br /> <br /> Keep going West, at about the same elevation. You go just above a ski lift that comes from below, and cross the bottom of another ski lift that goes up. Eventually it becomes the Mountaineer Trail. Keep going West and a little up until it joins the Timberline Trail (400) which is also the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT 2000) at elevation 6000 feet and mile 0.8 from the start.<br /> <br /> If you don't find the Mountaineer Trail, just go West/up until you find the obvious PCT.<br /> <br /> Keep going West on the PCT.<br /> <br /> At 1.2 miles, the trail makes a brief descent into rocky [[Little Zigzag Canyon]], an easy, bridgeless crossing. For the next mile, the trail descends into forest, passing the [[Pacific Crest-Hidden Lake Trail Junction|Hidden Lake Trail]] (no. 779) on the left. There is a campsite (but no drinking water) below the trail just before this junction. There's another campsite (with no drinking water) below the trail in another 0.1 mile. <br /> <br /> At mile 1.5 is the junction with the Hidden Lake Trail. It's about 4 miles down to the trailhead.<br /> <br /> There's a small campsite below the trail at mile 1.8.<br /> <br /> There is a small stream at mile 2.0. It gets to be a trickle late in the season but I've not seen it dry up. <br /> <br /> The Timberline Trail then curves across a series of sloping meadows before suddenly reaching [[Zigzag Overlook]], the lip of gaping Zigzag Canyon at 2.3 miles, elevation 5500. The view includes the meadows of [[Paradise Park]], across the canyon, and rugged Mississippi Head, the mesa-like formation at the head of the canyon. <br /> <br /> From the Zigzag Overlook, the trail quickly descends a cool, forested slope to the bottom of [[Zigzag River Crossing]] at mile 3.4 and 4800 feet elevation. The stream is generally easy to cross without wet feet, but can occasionally present an obstacle during periods of heavy snow melt and rain. Be sure to look upstream for dramatic Zigzag Falls, which often forms snow caves at its base.<br /> <br /> From the canyon floor, the trail climbs steadily, crossing a side stream, then reaching a junction with the [[Pacific Crest-Paradise Park Loop South Trail Junction|Paradise Park Loop Trail]] at 3.8 miles. Turn right here and continue climbing through switchbacks. You could stay on the PCT/Timberline Trail (through forest, only one signed junction go straight, several nice campsites next to Lost Creek) but going through Paradise Park only adds 400' elevation gain and no additional mileage and is well worth it.<br /> <br /> On the Paradise Loop Trail, at mile 4.8, 5700 feet elevation is the junction with the [[Paradise Park Loop-Paradise Park Trail Junction|Paradise Park Trail]] and the beginning of the sprawling alpine meadows of [[Paradise Park]]. It's 5.5 miles down to the [[Paradise Park Trailhead]] near highway 26.<br /> <br /> Continue on the Paradise Loop Trail. Cross [[South Fork of Lost Creek Crossing|Lost Creek]] at the 5.0 mile mark. This is a reliable source of drinking water year-round. A little further are the remains of the Paradise Park shelter in a grove of ancient mountain hemlock. There are a couple campsites here, but better sites are ahead. Inexperienced people are tired from the hike and drop their packs right here, so these sites are often taken.<br /> <br /> The route continues to the right here, curving through exceptionally scenic meadows, punctuated by rocky bluffs and Mount Hood towering above. There are also excellent views of the rugged Zigzag Mountain arm of the Mount Hood Wilderness, to the west, and the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness, to the southwest.<br /> <br /> The trail reaches about 5800 feet elevation in Paradise Park.<br /> <br /> Next, the trail crosses another branch of [[North Fork of Lost Creek Crossing|Lost Creek]]. This is another reliable drinking water stream. There are a number of nice campsites here. You can go straight up at the stream. You can go a little further and then down a trail to the site of an old lookout. You can keep going down to another more sheltered site. A little further on the Paradise Loop Trail is another trail going down to a campsite. A little further is a trail going up—in about 0.1 mile is a huge rock, maybe 20 feet high, with a campsite next to it (very exposed in bad weather). There are two plaques on the rock memorializing two former Forest Service employees. <br /> <br /> There are a couple more campsites just below the trail.<br /> <br /> The Paradise Loop Trail comes within a few hundred feet of Paradise Branch canyon, before turning downhill in a switchback. If you have the energy and interest, walk through low alpine scrub and meadows to the edge of the canyon for a sweeping view of Mount Hood, Reid Glacier and several waterfalls on the Paradise Branch. <br /> <br /> After taking in the view, return to the main trail, and begin a gradual descent back to the Timberline Trail/PCT, reaching a well-marked [[Pacific Crest-Paradise Park Loop North Trail Junction|junction]] at 6.1 miles. Turn right (northwest). The trail takes a long stretch steeply down.<br /> <br /> If you had stayed on the PCT rather than the Paradise Loop trail, there's a nice campsite at Lost Creek at mile 5.0.<br /> <br /> At about mile 9.0 the trail gets close to Rushing Water Creek and several campsites off the trail a bit, next to the creek, which is good for drinking water. It's kind of cool here if you have hot weather.<br /> <br /> At mile 9.1 the trail crosses the [[Sandy River Crossing on Pacific Crest Trail|Sandy River]]. This is one of the more difficult stream crossings around Mount Hood. You have to cross on rocks/logs. There's no bridge. See [[Tips for Crossing Streams]].<br /> <br /> In the next mile, up to Ramona Falls, there are maybe a dozen campsites near the trail, explore any side trails you see. Get drinking water from Rushing Water Creek at the Sandy River crossing or at Ramona Falls. There's also a small stream below the trail at about mile 9.4 at a low point of the trail at about 3300 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> The trail now goes along the Sandy River stream bed. At mile 9.5 is the junction with the [[Pacific Crest-Timberline Middle Trail Junction|Ramona Falls Trail]]. <br /> <br /> There are three choices here, about the same distance and elevation gain:<br /> # Go left and along the Sandy River—this is the shortest route—this is the official PCT<br /> # Go right, then left at Ramona Falls along Ramona Creek—this adds 0.1 mile<br /> # Go right, then right at Ramona Falls—this adds 0.4 miles—I think this is more scenic. &lt;b&gt;&lt;font color=red&gt;As of June 2021, this route is not an option because of numerous downed trees. Follow the PCT route instead to get to the [[Pacific Crest-Timberline-Top Spur Trail Junction]].&lt;/font color&gt;&lt;/b&gt;<br /> <br /> <br /> To do the #1 route, go left and go 1.5 miles to a junction. The Ramona Falls trailhead is left about two miles; we want to go right. In another 0.5 miles is another junction where the #2 route joins from the right. <br /> <br /> To do the #2 and #3 routes, go right 0.4 miles to Ramona Falls and another junction. Route #2 goes left 1.6 miles to the junction with route #1.<br /> <br /> Routes #1 and #2 cross the Muddy Fork on an improvised crossing, at elevation 2300 feet, then 2.2 miles uphill to a 5 way junction at 4300 feet elevation. To the left is the PCT north and the trail down to Top Spur trailhead 0.5 miles away. To the right is the trail around Bald Mountain. We want to go straight following the signs to Cairn Basin. It's 0.4 miles to where we connect up with route #3.<br /> <br /> This all sounds more complicated than it is. Route #1 is the PCT so just follow the PCT markers.<br /> <br /> We want to follow route #3. At the junction just after Ramona Falls go right. This is 3500 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> At mile 10.6 is the junction with the Yocum Ridge Trail which dead ends about 6 miles up the mountain. A great trip for another day.<br /> <br /> For the next 4 miles the trail is sometimes taken out by landslides, so you may have to detour the other way.<br /> <br /> At mile 12.6, elevation 4100 feet, is a nice campsite with a drinking water stream.<br /> <br /> Then, the trail crosses the Muddy Fork. There are several different branches to cross. These can sometimes be difficult.<br /> <br /> At mile 14.4, elevation 4350, is [[Timberline-Bald Mountain Cutoff South Trail Junction|a cutoff trail]] that goes right up and over the ridge where it [[Timberline-Bald Mountain Cutoff North Trail Junction|joins up]] with routes #1 and #2. We want to go right. A nice detour is to keep going straight around scenic [[Bald Mountain]].<br /> <br /> At mile 14.5 is the junction with the [[Timberline-McGee Creek Trail Junction|McGee Creek Trail]] which comes in from the left (1.3 miles to the [[McGee Creek Trailhead]]). Stay straight. <br /> <br /> At about mile 15.6 are several viewpoints that look up to Mount Hood and down into the Sandy River Canyon. From the PCT junction to here is pretty crowded summer weekends. There is a place for a tent just above the trail in the brush next to the first viewpoint. There's another place for a tent right at the high point.<br /> <br /> At mile 16.3 is the unmarked junction with the [[Timberline-McNeil Point Scramble Trail Junction|McNeil Point Scramble Trail]]. You could take this loop for 1.1 miles until it rejoins the Timberline Trail. This &quot;scramble trail&quot; up to McNeil Point is very difficult and requires you use your hands a bit. (Beyond the McNeil Point shelter, there is a year-round drinking water stream and a number of nice campsites along the way.)<br /> <br /> At mile 16.6 are the &quot;McNeil Ponds&quot;; the Timberline Trail goes between the ponds, then to the right and uphill into the trees. (The boot path that goes alongside the upper pond, past the &quot;Do Not Camp in Meadows&quot; sign, leads to the upper reaches of the Mazama Trail.)<br /> <br /> At mile 16.8 is the signed junction with the [[Timberline-Mazama Trail Junction|Mazama Trail]] #625 (previously known as the Cathedral Ridge Trail) which comes up from the left. It's 3.1 miles to the [[Mazama Trailhead]].<br /> <br /> A little further is the old McNeil Point Trail, now closed for revegetation. There's a nice campsite. There's a drinking water stream that probably dries up in September.<br /> <br /> At mile 17.1 is the signed junction with the [[Timberline-McNeil Point Trail Junction|McNeil Point Trail]]. This officially maintained trail is a much easier side path to [[McNeil Point]]<br /> <br /> At mile 17.3 is a somewhat difficult stream crossing of Glisan Creek, a branch of Ladd Creek. This is the outflow of the Glisan Glacier above. This stream is too silty to drink out of, but there's another small stream that would be better, right next to the main stream.<br /> <br /> In the next several miles, up to Eliot Creek, are several areas burned by the Dollar Lake fire of 2011. There were fingers of fire that burned up to and across the trail. The trail is totally passable. A few trail signs got burned up but they have mostly been replaced by temporary signs. A few campsites have been burned, mainly in Cairn Basin, but there are unburned campsites nearby. Maybe the biggest risk is that trees have been burned, killed, and weakened, so they might fall over on you. But, this is becoming less of a risk because there have been a couple winters to blow over the weakest ones.<br /> <br /> At mile 17.4 is the junction with the [[Cairn Basin|Eden Park Trail]] which goes left. You could take this trail, and loop around to the Vista Ridge Trail and then back up to the Timberline Trail taking an extra 0.5 miles, and losing and then regaining 300' of elevation. [[Eden Park]] is a very scenic meadow area.<br /> <br /> Right after the Eden Park Trail junction is [[Cairn Basin]] (5,600') which stretches for about 0.2 miles along the Timberline Trail. One of the historic CCC shelters can be found here. There are about six campsites all along here on both sides. If they're all full, try taking the trail up past the shelter and you can find a few more campsites.<br /> <br /> At the far end of Cairn Basin, at mile 17.7 is another somewhat difficult stream crossing, the other branch of [[Ladd Creek Crossing on Timberline Trail|Ladd Creek]]. It's too silty to drink.<br /> <br /> At mile 18.5 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Vista Ridge Trail Junction|Vista Ridge Trail]] #626. This is the return from the loop through Eden Park. It's 2.7 miles from here to the [[Vista Ridge Trailhead]]. <br /> <br /> At mile 18.6 is [[Wy'East Basin]], a scenic alpine meadow. There aren't any good places to camp here but there is a stream for filtering water. Here is where you will find the [[Timberline-Barrett Spur Trail Junction|an unmarked trail]] going up to [[Barrett Spur]].<br /> <br /> At mile 18.9 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Pinnacle Ridge Trail Junction|Pinnacle Ridge Trail]] #630. It's 3.4 miles from here to the [[Pinnacle Ridge Trailhead]].<br /> <br /> At mile 19.2, 5800 feet elevation is an [[Timberline-Dollar Lake Trail Junction|unmarked side trail]] going to the right (up) to [[Dollar Lake]]. It's easy to miss this trail as it is hidden in a thicket of young mountain hemlocks. Dollar Lake is 0.3 miles from the Timberline Trail. There are three established campsites there but they are popular and may be full on summer weekends. From here, there's a one mile side trip up to [[Barrett Spur]]. You can get drinking water from Dollar Lake, but people and animals swim there and there's no inflow or outflow. If you keep going up towards Barrett Spur there are some campsites and a drinking water stream.<br /> <br /> At mile 19.9 cross a creek and reach [[Elk Cove]] and the junction with the Elk Cove Trail #631. There is a nice meadow here with great views towards Barrett Spur and Mount Hood. There are about six campsites along the Elk Cove Trail within 0.5 miles of the Timberline Trail. Elk Cove can get very crowded on weekends.<br /> <br /> At mile 20.7 is the difficult crossing of the [[Coe Branch Crossing on Timberline Trail|Coe Branch]]. Look for a spot to cross upstream of where the trail reaches the shore. Elevation here is about 5100 feet.<br /> <br /> At about mile 21.6 you cross a fork of Compass Creek, good for drinking water. At about mile 21.8 are a couple campsites and some other flat areas you could camp. This area got burned over by the Dollar Lake fire. The nicest spot is about 200 feet west of the trail, and just out of the burn area, a very faint side trail to it. At about mile 22.1 is another campsite. At mile 22.3 is another fork of Compass Creek for drinking water.<br /> <br /> At mile 23.8 is the beginning of the new trail that crosses Eliot, at 6000 feet elevation. This is a really nice trail—dirt/gravel, lots of switchbacks. Nothing like the old unofficial trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.5 is the [[Eliot Branch Crossing]]. This is like other stream crossings around [[Mount Hood]] — sometimes easy, sometimes very difficult, it depends on the amount of rain recently and the amount of snow melt. September 2016 it wasn't nearly as bad as the more difficult crossings like Newton, White River, Coe, and Sandy. A little further is the low point at 5400 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> At mile 25.1 the new trail ends back up at the old trail at 5900 feet elevation. <br /> <br /> At mile 25.2 the trail reaches the [[Cloud Cap Trailhead]] at 5,800', a busy spot on weekends. There is a toilet here. There's a trail from here to the Tilly Jane trailhead and campground about 0.6 miles from there. <br /> <br /> At mile 26.2 is a trail junction. To the left is Tilly Jane Trail #600A; to the right is Cooper Spur Trail #600B. Just 0.1 to the right is the historic [[Cooper Spur Shelter]].<br /> <br /> Continue along the Timberline Trail to mile 27.6 to the [[Timberline High Point]]. This is the highest point (7350') along the enter Timberline Trail. There are a couple of streams before the high point until late August, and there's another drinking water stream just after the high point. In September, this stream may only flow in the late afternoon and you may have to dam it up to form a pool and wait for the silt to settle before you can get water. There are a couple ridges that go east from the trail with some flat areas for a tent, but this is extremely exposed and not good in bad weather.<br /> <br /> In another 0.2 miles, there's a high area above the trail, which is the highest point of [[Gnarl Ridge]], where you can find a flat area for a few tents. This is a little more sheltered than the Timberline High Point. There are a couple streams.<br /> <br /> At about mile 28.2 there's a spring a ways to the east of the trail that may be dry.<br /> <br /> The Timberline Trail descends along Gnarl Ridge with excellent views. At about mile 29.0, the trail leaves the top of the ridge near the remains of the Gnarl Ridge Shelter. On the opposite side of the trail are some flat areas with a lot of room for tents. <br /> <br /> At mile 30.3 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Gnarl Ridge Trail Junction|Gnarl Ridge Trail]] #652 which is 3 miles down to the [[Elk Meadows Trailhead]].<br /> <br /> At mile 31.1 is the difficult crossing of [[Newton Creek Crossing on Timberline Trail|Newton Creek]]). It's a little hard finding where the trail exits the canyon on the West side. It's pretty much opposite the East side—you don't have to go a long ways upstream or downstream. Look around for a rope or flagging. Just after the crossing are several nice campsites a little off the trail. There's also a small drinking water stream. <br /> <br /> We're down to 5400 feet elevation here, and stay at about that elevation across the Mount Hood Meadows area.<br /> <br /> At mile 31.4 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Newton Creek Trail Junction|Newton Creek Trail]] #646 (3 miles down to the [[Elk Meadows Trailhead]]). Walk a short distance down here for some excellent views south.<br /> <br /> At mile 32.6 is a somewhat difficult crossing of the [[Clark Creek Crossing on Timberline Trail|Clark Creek]]. At mile 33.4 is a nice waterfall at [[Heather Canyon]] and a somewhat difficult stream crossing.<br /> <br /> Over the next 2.5 miles are a number of beauteous streams and little water falls and several campsites. This is all in the Mount Hood Meadows Ski Area, so you see occasional signs of man (you'll soon pass the junction with the [[Timberline-Jack’s Woods Trail Junction|Jack's Woods Trail #6]] in the Meadows trail system), but it's a novelty compared to the wilderness so maybe its okay. You normally see ski areas when they're covered with snow. At least there aren't zillions of people. After keeping straight at a four-way junction with [[Timberline-Lower Wizard Way Trail Junction|Lower Wizard Way #8]], you'll cross a source tributary of the East Fork Hood River right above [[Pencil Falls]].<br /> <br /> At mile 34.7 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Umbrella Falls Trail Junction|Umbrella Falls Trail]] #667. Just before this is a gravel road, the only one you'll see on the entire Timberline Trail. Just before this is Mitchell Creek, the last time you'll find drinking water for a while. After the trail leaves the meadow and enters forest, at the next switchback in about 0.1 mile, there's a spot above the trail that's flat enough to sleep. Neither of these are that great.<br /> <br /> Then you go steeply down to the most difficult crossing of the [[White River Crossing]] at mile 36.2, 4900 feet elevation. The White River is too silty to drink out of, but the eastern fork is clear, and if you go up it (north) about 1/4 mile, there are some nice campsites with fire rings. The trail on the west side is about 0.2 miles upstream from the trail on the east side. Between is a route flagged and/or marked with cairns. The exact route varies from year to year.<br /> <br /> Coming up from the White River, you'll pass the obscure junction with the [[Timberline-White River Trail Junction|White River Trail]] and then head into montane forest to ascend the ridge. At mile 37.0 is the [[Pacific Crest-Timberline South Trail Junction|junction with the PCT]] which comes up on the left from [[Barlow Pass]], 4 miles away. Stay right on the Timberline Trail/PCT.<br /> <br /> There's a tricky spot at about mile 38, 1/2 mile from the end. The trail leaves a ridge and traverses over to Timberline Lodge. If it's not foggy, you can easily see the lodge, but if you can't see the lodge, it's easy to continue up and miss the trail which is a little indistinct. If you're above 6000 feet you're off the trail. Also, the trees really thin out above 6000 feet. Someone did this and didn't survive.<br /> <br /> At mile 38.3 is the end of your trip, back at the Timberline Lodge parking area.<br /> <br /> === Alternate Trips ===<br /> The most common trip is 4 days/3 nights clockwise from Timberline Lodge. Given the trailheads and campsites listed below you can cobble together your own trip.<br /> <br /> Several trailheads that aren't too far off the Timberline Trail:<br /> * [[Timberline Lodge Trailhead]]—about 1/4 mile off the Timberline Trail, the access road is two lane paved, the only place on the Timberline Trail with a restauraunt and other facilities<br /> * [[Cloud Cap Trailhead]]—mile 25.2, about 1/2 mile off the Timberline Trail, the access road is about 9 miles of gravel a bit rough at some places<br /> * [[Top Spur Trailhead]]—mile 13.7, about 1/2 mile off the Timberline Trail, the access road is about 3 miles of single lane paved and 1.6 miles of fairly good gravel <br /> * [[Ramona Falls Trailhead]]—mile 11.0, about 1.4 miles off the PCT, the access road is about a mile of single lane paved potholed, the parking area has a reputation for vandalism<br /> <br /> Presuming you do the hike in several days, choosing nice places to camp can make the hike better. These tend to be more exposed—another school of thought says you should camp at sheltered places and experience the exposed scenic areas while you're hiking. A number of campsites:<br /> * Paradise Park—mile 5, alpine meadow with great views, at least a dozen campsites spread along about a mile, year-round drinking water<br /> * Ramona Falls area—mile 10, forested area, Ramona Falls is a scenic destination, at least a dozen campsites in the mile south of the falls including the area next to Lost Creek, drinking water from Lost Creek or Ramona Creek<br /> * Cairn Basin area—mile 17.5, alpine meadow with some forested places, at least a dozen campsites at Cairn Basin and within one mile west, drinking water from McGee Creek one mile south, a creek just south, and the creek at Wy'East Basin<br /> * Elk Cove—mile 19.9, alpine meadow, about six campsites within 1/2 mile of Timberline Trail along the Elk Cove Trail in forested area, drinking water stream just west of the Elk Cove Trail junction<br /> * mile 22.2, two campsites between Coe Creek and Compass Creek in forest right next to trail, drinking water from a tributary of Coe Creek at 5700' about 1/2 mile east of main Coe Creek or from the several branches of Compass Creek<br /> * [[Cloud Cap Trailhead]]—mile 25.2, in a forested area, right next to the road, picnic tables, all the sites are taken on the weekend but you could find a place to put your tent, it costs $10, there's a drinking water spigot<br /> * [[Cooper Spur Shelter]]—mile 26.4, alpine area with great views, not too many plants, there are some flat areas for tents near the shelter, drinking water from Cloud Cap Trailhead, the Tilly Jane Creek about 1/2 mile below the shelter, or the streams at the Timberline high point<br /> * [[Timberline High Point]]—mile 27.6, extremely exposed alpine area not good in bad weather, there are two ridges that go east from the high point with flat spots for tents, and another spot about 1/2 mile south maybe 0.1 mile off the trail at the highest point of Gnarl Ridge, drinking water early in the season from a stream just north of the high point, a stream just south of the high point is probably good all year but maybe only in the late afternoon<br /> * Gnarl Ridge Shelter—mile 29.0, spots for a dozen tents on the other side of the trail, you can go a ways off the trail for privacy, closest drinking water is at the high point or Newton Creek Crossing<br /> * above Mount Hood Meadows—mile 31 to 34, alpine meadow area with some forested areas, there are about a dozen campsites over a 3.5 mile stretch between the Newton Creek Crossing and the Umbrella Falls Trail Junction, get drinking water from a small stream just west of Newton Creek, Mitchel Creek just east of the Umbrella Falls Trail junction, or several streams in between <br /> <br /> If you start at a place other than Timberline Lodge, then part way through the hike, you can stop for a bite of real food and/or a drink. <br /> <br /> Several possible hikes:<br /> * Start at Timberline Lodge. Go clockwise. Camp at the Ramona Falls area, Cairn Basin area, and at Gnarl Ridge (bringing water from Cloud Cap Trailhead).<br /> * Start at Cloud Cap Trailhead. Go counter clockwise. Get water at McGee Creek and camp at the viewpoint below McNeil Point. Camp the next nights at Paradise Park and just past the Umbrella Falls Trail junction.<br /> * Start at Ramona Falls Trailhead. Go clockwise. Camp at the far end of Cairn Basin, Newton Creek (12 mile day), and Paradise Park (13 mile day).<br /> * Start at Top Spur Trailhead. Go clockwise. Camp at Cloud Cap Trailhead, just past Umbrella Falls Trail, and Paradise Park.<br /> * 5 day hike to prolong the enjoyment. Start at Cloud Cap. Take the McNeil Point Trail and camp somewhere along it. If you're not too tired take a side trip up from here. Camp near Ramona Falls, then Paradise Park. Take a short side trip above Paradise Park. Camp the last night after the Umbrella Falls Trail junction.<br /> <br /> === Maps ===<br /> {{Hikemaps|latitude=45.3734|longitude=-121.6958}}<br /> * [https://www.oregongeology.org/pubs/ll/LL-MountHoodRecMap.pdf Oregon Department of Geology &amp; Mineral Industries: ''Mount Hood Geologic Guide &amp; Recreation Map'' (14MB PDF)]<br /> * Green Trails Maps: ''Mt. Hood, OR #462''<br /> * Green Trails Maps: ''Mount Hood Climbing Timberline Trail #462S''<br /> * Adventure Maps: ''Mt. Hood Area''<br /> * Geo-Graphics: ''Mount Hood Wilderness Map''<br /> * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Mt. Hood National Forest''<br /> * Discover Your Northwest: ''Mt. Hood National Forest North: Trail Map &amp; Hiking Guide''<br /> * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Hood River Ranger District''<br /> * National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: ''Mount Hood Wilderness''<br /> * National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: ''Mount Hood''<br /> * Adventure Maps: ''Hood River, Oregon, Trail Map''<br /> <br /> === Fees and Regulations ===<br /> * Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) required at some trailheads that access the Timberline Trail. Pass NOT required at the [[Timberline Lodge Trailhead]].<br /> * Camp in designated campsites out of meadows.<br /> * Self-issued wilderness permit<br /> <br /> {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=30582 Mt Hood Timberline: Counter clock wise + bonus]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=30507 Mt Hood loop Aug 26 - Sept 1, 2022]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=30464 Mass Transit and Timberline Trail (impromptu)]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29928 Timberline Trail 8/13-16 (CCW)]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29860 Timberline Trail 7/11 2021]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29556 Timberline Trail section hiking: Topspur-Bald Mountain-Cairn Basin-Wyeast Basin-Elk Cove and back 8/4/20]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29221 Timberline Loop (Clockwise). August 27-31, 2020]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29217 Timberline Loop (CCW) 08/28/2020]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29215 Timberline Trail August 2020]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29182 The Timberline Loop Contrarian]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29119 Timberline Trail July 23-26 2020]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29083 Timberline Trail Loop in a day - July 17, 2020]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29058 Annual Trek on the Timberline Trail]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29021 Timberline Trail section hiking: Elk Meadows-Gnarl Ridge-Newton Creek-Timberline Lodge 8/3/19]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29007 Timberline Trail 25-27]<br /> <br /> {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> <br /> === Guidebooks that cover this hike ===<br /> * ''100 Classic Hikes in Oregon'' by Douglas Lorain<br /> * ''Backpacking Oregon'' by Douglas Lorain<br /> * ''Day Hiking Mount Hood: A Year-Round Guide'' by Eli Boschetto<br /> * ''Hiking Oregon's Mount Hood &amp; Badger Creek Wilderness'' by Fred Barstad<br /> * ''Trips &amp; Trails: Oregon'' by William L. Sullivan<br /> * ''Around &amp; About Mount Hood'' by Sonia Buist with Emily Keller<br /> * ''Around Mt. Hood in Easy Stages'' by Sonia Buist &amp; Emily Keller<br /> * ''105 Virtual Hikes of the Mt. Hood National Forest'' by Northwest Hiker<br /> * ''70 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades'' by Don &amp; Roberta Lowe <br /> * ''62 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades'' by Don &amp; Roberta Lowe<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recarea/?recid=53506 Timberline National Historic Trail #600 (USFS)]<br /> * [https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/timberline-trail-loop-backpacking-guide Timberline Trail Backpacking Guide (Clever Hiker)]<br /> * [https://www.halfwayanywhere.com/trails/timberline-trail/timberline-trail-hiking-guide/ Guide to Hiking the Timberline Trail (Halfway Anywhere)]<br /> * [https://www.summitpost.org/page/168166 Timberline Trail (Circumnavigation) (Summit Post)]<br /> * [https://backpackers-review.com/trip-reports/timberline-trail-mount-hood-wilderness/ Timberline Trail - Mount Hood Wilderness, OR (Backpackers Review)]<br /> * [https://www.jauntyeverywhere.com/timberline-trail-plan-backpack/ Timberline Trail, Mt. Hood (Jaunty Everywhere)]<br /> * [https://thetrek.co/how-to-hike-the-timberline-trail/ How to Hike the Timberline Trail (The Trek)]<br /> * [https://www.backpacker.com/trips/hike-the-timberline-trail Hike the New, Improved Timberline Trail (Backpacker)]<br /> * [http://nwhiker.com/MHNFHike32.html Timberline Trail Hike (Northwest Hiker)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/timberline-trail Timberline Trail (Outdoor Project)]<br /> * [https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7025318/timberline-trail-600 Timberline Trail #600 (Hiking Project)]<br /> * [https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/timberline-trail-around-mount-hood Timberline Trail Around Mount Hood (All Trails)]<br /> * [https://wyeastblog.org/2010/11/24/building-the-timberline-trail/ Building the Timberline Trail (WyEast Blog)]<br /> <br /> <br /> === Page Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:Retiredjerry]]<br /> * [[User:Splintercat|Splintercat (Tom Kloster)]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Enchantment_Lakes_Thru_Hike Enchantment Lakes Thru Hike 2023-07-29T20:00:47Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>Maybe most spectacular hike on earth is arguable<br /> <br /> Trip report with really good description:<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=30934 Enchantment Lakes - 7/26/2023]<br /> <br /> Most people do this as an out and back from Snow Lakes Trailhead. 7 miles and 4100 feet elevation gain to Snow Lake. 5 miles and 2400 feet more elevation gain to Aasgard Pass.</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Enchantment_Lakes_Thru_Hike Enchantment Lakes Thru Hike 2023-07-29T19:43:15Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>Maybe most spectacular hike on earth is arguable<br /> <br /> Trip report with really good description:<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=30934 Enchantment Lakes - 7/26/2023]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Southwest_Washington_Hikes Southwest Washington Hikes 2023-07-29T19:41:43Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>{{-}}<br /> &lt;b&gt;<br /> * [[#Western_Lowlands|Western Lowlands]]<br /> * [[#Yacolt_Burn|Yacolt Burn]] <br /> * [[#Lewis_River_Area|Lewis River Area]]<br /> * [[#Mount_St._Helens|Mount St. Helens]]<br /> * [[#Wind_River_Area|Wind River Area]]<br /> * [[#Indian_Heaven_Wilderness|Indian Heaven Wilderness]]<br /> * [[#White_Salmon_River_Area|White Salmon River Area]]<br /> * [[#Mount_Adams|Mount Adams]]<br /> * [[#Goat_Rocks_Wilderness|Goat Rocks Wilderness]]<br /> * [[#Mount_Rainier_Area|Mount Rainier Area]]<br /> * [[#North_of_Rainier_Area|North of Rainier Area]]&lt;/b&gt; <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> ===Western Lowlands===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Vancouver Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Vancouver Discovery Loop Hike|4.9|130|A loop hike which traces the history of Anglo-American discovery and settlement in the area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Waterfront Renaissance Trail Hike|10.8|75|Walk along the Columbia from downtown Vancouver to Wintler Park passing numerous historic locations}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Burnt Bridge Creek Hike|8.1|180|Easy, 8-mile paved greenway in a pretty valley; described in three sections}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Ellen Davis Trail Hike|5.2|420|Wind up and around low hills in central Vancouver}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Columbia Springs Hike|3.1|165|Explore a network of trails east and west of the Vancouver Fish Hatchery}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Salmon Creek Hike|9.1|185|Walk along the wetlands and up a forested stream at Salmon Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Cougar Trails Loop Hike|2.6|230|Loop down to Mill Creek at the WSU Vancouver Campus}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Whipple Creek Loop Hike|5.9|605|Hike farm fields to enter a 300-acre forest on Whipple Creek near the county fairgrounds}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Vancouver Lake-Frenchmans Bar Hike|10.5|10|Paved and gravel trails between Vancouver Lake and the Columbia River}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Ridgefield Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Gee Creek Ridge Loop Hike|1.8|185|Walk along a forested path in Ridgefield that descends to Gee Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Oaks to Wetlands Loop Hike|1.7|80|Easy loop through a recovering oak savanna}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Carty Lake Hike|2.8|60|Explore the west shore of Carty Lake in the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Kiwa Trail Loop Hike|1.2|0|Short seasonal birdwatching loop around sloughs and marshes}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|I-5 Corridor: La Center to Centralia}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Paradise Point Loop Hike|1.8|240|Swampy bottomland and forested slope hike on East Fork Lewis River}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|La Center Loop Hike|4.2|310|Hike above wetlands on the East Fork Lewis River; then loop through La Center via Brezee Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lake Sacajawea Loop Hike|3.6|35|Hike around a lake and arboretum in the center of Longview}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Castle Rock Riverfront Hike|3.5|150|Paved trail along the Cowlitz River in Castle Rock}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Silver Lake-Seaquest Loop Hike|4.5|530|Take a short loop through a wetland and then hike lush woods at Seaquest State Park}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lewis and Clark State Park Loop Hike|4.8|340|Two loops through lush old-growth lowland forest}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Seminary Hill Loop Hike|1.4|360|Forested hike through a natural area in Centralia}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Chehalis River Discovery Loop Hike|4.0|10|Level grassy walk along the Chehalis River near Centralia}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|I-5 Corridor: Centralia to Nisqually}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Mima Mounds Loop Hike|3.2|30|Short loops around the mysterious phenomenon of symmetrical mounds in a wildflower prairie}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Mima Falls Loop Hike|6.5|795|Loop in the lush lowland forest of the Black Hills to a small waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Bob Bammert Grove Hike|1.2|315|Hike up above Mima Creek to a grove of old-growth Douglas-firs}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Millersylvania Loop Hike|3.9|180|State park loop along a lakeshore, through wetlands, and under towering old growth}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Tumwater Falls Loop Hike|0.9|90|Leafy loop past three waterfalls on the Deschutes River}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Tumwater Historical Park Loop Hike|1.8|45|Visit historic buildings and follow a trail to the Middle Basin}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Watershed Park Loop Hike|1.5|85|Forested loop around Moxlie Creek near I-5}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Capitol Lake Loop Hike|2.5|100|Walk around a large reflecting pool and up to Washington's Capitol Campus}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Grass Lake Loop Hike|1.7|55|Visit a lake and marsh in suburban Olympia}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Nisqually Wildlife Refuge Hike|4.1|0|Go birdwatching and get views of Mt. Rainier and the Olympics from the Nisqually Estuary}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Brush Prairie/Battle Ground}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Groth-Norene Preserves Loop Hike|1.8|30|Two connected loops in protected patches of forest}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Gordy Jolma Loop Hike|4.3|85|Old golf course repurposed as a natural area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Salmon-Morgan Creeks Loop Hike|1.5|60|Two short loops above a creek confluence in cedar forest}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Battle Ground Lake Loop Hike|2.1|205|Walk around a small crater lake and its forested rim}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}} <br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Camas}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Washougal River Greenway Loop Hike|2.6|70|Loop around a section of the Washougal River using a new footbridge}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Mill Ditch to Round Lake Hike|6.4|685|Walk along a working aqueduct to its source at Round Lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Fallen Leaf Lake Hike|4.1|600|Hike a maze of forest trails above Fallen Leaf Lake in Camas}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lacamas Heritage Trail Hike|7.0|30|Flat hike along the west shore of Lacamas Lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Round Lake Loop Hike|1.4|140|Loop walk around a scenic lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lacamas Creek Loop Hike|4.1|670|Loop hike including a lovely creek, three waterfalls, an interesting gorge, and camas fields}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Prune Hill Loop Hike|7.5|800|Walk up, down, and around Prune Hill in Camas}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Green Mountain West Hike|2.3|520|Forested route, with optional scramble, up a viewless Boring volcano}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Green Mountain East Loop Hike|5.4|645|Old roads and trails on a legacy lands property north of Camas}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Washougal}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Washougal Waterfront Hike|2.1|45|Walk under cottonwoods, get views of Mt. Hood, and visit a historic site}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Columbia River Dike Hike|8.2|30|Walk above the Columbia to get views and observe wildlife}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Steigerwald Lake Refuge Loop Hike|4.0|30|Take a new levee to join a loop through seasonal wetlands}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Washougal River Park Hike|3.3|305|Leafy walk on old logging road with access to Washougal River}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Yacolt Burn===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Tarbell Trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Tarbell Loop Hike|23.5|4095|Take the Tarbell Trail to the top of Larch Mountain and down across Cold Creek and Rock Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Tarbell Trail to Hidden Falls Hike|10.4|1415|Hike with some views of surrounding peaks to a secluded waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Shadow Loop Hike|7.2|1255|Lollipop loop from Rock Creek using a new connector trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Appaloosa Loop Hike|11.6|1740|Hike up from Rock Creek to Hidden Falls and then complete a loop}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sixth Sense Loop Hike|7.0|1280|Loop up along Cold Creek and down Larch Mountain's northwest ridge.}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Larch Mountain via Cold Creek Hike|11.6|2300|Ascending hike through secondary forest to Larch Mountain's summit}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Larch Mountain via Grouse Vista Hike|5.4|1205|Hike to a sweeping viewpoint and then up to the top of Larch Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Hidden Falls from Grouse Vista Hike|10.3|1845|Hike to Hidden Falls along the west slopes of Silver Star Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Silver Star Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Star Mountain Hike|5.6|1240|Shortest climb to the summit of Silver Star using an old jeep track}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Star via Ed's Trail Loop Hike|5.7|1460|Take Ed's Trail through a natural arch to Silver Star}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Silver Star South Ridge Hike|8.2|3105|More elevation gain on a little-followed jeep track to Silver Star's summit}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Star Mountain via Grouse Vista Hike|6.0|2010|Most common route to Silver Star on a rubbly road track}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Star-Pyramid Rock Loop Hike|7.2|2115|Come down from Silver Star on the east side of the ridge}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Silver Star-Chinook Trail Loop Hike|13.2|2985|Big loop using the summit ridge of Silver Star Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Star Mountain via Bluff Mountain Hike|11.6|2450|Longer, open ridgeline hike to the summit; bursting with wildflowers in early summer}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Silver Star Mountain via Starway Trail Hike|9.4|3850|Little-traveled obscure trail up the east ridge of the Star Creek valley}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Rock Creek Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Stebbins Creek to Three Corner Rock Hike|18.2|4490|Take the Three Corner Rock Trail from the Washougal River to an expansive viewpoint}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sedum Ridge Loop Hike|12.4|3535|Hike an unmaintained trail to an old lookout site and return via the PCT}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Snag Creek Loop Hike|10.4|2310|Obscure route, using an abandoned trail, a road, and then the PCT, to access views from Mowich Butte}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Three Corner Rock from Snag Creek Hike|11.4|2440|Take the PCT to Three Corner Rock, crossing Snag Creek and Rock Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Three Corner Rock Hike|4.2|1200|Shorter hike using the PCT to get to Three Corner Rock}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Birkenfeld Mountain via Three Corner Rock Hike|11.4|2325|Hike the PCT to Three Corner Rock and then bushwhack up Birkenfeld Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Lewis River Area===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|East Fork Lewis River}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lewisville Park Loop Hike|2.8|140|Loop along the East Fork in Clark County's oldest park}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lucia Falls Loop Hike|1.1|90|Short loop to a small waterfall in a rocky gorge}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Moulton Falls Hike|5.9|260|Hike up the East Fork to a gorge and a couple of waterfalls}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Yacolt Falls Hike|0.6|80|Short hike to a beautiful waterfall; loop possible in summer}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Bells Mountain North Slope Loop Hike|6.8|700|Loop up through secondary forest; return via Moulton Falls Trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sword Fern Way Loop Hike|8.4|1785|A loop off the Bells Mountain Trail takes you to the summit of Bells Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Bells Mountain Hike|16.3|3040|Undulating hike through secondary forest and clearcuts and then along a quiet creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Summit Springs Trail Hike|5.8|1750|Uphill hike in the Yacolt Burn to a ridge top viewpoint}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Lookout and Little Lookout Mountains Hike|10.6|3050|Hike along the East Fork and then up to outstanding viewpoints}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}} <br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Siouxon Creek Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Siouxon Creek Hike|8.2|1615|Lovely creek and waterfall hike in lush forest}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Horseshoe Ridge Loop Hike|12.1|3405|Remote ridge loop to a stand of old growth, returning via Siouxon Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Huffman Peak Loop Hike|13.3|4205|Use two deep fords to access a high ridge with several viewpoints}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Siouxon Peak Loop Hike|17.1|4730|Hike up to the high ridge above the Siouxon to get expansive views}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Upper Siouxon Creek Loop Hike|10.2|2995|Steep descent into an uncrowded and beautiful section of Siouxon Creek}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|North Siouxon Creek Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|North Siouxon Creek Hike|10.4|1815|Hike to Black Hole Falls on rugged North Siouxon Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineMF|Mount Mitchell Hike|5.0|2050|&lt;b&gt;Trail closed&lt;/b&gt;}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Mount Mitchell via Sugarloaf Trail Hike|7.9|1920|Alternative trail to the views at the summit of Mount Mitchell}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Lewis River Reservoirs}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lower Marble Creek Falls Hike|1.2|70|Hike along an old road to a viewpoint of a small waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Beaver Bay Hike|3.9|195|Hike above wetlands and the shore of Yale Lake between two campgrounds}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Yale Reservoir IP Road Hike|7.3|120|Flat hike along the east shore of Yale Lake using an old haul road}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Upper Lewis River}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Curly Creek Falls Hike|0.4|10|Easiest of strolls to two waterfall viewpoints}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lewis River Traverse Hike|10.0|1260|One-way hike through old-growth bottomlands and above a narrow gorge}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Big Creek Falls Hike|1.4|180|Now abandoned trail to a view of Big Creek Falls}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Speed Trail Hike|2.0|680|Descend to the Lewis River through lush old growth; it's all uphill on the way back!}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Spencer Butte via Cussed Hollow Loop Hike|14.1|3475|Loop from the Lewis River up to Spencer Butte; descent via the obscure Bluff Trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineMF|Lewis River Waterfalls Hike|6.6|500|Hike past four wide picturesque waterfalls and two minor ones}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Wright Meadow Hike|9.6|2625|Hike up through old growth to an expansive meadow}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Quartz Creek Hike|9.2|2010|Trail with unbridged creek crossings through streamside old growth}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Mount St. Helens===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Kalama River Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Merrill Lake Loop Hike|0.9|145|Interpretive loop through old growth on the east shore of Merrill Lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Kalama Falls via Road 7500 Hike|4.6|350|Walk a road and then trails to visit Kalama Falls }}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Kalama Waterfalls Hike|9.9|790|Gently graded trail to waterfalls on the Kalama River}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Cinnamon Ridge Loop Hike|14.1|2950|Loop along river and ridge with old growth trees and then many viewpoints}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Kalama River-Goat Marsh Lake Loop Hike|13.9|1435|Gently graded exploration of the Kalama River and two lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Fossil Trail Loop Hike|12.9|2000|Loop into remote old growth using horse trails, ski trails, and old road beds}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Goat Marsh Lake Hike|1.5|80|Hike into noble fir old growth near marshy wetlands in a scientific research area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Blue Horse Loop Hike|5.2|560|Gentle hike taking in a lake, old growth, lush meadows, and a large debris slide}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sheep Canyon Loop Hike|12.1|2975|Classic St. Helens loop taking in alpine meadows, debris flows, and old growth forest}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Butte Camp Dome Loop Hike|14.3|3630|Bigger loop on the southwest flanks of Mt. St. Helens}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Mount Saint Helens via Butte Camp Hike|13.2|5305|Use the old southern ascent route to reach the high point on Mt. St. Helens}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Forest Road 83}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Trail of Two Forests Loop Hike|0.3|30|See and even crawl through tree molds from a 2,000 year-old lava flow}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Volcano Viewpoint Hike|1.7|410|Hike up to a view of Mt. St. Helens from the Ape Cave Trailhead}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Ape Cave Hike|2.0|180|Exploring the Lower Cave is fun for all; the more difficult Upper Cave is a loop of 2.7 miles}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Mount Saint Helens Hike|9.6|4665|Steep hike to the crater rim of Mount St. Helens.}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|June Lake Hike|2.5|440|Short hike to a small lake backed by a waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Pine Creek Hike|0.8|90|Stroll to a restored shelter with option for a short extension}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Ape Canyon Hike|11.0|2485|Magnificent hike up an old-growth ridge to the Plains of Abraham}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Upper Lava Canyon Hike|1.2|330|Informative trail about the dramatic geological events that formed Lava Canyon}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lava Canyon to The Ship Hike|3.9|945|Hike down the Muddy River Gorge past six waterfalls}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lava Canyon-Old Road 83 Loop Hike|7.5|1320|Loop down the spectacular Muddy River Gorge and return via an abandoned road}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lava Canyon from Smith Creek Hike|5.8|1240|Hike up a spectacular basalt canyon scoured out by the 1980 blast}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Coldwater Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Coldwater Lake Loop Hike|11.8|1840|Hike along this new lake's north shore and then below the spine of the South Coldwater Ridge}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Hummocks Loop Hike|2.7|100|Interpretive loop through revegetating area &quot;bombed&quot; by the 5/18/80 eruption}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Coldwater Peak from South Coldwater Hike|14.0|3420|Beautiful hike through the blast zone to the top of a denuded peak}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Johnston Ridge Hike|10.4|1830|Blast zone hike with two interpretive trails and views to the crater most of the way}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Harrys Ridge Hike|8.5|1830|Hike around the Devils Elbow and over The Spillover to an expansive viewpoint}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Coldwater Peak Hike|11.6|3160|Hike to the top of Coldwater Peak taking in stunning views in all directions}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Loowit Falls via Truman Trail Hike|14.6|2470|Make your way across the Pumice Plain to a waterfall plunging over the Sasquatch Steps}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Windy Ridge}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Meta Lake Hike|0.7|10|Interpretive trails to a blast zone lake and the Miner's Car}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Spirit Lake Hike|2.4|545|Hike down to the log-choked shore of Spirit Lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Plains of Abraham Loop Hike|8.4|1390|Scenic open loop on the east side of Mt. St. Helens}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|From Norway Pass}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Norway Pass Hike|4.2|855|Short blast zone hike to a view of Mt. St. Helens and Spirit Lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Panhandle Lake Hike|11.8|2650|Take a trip into the Lakes Basin of the Mt. Margaret Backcountry}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Whittier Ridge-Lakes Loop Hike|14.2|3790|Rugged loop that visits the Lakes Basin in the Mt. Margaret Backcountry}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Ghost Lake Hike|5.2|660|Hike the Boundary Trail to a secluded lake on the edge of the blast zone}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Wind River Area===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Lower Wind River Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Mowich Butte from Trout Creek Hike|11.2|2625|Hike the PCT to Sedum Ridge and then take an old road to the top of Mowich Butte}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Bunker Hill Hike|5.8|1310|Take a flat stretch of the PCT to a vigorous climb up to a former lookout site}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Whistle Punk Loop Hike|1.6|40|Interpretive loop trail dedicated to the heyday of logging in the area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Plantation Spacing Study Hike|1.3|60|Short loops around two forestry research study areas}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Falls Creek Falls Hike|3.4|850|Lovely creek hike to a three-tiered waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Falls Creek Falls Loop Hike|6.3|1445|Hike to a thundering waterfall and then loop up to higher viewpoints}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lava Butte Hike|3.8|1020|Ford the Wind River to hike up a little traveled trail}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Trapper Creek Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Dry Creek Hike|7.6|640|Discover massive old-growth trees as you follow Dry Creek in a quiet bottomland}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Trapper Creek Wilderness Loop Hike|14.5|3575|Loop around the wilderness that includes waterfalls, old growth, and a high viewpoint}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Soda Peaks Lake via Trapper Creek Hike|10.2|3110|Steep hike through old growth to a secluded cirque lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Trapper Creek Primitive Trails Loop Hike|11.1|3570|A lollipop exploring some of the &quot;primitive&quot; connector trails in the Trapper Creek Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Observation Peak via Big Hollow Hike|10.4|2755|Hike up an old growth slope to a scenic viewpoint; extending to Sister Rocks is an option}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Sister Rocks Hike|3.9|750|Short hike to a rocky viewpoint over the Trapper Creek Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Observation Peak Hike|5.6|1400|Hike into this tiny wilderness from the north side for spectacular views}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Observation Peak-Rim Trail Loop Hike|8.4|2680|Loop using primitive trails, sometimes hard to follow, in the Trapper Creek Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sister Rocks-Observation Peak Loop Hike|8.4|2280|Go off trail from Sister Rocks to loop into the Trapper Creek Wilderness and visit Observation Peak}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Soda Peaks Lake West Hike|4.4|1270|Longer drive and higher trailhead, but much shorter hike to this quiet wilderness lake}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Panther Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Panther Creek Falls Hike|0.3|90|Short excursion to an intriguing and picturesque waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Upper Falls Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Falls Creek Trail Hike|17.5|1250|Gradual trail that passes lava tubes and viewpoints to reach the top of Falls Creek Falls}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|McClellan Meadows Hike|6.8|815|Walk on gently sloping terrain to one of the largest meadows in the area}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Big Huckleberry Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Cedar Creek-Big Huckleberry Mountain Loop Hike|6.3|1365|Loop using rarely used trails and a forest road}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Grassy Knoll Hike|4.2|1280|Hike to a spectacular wildflower meadow with expansive views}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Big Huckleberry Mountain Hike|11.4|2435|Hike along a ridge of wildflower meadows to a former lookout site}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Big Huckleberry Mountain from Crest Camp Hike|12.6|1710|Follow the western edge of the Big Lava Bed to a former lookout site}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Indian Heaven Wilderness===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Eastern Indian Heaven Trailheads}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Indian Racetrack via the PCT Hike|8.0|850|Gradual hike in woods and meadows to the Racetrack}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Red Mountain Add-on Hike|1.6|705|Hike from the Indian Racetrack to a lookout atop a cinder cone}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Tombstone Lake via the PCT Hike|16.4|2280|Walk Indian Heaven's backbone to a secluded lake; optional return via the old CCT described}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Junction Lake Hike|5.0|725|Short hike to a popular lake in the center of Indian Heaven}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Junction Lake-Bear Lake Loop Hike|8.7|1220|Lollipop loop to lakes and meadows in the heart of Indian Heaven}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lake Wapiki Hike|7.0|1625|Gradually rising hike through huckleberries to a beautiful lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lemei Rock via Lemei Trail Hike|9.2|2285|Hike to and consider scrambling up an ancient volcanic crag}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Western Indian Heaven Trailheads}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Indian Racetrack Hike|4.6|760|Visit the site of an abandoned racetrack}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Basin Lakes Loop Hike|9.1|1795|Take an abandoned trail to a secluded collection of lakes (experienced hikers only)}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Thomas Lake Hike|2.1|225|Family hike to five wilderness lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineMF|Blue Lake Hike|6.6|980|Stunning hike through high meadows past a dozen lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Thomas Lake-Junction Lake Loop Hike|8.5|1065|Make a loop using old and current sections of the Pacific Crest Trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Acker Lake Loop Hike|10.1|1240|Use an abandoned route to make a loop taking in meadows and lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Indian Heaven Lakes Loop Hike|12.2|1675|Epic hike that takes in 15 named lakes plus short side options for 7 more!}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Chenamus Lake Hike|4.1|485|Visit two lakes and gather huckleberries in late summer!}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Placid Lake Loop Hike|10.1|1460|Take advantage of an abandoned trail to make a loop taking in lakes and meadows}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Northern Indian Heaven Trailheads}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Deep Lake Hike|5.4|1270|Short hike to a wilderness lake with a view of Mt. Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Bird Mountain Loop Hike|6.8|1700|Loop hike into the heart of Indian Heaven Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Cultus Creek to Junction Lake Loop Hike|9.9|1910|Hike deep into the heart of the Indian Heaven Wilderness from the north}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Wood Lake via Sawtooth Mountain Hike|9.2|2190|Get views from the rugged slopes of Sawtooth Mountain before dropping to a secluded lake}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===White Salmon River Area===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Monte Cristo Range}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Little Huckleberry Mountain Hike|5.0|1840|Hike to an old lookout site above the Big Lava Bed with views of Cascade peaks}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Monte Carlo-Monte Cristo Loop Hike|11.8|4070|Loop hike on little-traveled trails to two summits in the Monte Cristo Range}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Monte Carlo-Monte Cristo Hike|5.8|1940|Two wildflower summits with views on the edge of the Gifford Pinchot}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Buck Creek Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Buck Creek Falls Loop Hike|2.8|1090|Short springtime loop up a creek and along wildflower slopes}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Nestor Peak Hike|8.0|2980|Spring wildflower hike to a former lookout site with views}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Penny Ridge to Monte Carlo Hike|15.2|3455|Hike old road beds up a ridge for wildflowers and some views}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Monte Carlo via Middle Fork Grove Hike|6.3|1860|Hike through a remnant stand of old growth to a mile-long wildflower ridge}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Husum Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Weldon Wagon Road Hike|5.2|1210|Gradual hike on historic settler route across blooming slopes and into white oak woods}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Mount Adams===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Trout Lake Creek Drainage}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Trout Lake Preserve Hike|1.3|300|Get great views of Mt. Adams as you walk above expansive wetlands}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Guler Ice Cave Hike|2.2|80|Walk to and crawl around an icy lava tube in early spring}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Natural Bridges Hike|1.8|80|Explore a collapsed lava tube with caves and two natural bridges}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sleeping Beauty Hike|3.0|1430|Short, steep trail up a basalt knoll with expansive views}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Langfield Falls Hike|0.5|80|Take a short trail to a scenic waterfall; also visit the nearby peeled cedars}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Steamboat Mountain Hike|1.6|575|Hike a short, steep trail to a summit with far-ranging views}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|West Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Salt Creek Hike|8.4|730|Little-hiked trail past beaver marshes to a debris flow and view of Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lookingglass Lake via Stagman Ridge Hike|10.8|2415|Lollipop loop with wildflower meadows and views on the slopes of Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Horseshoe Meadow-Lookingglass Lake Loop Hike|13.2|2000|Alpine meadows and lake on the southwest side of Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Riley Camp-Horseshoe Meadow Loop Hike|15.6|3145|Loop that explores the west slope of Mt. Adams using a little-hiked connector trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Riley Camp to Crystal Lake Hike|13.2|2860|Wilderness hike to a high alpine lake on the slopes of Mt. Adams}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Northwest Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Council Bluff Hike|3.2|840|Short hike to a former lookout site with expansive views}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Chain of Lakes Hike|2.7|180|Fairly level hike to shallow montane lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Takhlakh Lake Loop Hike|2.7|215|Loop hike around a stunning lake and a lava flow, with Mt. Adams views}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Divide Camp to High Camp Hike|13.1|2500|Less traveled but scenic route to the Pacific Crest Trail and High Camp}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Adams Glacier Meadows Hike|8.2|2315|Premier alpine area on Mount Adams. Can be busy but there's a large enough area to disperse crowds.}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Foggy Flat Hike|22.2|1550|Less busy alpine area on Mount Adams. Continue an extra few miles to Devil's Garden.}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|South Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Buck Creek-Wicky Shelter Loop Hike|9.6|1185|Lower level loop from White Salmon River viewpoints to a shelter and a large ponderosa}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Crofton Ridge Loop Hike|12.5|2600|Loop hike up to Crofton Ridge on the south slopes of Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Crofton Butte Hike|3.3|1100|Take the Crofton Ridge Trail, and then go off trail to the summit of Crofton Butte}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lookingglass Lake via Shorthorn Trail Hike|11.8|2495|Route across debris slide territory and through a burn to a secluded lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Mount Adams Summit Hike|12.4|6740|Hike up steep slopes to the summit of Washington's second highest peak}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|A.G. Aiken Lava Bed Loop Hike|14.7|3235|Loop up around a relatively recent lava flow and descend into old growth}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Mt. Adams Recreation Area (Yakama Nation)}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Mount Adams Loop Hike|38.4|8450|Loop around Mount Adams requiring registration with the Yakama Nation}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Pine Way to Gotchen Creek Meadows Hike|10.7|2380|Hike a neglected trail through an intense burn and then turn up to classic mountain meadows}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Bird Creek Meadows Loop Hike|6.6|1415|Loop through subalpine meadows to a great viewpoint and mountain lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Sunrise Camp Hike|9.6|2860|Take a mountain climbers' trail to a base camp on Mt. Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Heart Lake Hike|2.0|150|Secluded lake near Hellroaring Meadows and Little Mt. Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Little Mount Adams Hike|6.9|2030|Follow an abandoned trail to a spectacular cinder cone}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Glenwood Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Rattlesnake Falls Hike|2.5|525|Easy walk to one scenic waterfall and then a scramble down to another}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Willard Springs Loop Hike|2.3|55|Stroll through ponderosa pine woods and next to wetlands in a wildlife refuge}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Goat Rocks Wilderness===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Goat Rocks Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Snowgrass Flat Hike|11.1|2380|Visit a beautiful alpine meadow full of August wildflowers}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Goat Lake Loop Hike|12.8|2590|Loop hike to Goat Lake basin that makes a good overnight backpack}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Goat Rocks Traverse Hike|28.7|4875|See the spectacular Goat Rocks from Walupt Lake to White Pass}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|South Tieton Hike|17.6|1930|Back side of Goat Rocks; nice alpine area far away from Portland and Seattle}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Mount Rainier Area===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Mount Rainier National Park}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Spray Park Hike|7.4|2610|Hike to alpine meadows with expansive views via a spectacular waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Tolmie Lookout via Eunice Lake Hike|6.6|1640|Pleasant hike to a high lake and then a lookout with views}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Burroughs Mountain Loop Hike|6.2|1300|Hike from Sunrise for expansive views of mountain and glacier}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===North of Rainier Area===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Enchantment Lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Enchantment Lakes Thru Hike|21.5|5450|Most spectacular hike on earth}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> See Southwest area hikes and destinations in our [[:Category:Southwest Washington|Southwest Washington index]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Southwest_Washington_Hikes Southwest Washington Hikes 2023-07-29T19:40:55Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>{{-}}<br /> &lt;b&gt;<br /> * [[#Western_Lowlands|Western Lowlands]]<br /> * [[#Yacolt_Burn|Yacolt Burn]] <br /> * [[#Lewis_River_Area|Lewis River Area]]<br /> * [[#Mount_St._Helens|Mount St. Helens]]<br /> * [[#Wind_River_Area|Wind River Area]]<br /> * [[#Indian_Heaven_Wilderness|Indian Heaven Wilderness]]<br /> * [[#White_Salmon_River_Area|White Salmon River Area]]<br /> * [[#Mount_Adams|Mount Adams]]<br /> * [[#Goat_Rocks_Wilderness|Goat Rocks Wilderness]]<br /> * [[#Mount_Rainier_Area|Mount Rainier Area]]<br /> * [[#North_of_Rainier_Area|North of Rainier Area]]&lt;/b&gt; <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> ===Western Lowlands===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Vancouver Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Vancouver Discovery Loop Hike|4.9|130|A loop hike which traces the history of Anglo-American discovery and settlement in the area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Waterfront Renaissance Trail Hike|10.8|75|Walk along the Columbia from downtown Vancouver to Wintler Park passing numerous historic locations}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Burnt Bridge Creek Hike|8.1|180|Easy, 8-mile paved greenway in a pretty valley; described in three sections}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Ellen Davis Trail Hike|5.2|420|Wind up and around low hills in central Vancouver}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Columbia Springs Hike|3.1|165|Explore a network of trails east and west of the Vancouver Fish Hatchery}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Salmon Creek Hike|9.1|185|Walk along the wetlands and up a forested stream at Salmon Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Cougar Trails Loop Hike|2.6|230|Loop down to Mill Creek at the WSU Vancouver Campus}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Whipple Creek Loop Hike|5.9|605|Hike farm fields to enter a 300-acre forest on Whipple Creek near the county fairgrounds}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Vancouver Lake-Frenchmans Bar Hike|10.5|10|Paved and gravel trails between Vancouver Lake and the Columbia River}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Ridgefield Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Gee Creek Ridge Loop Hike|1.8|185|Walk along a forested path in Ridgefield that descends to Gee Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Oaks to Wetlands Loop Hike|1.7|80|Easy loop through a recovering oak savanna}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Carty Lake Hike|2.8|60|Explore the west shore of Carty Lake in the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Kiwa Trail Loop Hike|1.2|0|Short seasonal birdwatching loop around sloughs and marshes}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|I-5 Corridor: La Center to Centralia}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Paradise Point Loop Hike|1.8|240|Swampy bottomland and forested slope hike on East Fork Lewis River}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|La Center Loop Hike|4.2|310|Hike above wetlands on the East Fork Lewis River; then loop through La Center via Brezee Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lake Sacajawea Loop Hike|3.6|35|Hike around a lake and arboretum in the center of Longview}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Castle Rock Riverfront Hike|3.5|150|Paved trail along the Cowlitz River in Castle Rock}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Silver Lake-Seaquest Loop Hike|4.5|530|Take a short loop through a wetland and then hike lush woods at Seaquest State Park}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lewis and Clark State Park Loop Hike|4.8|340|Two loops through lush old-growth lowland forest}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Seminary Hill Loop Hike|1.4|360|Forested hike through a natural area in Centralia}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Chehalis River Discovery Loop Hike|4.0|10|Level grassy walk along the Chehalis River near Centralia}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|I-5 Corridor: Centralia to Nisqually}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Mima Mounds Loop Hike|3.2|30|Short loops around the mysterious phenomenon of symmetrical mounds in a wildflower prairie}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Mima Falls Loop Hike|6.5|795|Loop in the lush lowland forest of the Black Hills to a small waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Bob Bammert Grove Hike|1.2|315|Hike up above Mima Creek to a grove of old-growth Douglas-firs}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Millersylvania Loop Hike|3.9|180|State park loop along a lakeshore, through wetlands, and under towering old growth}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Tumwater Falls Loop Hike|0.9|90|Leafy loop past three waterfalls on the Deschutes River}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Tumwater Historical Park Loop Hike|1.8|45|Visit historic buildings and follow a trail to the Middle Basin}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Watershed Park Loop Hike|1.5|85|Forested loop around Moxlie Creek near I-5}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Capitol Lake Loop Hike|2.5|100|Walk around a large reflecting pool and up to Washington's Capitol Campus}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Grass Lake Loop Hike|1.7|55|Visit a lake and marsh in suburban Olympia}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Nisqually Wildlife Refuge Hike|4.1|0|Go birdwatching and get views of Mt. Rainier and the Olympics from the Nisqually Estuary}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Brush Prairie/Battle Ground}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Groth-Norene Preserves Loop Hike|1.8|30|Two connected loops in protected patches of forest}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Gordy Jolma Loop Hike|4.3|85|Old golf course repurposed as a natural area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Salmon-Morgan Creeks Loop Hike|1.5|60|Two short loops above a creek confluence in cedar forest}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Battle Ground Lake Loop Hike|2.1|205|Walk around a small crater lake and its forested rim}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}} <br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Camas}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Washougal River Greenway Loop Hike|2.6|70|Loop around a section of the Washougal River using a new footbridge}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Mill Ditch to Round Lake Hike|6.4|685|Walk along a working aqueduct to its source at Round Lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Fallen Leaf Lake Hike|4.1|600|Hike a maze of forest trails above Fallen Leaf Lake in Camas}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lacamas Heritage Trail Hike|7.0|30|Flat hike along the west shore of Lacamas Lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Round Lake Loop Hike|1.4|140|Loop walk around a scenic lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lacamas Creek Loop Hike|4.1|670|Loop hike including a lovely creek, three waterfalls, an interesting gorge, and camas fields}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Prune Hill Loop Hike|7.5|800|Walk up, down, and around Prune Hill in Camas}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Green Mountain West Hike|2.3|520|Forested route, with optional scramble, up a viewless Boring volcano}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Green Mountain East Loop Hike|5.4|645|Old roads and trails on a legacy lands property north of Camas}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Washougal}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Washougal Waterfront Hike|2.1|45|Walk under cottonwoods, get views of Mt. Hood, and visit a historic site}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Columbia River Dike Hike|8.2|30|Walk above the Columbia to get views and observe wildlife}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Steigerwald Lake Refuge Loop Hike|4.0|30|Take a new levee to join a loop through seasonal wetlands}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Washougal River Park Hike|3.3|305|Leafy walk on old logging road with access to Washougal River}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Yacolt Burn===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Tarbell Trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Tarbell Loop Hike|23.5|4095|Take the Tarbell Trail to the top of Larch Mountain and down across Cold Creek and Rock Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Tarbell Trail to Hidden Falls Hike|10.4|1415|Hike with some views of surrounding peaks to a secluded waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Shadow Loop Hike|7.2|1255|Lollipop loop from Rock Creek using a new connector trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Appaloosa Loop Hike|11.6|1740|Hike up from Rock Creek to Hidden Falls and then complete a loop}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sixth Sense Loop Hike|7.0|1280|Loop up along Cold Creek and down Larch Mountain's northwest ridge.}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Larch Mountain via Cold Creek Hike|11.6|2300|Ascending hike through secondary forest to Larch Mountain's summit}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Larch Mountain via Grouse Vista Hike|5.4|1205|Hike to a sweeping viewpoint and then up to the top of Larch Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Hidden Falls from Grouse Vista Hike|10.3|1845|Hike to Hidden Falls along the west slopes of Silver Star Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Silver Star Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Star Mountain Hike|5.6|1240|Shortest climb to the summit of Silver Star using an old jeep track}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Star via Ed's Trail Loop Hike|5.7|1460|Take Ed's Trail through a natural arch to Silver Star}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Silver Star South Ridge Hike|8.2|3105|More elevation gain on a little-followed jeep track to Silver Star's summit}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Star Mountain via Grouse Vista Hike|6.0|2010|Most common route to Silver Star on a rubbly road track}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Star-Pyramid Rock Loop Hike|7.2|2115|Come down from Silver Star on the east side of the ridge}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Silver Star-Chinook Trail Loop Hike|13.2|2985|Big loop using the summit ridge of Silver Star Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Star Mountain via Bluff Mountain Hike|11.6|2450|Longer, open ridgeline hike to the summit; bursting with wildflowers in early summer}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Silver Star Mountain via Starway Trail Hike|9.4|3850|Little-traveled obscure trail up the east ridge of the Star Creek valley}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Rock Creek Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Stebbins Creek to Three Corner Rock Hike|18.2|4490|Take the Three Corner Rock Trail from the Washougal River to an expansive viewpoint}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sedum Ridge Loop Hike|12.4|3535|Hike an unmaintained trail to an old lookout site and return via the PCT}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Snag Creek Loop Hike|10.4|2310|Obscure route, using an abandoned trail, a road, and then the PCT, to access views from Mowich Butte}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Three Corner Rock from Snag Creek Hike|11.4|2440|Take the PCT to Three Corner Rock, crossing Snag Creek and Rock Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Three Corner Rock Hike|4.2|1200|Shorter hike using the PCT to get to Three Corner Rock}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Birkenfeld Mountain via Three Corner Rock Hike|11.4|2325|Hike the PCT to Three Corner Rock and then bushwhack up Birkenfeld Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Lewis River Area===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|East Fork Lewis River}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lewisville Park Loop Hike|2.8|140|Loop along the East Fork in Clark County's oldest park}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lucia Falls Loop Hike|1.1|90|Short loop to a small waterfall in a rocky gorge}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Moulton Falls Hike|5.9|260|Hike up the East Fork to a gorge and a couple of waterfalls}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Yacolt Falls Hike|0.6|80|Short hike to a beautiful waterfall; loop possible in summer}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Bells Mountain North Slope Loop Hike|6.8|700|Loop up through secondary forest; return via Moulton Falls Trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sword Fern Way Loop Hike|8.4|1785|A loop off the Bells Mountain Trail takes you to the summit of Bells Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Bells Mountain Hike|16.3|3040|Undulating hike through secondary forest and clearcuts and then along a quiet creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Summit Springs Trail Hike|5.8|1750|Uphill hike in the Yacolt Burn to a ridge top viewpoint}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Lookout and Little Lookout Mountains Hike|10.6|3050|Hike along the East Fork and then up to outstanding viewpoints}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}} <br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Siouxon Creek Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Siouxon Creek Hike|8.2|1615|Lovely creek and waterfall hike in lush forest}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Horseshoe Ridge Loop Hike|12.1|3405|Remote ridge loop to a stand of old growth, returning via Siouxon Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Huffman Peak Loop Hike|13.3|4205|Use two deep fords to access a high ridge with several viewpoints}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Siouxon Peak Loop Hike|17.1|4730|Hike up to the high ridge above the Siouxon to get expansive views}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Upper Siouxon Creek Loop Hike|10.2|2995|Steep descent into an uncrowded and beautiful section of Siouxon Creek}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|North Siouxon Creek Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|North Siouxon Creek Hike|10.4|1815|Hike to Black Hole Falls on rugged North Siouxon Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineMF|Mount Mitchell Hike|5.0|2050|&lt;b&gt;Trail closed&lt;/b&gt;}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Mount Mitchell via Sugarloaf Trail Hike|7.9|1920|Alternative trail to the views at the summit of Mount Mitchell}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Lewis River Reservoirs}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lower Marble Creek Falls Hike|1.2|70|Hike along an old road to a viewpoint of a small waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Beaver Bay Hike|3.9|195|Hike above wetlands and the shore of Yale Lake between two campgrounds}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Yale Reservoir IP Road Hike|7.3|120|Flat hike along the east shore of Yale Lake using an old haul road}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Upper Lewis River}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Curly Creek Falls Hike|0.4|10|Easiest of strolls to two waterfall viewpoints}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lewis River Traverse Hike|10.0|1260|One-way hike through old-growth bottomlands and above a narrow gorge}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Big Creek Falls Hike|1.4|180|Now abandoned trail to a view of Big Creek Falls}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Speed Trail Hike|2.0|680|Descend to the Lewis River through lush old growth; it's all uphill on the way back!}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Spencer Butte via Cussed Hollow Loop Hike|14.1|3475|Loop from the Lewis River up to Spencer Butte; descent via the obscure Bluff Trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineMF|Lewis River Waterfalls Hike|6.6|500|Hike past four wide picturesque waterfalls and two minor ones}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Wright Meadow Hike|9.6|2625|Hike up through old growth to an expansive meadow}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Quartz Creek Hike|9.2|2010|Trail with unbridged creek crossings through streamside old growth}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Mount St. Helens===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Kalama River Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Merrill Lake Loop Hike|0.9|145|Interpretive loop through old growth on the east shore of Merrill Lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Kalama Falls via Road 7500 Hike|4.6|350|Walk a road and then trails to visit Kalama Falls }}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Kalama Waterfalls Hike|9.9|790|Gently graded trail to waterfalls on the Kalama River}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Cinnamon Ridge Loop Hike|14.1|2950|Loop along river and ridge with old growth trees and then many viewpoints}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Kalama River-Goat Marsh Lake Loop Hike|13.9|1435|Gently graded exploration of the Kalama River and two lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Fossil Trail Loop Hike|12.9|2000|Loop into remote old growth using horse trails, ski trails, and old road beds}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Goat Marsh Lake Hike|1.5|80|Hike into noble fir old growth near marshy wetlands in a scientific research area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Blue Horse Loop Hike|5.2|560|Gentle hike taking in a lake, old growth, lush meadows, and a large debris slide}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sheep Canyon Loop Hike|12.1|2975|Classic St. Helens loop taking in alpine meadows, debris flows, and old growth forest}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Butte Camp Dome Loop Hike|14.3|3630|Bigger loop on the southwest flanks of Mt. St. Helens}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Mount Saint Helens via Butte Camp Hike|13.2|5305|Use the old southern ascent route to reach the high point on Mt. St. Helens}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Forest Road 83}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Trail of Two Forests Loop Hike|0.3|30|See and even crawl through tree molds from a 2,000 year-old lava flow}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Volcano Viewpoint Hike|1.7|410|Hike up to a view of Mt. St. Helens from the Ape Cave Trailhead}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Ape Cave Hike|2.0|180|Exploring the Lower Cave is fun for all; the more difficult Upper Cave is a loop of 2.7 miles}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Mount Saint Helens Hike|9.6|4665|Steep hike to the crater rim of Mount St. Helens.}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|June Lake Hike|2.5|440|Short hike to a small lake backed by a waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Pine Creek Hike|0.8|90|Stroll to a restored shelter with option for a short extension}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Ape Canyon Hike|11.0|2485|Magnificent hike up an old-growth ridge to the Plains of Abraham}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Upper Lava Canyon Hike|1.2|330|Informative trail about the dramatic geological events that formed Lava Canyon}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lava Canyon to The Ship Hike|3.9|945|Hike down the Muddy River Gorge past six waterfalls}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lava Canyon-Old Road 83 Loop Hike|7.5|1320|Loop down the spectacular Muddy River Gorge and return via an abandoned road}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lava Canyon from Smith Creek Hike|5.8|1240|Hike up a spectacular basalt canyon scoured out by the 1980 blast}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Coldwater Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Coldwater Lake Loop Hike|11.8|1840|Hike along this new lake's north shore and then below the spine of the South Coldwater Ridge}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Hummocks Loop Hike|2.7|100|Interpretive loop through revegetating area &quot;bombed&quot; by the 5/18/80 eruption}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Coldwater Peak from South Coldwater Hike|14.0|3420|Beautiful hike through the blast zone to the top of a denuded peak}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Johnston Ridge Hike|10.4|1830|Blast zone hike with two interpretive trails and views to the crater most of the way}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Harrys Ridge Hike|8.5|1830|Hike around the Devils Elbow and over The Spillover to an expansive viewpoint}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Coldwater Peak Hike|11.6|3160|Hike to the top of Coldwater Peak taking in stunning views in all directions}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Loowit Falls via Truman Trail Hike|14.6|2470|Make your way across the Pumice Plain to a waterfall plunging over the Sasquatch Steps}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Windy Ridge}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Meta Lake Hike|0.7|10|Interpretive trails to a blast zone lake and the Miner's Car}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Spirit Lake Hike|2.4|545|Hike down to the log-choked shore of Spirit Lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Plains of Abraham Loop Hike|8.4|1390|Scenic open loop on the east side of Mt. St. Helens}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|From Norway Pass}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Norway Pass Hike|4.2|855|Short blast zone hike to a view of Mt. St. Helens and Spirit Lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Panhandle Lake Hike|11.8|2650|Take a trip into the Lakes Basin of the Mt. Margaret Backcountry}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Whittier Ridge-Lakes Loop Hike|14.2|3790|Rugged loop that visits the Lakes Basin in the Mt. Margaret Backcountry}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Ghost Lake Hike|5.2|660|Hike the Boundary Trail to a secluded lake on the edge of the blast zone}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Wind River Area===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Lower Wind River Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Mowich Butte from Trout Creek Hike|11.2|2625|Hike the PCT to Sedum Ridge and then take an old road to the top of Mowich Butte}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Bunker Hill Hike|5.8|1310|Take a flat stretch of the PCT to a vigorous climb up to a former lookout site}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Whistle Punk Loop Hike|1.6|40|Interpretive loop trail dedicated to the heyday of logging in the area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Plantation Spacing Study Hike|1.3|60|Short loops around two forestry research study areas}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Falls Creek Falls Hike|3.4|850|Lovely creek hike to a three-tiered waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Falls Creek Falls Loop Hike|6.3|1445|Hike to a thundering waterfall and then loop up to higher viewpoints}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lava Butte Hike|3.8|1020|Ford the Wind River to hike up a little traveled trail}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Trapper Creek Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Dry Creek Hike|7.6|640|Discover massive old-growth trees as you follow Dry Creek in a quiet bottomland}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Trapper Creek Wilderness Loop Hike|14.5|3575|Loop around the wilderness that includes waterfalls, old growth, and a high viewpoint}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Soda Peaks Lake via Trapper Creek Hike|10.2|3110|Steep hike through old growth to a secluded cirque lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Trapper Creek Primitive Trails Loop Hike|11.1|3570|A lollipop exploring some of the &quot;primitive&quot; connector trails in the Trapper Creek Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Observation Peak via Big Hollow Hike|10.4|2755|Hike up an old growth slope to a scenic viewpoint; extending to Sister Rocks is an option}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Sister Rocks Hike|3.9|750|Short hike to a rocky viewpoint over the Trapper Creek Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Observation Peak Hike|5.6|1400|Hike into this tiny wilderness from the north side for spectacular views}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Observation Peak-Rim Trail Loop Hike|8.4|2680|Loop using primitive trails, sometimes hard to follow, in the Trapper Creek Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sister Rocks-Observation Peak Loop Hike|8.4|2280|Go off trail from Sister Rocks to loop into the Trapper Creek Wilderness and visit Observation Peak}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Soda Peaks Lake West Hike|4.4|1270|Longer drive and higher trailhead, but much shorter hike to this quiet wilderness lake}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Panther Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Panther Creek Falls Hike|0.3|90|Short excursion to an intriguing and picturesque waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Upper Falls Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Falls Creek Trail Hike|17.5|1250|Gradual trail that passes lava tubes and viewpoints to reach the top of Falls Creek Falls}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|McClellan Meadows Hike|6.8|815|Walk on gently sloping terrain to one of the largest meadows in the area}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Big Huckleberry Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Cedar Creek-Big Huckleberry Mountain Loop Hike|6.3|1365|Loop using rarely used trails and a forest road}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Grassy Knoll Hike|4.2|1280|Hike to a spectacular wildflower meadow with expansive views}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Big Huckleberry Mountain Hike|11.4|2435|Hike along a ridge of wildflower meadows to a former lookout site}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Big Huckleberry Mountain from Crest Camp Hike|12.6|1710|Follow the western edge of the Big Lava Bed to a former lookout site}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Indian Heaven Wilderness===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Eastern Indian Heaven Trailheads}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Indian Racetrack via the PCT Hike|8.0|850|Gradual hike in woods and meadows to the Racetrack}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Red Mountain Add-on Hike|1.6|705|Hike from the Indian Racetrack to a lookout atop a cinder cone}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Tombstone Lake via the PCT Hike|16.4|2280|Walk Indian Heaven's backbone to a secluded lake; optional return via the old CCT described}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Junction Lake Hike|5.0|725|Short hike to a popular lake in the center of Indian Heaven}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Junction Lake-Bear Lake Loop Hike|8.7|1220|Lollipop loop to lakes and meadows in the heart of Indian Heaven}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lake Wapiki Hike|7.0|1625|Gradually rising hike through huckleberries to a beautiful lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lemei Rock via Lemei Trail Hike|9.2|2285|Hike to and consider scrambling up an ancient volcanic crag}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Western Indian Heaven Trailheads}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Indian Racetrack Hike|4.6|760|Visit the site of an abandoned racetrack}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Basin Lakes Loop Hike|9.1|1795|Take an abandoned trail to a secluded collection of lakes (experienced hikers only)}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Thomas Lake Hike|2.1|225|Family hike to five wilderness lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineMF|Blue Lake Hike|6.6|980|Stunning hike through high meadows past a dozen lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Thomas Lake-Junction Lake Loop Hike|8.5|1065|Make a loop using old and current sections of the Pacific Crest Trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Acker Lake Loop Hike|10.1|1240|Use an abandoned route to make a loop taking in meadows and lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Indian Heaven Lakes Loop Hike|12.2|1675|Epic hike that takes in 15 named lakes plus short side options for 7 more!}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Chenamus Lake Hike|4.1|485|Visit two lakes and gather huckleberries in late summer!}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Placid Lake Loop Hike|10.1|1460|Take advantage of an abandoned trail to make a loop taking in lakes and meadows}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Northern Indian Heaven Trailheads}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Deep Lake Hike|5.4|1270|Short hike to a wilderness lake with a view of Mt. Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Bird Mountain Loop Hike|6.8|1700|Loop hike into the heart of Indian Heaven Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Cultus Creek to Junction Lake Loop Hike|9.9|1910|Hike deep into the heart of the Indian Heaven Wilderness from the north}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Wood Lake via Sawtooth Mountain Hike|9.2|2190|Get views from the rugged slopes of Sawtooth Mountain before dropping to a secluded lake}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===White Salmon River Area===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Monte Cristo Range}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Little Huckleberry Mountain Hike|5.0|1840|Hike to an old lookout site above the Big Lava Bed with views of Cascade peaks}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Monte Carlo-Monte Cristo Loop Hike|11.8|4070|Loop hike on little-traveled trails to two summits in the Monte Cristo Range}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Monte Carlo-Monte Cristo Hike|5.8|1940|Two wildflower summits with views on the edge of the Gifford Pinchot}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Buck Creek Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Buck Creek Falls Loop Hike|2.8|1090|Short springtime loop up a creek and along wildflower slopes}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Nestor Peak Hike|8.0|2980|Spring wildflower hike to a former lookout site with views}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Penny Ridge to Monte Carlo Hike|15.2|3455|Hike old road beds up a ridge for wildflowers and some views}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Monte Carlo via Middle Fork Grove Hike|6.3|1860|Hike through a remnant stand of old growth to a mile-long wildflower ridge}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Husum Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Weldon Wagon Road Hike|5.2|1210|Gradual hike on historic settler route across blooming slopes and into white oak woods}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Mount Adams===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Trout Lake Creek Drainage}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Trout Lake Preserve Hike|1.3|300|Get great views of Mt. Adams as you walk above expansive wetlands}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Guler Ice Cave Hike|2.2|80|Walk to and crawl around an icy lava tube in early spring}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Natural Bridges Hike|1.8|80|Explore a collapsed lava tube with caves and two natural bridges}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sleeping Beauty Hike|3.0|1430|Short, steep trail up a basalt knoll with expansive views}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Langfield Falls Hike|0.5|80|Take a short trail to a scenic waterfall; also visit the nearby peeled cedars}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Steamboat Mountain Hike|1.6|575|Hike a short, steep trail to a summit with far-ranging views}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|West Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Salt Creek Hike|8.4|730|Little-hiked trail past beaver marshes to a debris flow and view of Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lookingglass Lake via Stagman Ridge Hike|10.8|2415|Lollipop loop with wildflower meadows and views on the slopes of Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Horseshoe Meadow-Lookingglass Lake Loop Hike|13.2|2000|Alpine meadows and lake on the southwest side of Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Riley Camp-Horseshoe Meadow Loop Hike|15.6|3145|Loop that explores the west slope of Mt. Adams using a little-hiked connector trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Riley Camp to Crystal Lake Hike|13.2|2860|Wilderness hike to a high alpine lake on the slopes of Mt. Adams}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Northwest Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Council Bluff Hike|3.2|840|Short hike to a former lookout site with expansive views}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Chain of Lakes Hike|2.7|180|Fairly level hike to shallow montane lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Takhlakh Lake Loop Hike|2.7|215|Loop hike around a stunning lake and a lava flow, with Mt. Adams views}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Divide Camp to High Camp Hike|13.1|2500|Less traveled but scenic route to the Pacific Crest Trail and High Camp}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Adams Glacier Meadows Hike|8.2|2315|Premier alpine area on Mount Adams. Can be busy but there's a large enough area to disperse crowds.}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Foggy Flat Hike|22.2|1550|Less busy alpine area on Mount Adams. Continue an extra few miles to Devil's Garden.}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|South Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Buck Creek-Wicky Shelter Loop Hike|9.6|1185|Lower level loop from White Salmon River viewpoints to a shelter and a large ponderosa}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Crofton Ridge Loop Hike|12.5|2600|Loop hike up to Crofton Ridge on the south slopes of Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Crofton Butte Hike|3.3|1100|Take the Crofton Ridge Trail, and then go off trail to the summit of Crofton Butte}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lookingglass Lake via Shorthorn Trail Hike|11.8|2495|Route across debris slide territory and through a burn to a secluded lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Mount Adams Summit Hike|12.4|6740|Hike up steep slopes to the summit of Washington's second highest peak}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|A.G. Aiken Lava Bed Loop Hike|14.7|3235|Loop up around a relatively recent lava flow and descend into old growth}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Mt. Adams Recreation Area (Yakama Nation)}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Mount Adams Loop Hike|38.4|8450|Loop around Mount Adams requiring registration with the Yakama Nation}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Pine Way to Gotchen Creek Meadows Hike|10.7|2380|Hike a neglected trail through an intense burn and then turn up to classic mountain meadows}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Bird Creek Meadows Loop Hike|6.6|1415|Loop through subalpine meadows to a great viewpoint and mountain lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Sunrise Camp Hike|9.6|2860|Take a mountain climbers' trail to a base camp on Mt. Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Heart Lake Hike|2.0|150|Secluded lake near Hellroaring Meadows and Little Mt. Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Little Mount Adams Hike|6.9|2030|Follow an abandoned trail to a spectacular cinder cone}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Glenwood Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Rattlesnake Falls Hike|2.5|525|Easy walk to one scenic waterfall and then a scramble down to another}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Willard Springs Loop Hike|2.3|55|Stroll through ponderosa pine woods and next to wetlands in a wildlife refuge}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Goat Rocks Wilderness===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Goat Rocks Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Snowgrass Flat Hike|11.1|2380|Visit a beautiful alpine meadow full of August wildflowers}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Goat Lake Loop Hike|12.8|2590|Loop hike to Goat Lake basin that makes a good overnight backpack}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Goat Rocks Traverse Hike|28.7|4875|See the spectacular Goat Rocks from Walupt Lake to White Pass}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|South Tieton Hike|17.6|1930|Back side of Goat Rocks; nice alpine area far away from Portland and Seattle}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Mount Rainier Area===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Mount Rainier National Park}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Spray Park Hike|7.4|2610|Hike to alpine meadows with expansive views via a spectacular waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Tolmie Lookout via Eunice Lake Hike|6.6|1640|Pleasant hike to a high lake and then a lookout with views}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Burroughs Mountain Loop Hike|6.2|1300|Hike from Sunrise for expansive views of mountain and glacier}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===North of Rainier Area===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Enchantment Lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Enchantment Lakes Thru Hike|21.5|5450|Most spectacular hike on earth}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|[https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=30934]|21.5|5450|Most spectacular hike on earth}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> See Southwest area hikes and destinations in our [[:Category:Southwest Washington|Southwest Washington index]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Enchantment_Lakes_Thru_Hike Enchantment Lakes Thru Hike 2023-07-29T19:37:05Z <p>Retiredjerry: Created page with &quot;* [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=30934 Enchantment Lakes - 7/26/2023]&quot;</p> <hr /> <div>* [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=30934 Enchantment Lakes - 7/26/2023]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Southwest_Washington_Hikes Southwest Washington Hikes 2023-07-29T19:34:25Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>{{-}}<br /> &lt;b&gt;<br /> * [[#Western_Lowlands|Western Lowlands]]<br /> * [[#Yacolt_Burn|Yacolt Burn]] <br /> * [[#Lewis_River_Area|Lewis River Area]]<br /> * [[#Mount_St._Helens|Mount St. Helens]]<br /> * [[#Wind_River_Area|Wind River Area]]<br /> * [[#Indian_Heaven_Wilderness|Indian Heaven Wilderness]]<br /> * [[#White_Salmon_River_Area|White Salmon River Area]]<br /> * [[#Mount_Adams|Mount Adams]]<br /> * [[#Goat_Rocks_Wilderness|Goat Rocks Wilderness]]<br /> * [[#Mount_Rainier_Area|Mount Rainier Area]]<br /> * [[#North_of_Rainier_Area|North of Rainier Area]]&lt;/b&gt; <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> ===Western Lowlands===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Vancouver Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Vancouver Discovery Loop Hike|4.9|130|A loop hike which traces the history of Anglo-American discovery and settlement in the area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Waterfront Renaissance Trail Hike|10.8|75|Walk along the Columbia from downtown Vancouver to Wintler Park passing numerous historic locations}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Burnt Bridge Creek Hike|8.1|180|Easy, 8-mile paved greenway in a pretty valley; described in three sections}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Ellen Davis Trail Hike|5.2|420|Wind up and around low hills in central Vancouver}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Columbia Springs Hike|3.1|165|Explore a network of trails east and west of the Vancouver Fish Hatchery}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Salmon Creek Hike|9.1|185|Walk along the wetlands and up a forested stream at Salmon Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Cougar Trails Loop Hike|2.6|230|Loop down to Mill Creek at the WSU Vancouver Campus}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Whipple Creek Loop Hike|5.9|605|Hike farm fields to enter a 300-acre forest on Whipple Creek near the county fairgrounds}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Vancouver Lake-Frenchmans Bar Hike|10.5|10|Paved and gravel trails between Vancouver Lake and the Columbia River}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Ridgefield Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Gee Creek Ridge Loop Hike|1.8|185|Walk along a forested path in Ridgefield that descends to Gee Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Oaks to Wetlands Loop Hike|1.7|80|Easy loop through a recovering oak savanna}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Carty Lake Hike|2.8|60|Explore the west shore of Carty Lake in the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Kiwa Trail Loop Hike|1.2|0|Short seasonal birdwatching loop around sloughs and marshes}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|I-5 Corridor: La Center to Centralia}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Paradise Point Loop Hike|1.8|240|Swampy bottomland and forested slope hike on East Fork Lewis River}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|La Center Loop Hike|4.2|310|Hike above wetlands on the East Fork Lewis River; then loop through La Center via Brezee Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lake Sacajawea Loop Hike|3.6|35|Hike around a lake and arboretum in the center of Longview}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Castle Rock Riverfront Hike|3.5|150|Paved trail along the Cowlitz River in Castle Rock}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Silver Lake-Seaquest Loop Hike|4.5|530|Take a short loop through a wetland and then hike lush woods at Seaquest State Park}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lewis and Clark State Park Loop Hike|4.8|340|Two loops through lush old-growth lowland forest}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Seminary Hill Loop Hike|1.4|360|Forested hike through a natural area in Centralia}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Chehalis River Discovery Loop Hike|4.0|10|Level grassy walk along the Chehalis River near Centralia}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|I-5 Corridor: Centralia to Nisqually}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Mima Mounds Loop Hike|3.2|30|Short loops around the mysterious phenomenon of symmetrical mounds in a wildflower prairie}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Mima Falls Loop Hike|6.5|795|Loop in the lush lowland forest of the Black Hills to a small waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Bob Bammert Grove Hike|1.2|315|Hike up above Mima Creek to a grove of old-growth Douglas-firs}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Millersylvania Loop Hike|3.9|180|State park loop along a lakeshore, through wetlands, and under towering old growth}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Tumwater Falls Loop Hike|0.9|90|Leafy loop past three waterfalls on the Deschutes River}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Tumwater Historical Park Loop Hike|1.8|45|Visit historic buildings and follow a trail to the Middle Basin}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Watershed Park Loop Hike|1.5|85|Forested loop around Moxlie Creek near I-5}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Capitol Lake Loop Hike|2.5|100|Walk around a large reflecting pool and up to Washington's Capitol Campus}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Grass Lake Loop Hike|1.7|55|Visit a lake and marsh in suburban Olympia}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Nisqually Wildlife Refuge Hike|4.1|0|Go birdwatching and get views of Mt. Rainier and the Olympics from the Nisqually Estuary}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Brush Prairie/Battle Ground}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Groth-Norene Preserves Loop Hike|1.8|30|Two connected loops in protected patches of forest}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Gordy Jolma Loop Hike|4.3|85|Old golf course repurposed as a natural area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Salmon-Morgan Creeks Loop Hike|1.5|60|Two short loops above a creek confluence in cedar forest}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Battle Ground Lake Loop Hike|2.1|205|Walk around a small crater lake and its forested rim}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}} <br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Camas}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Washougal River Greenway Loop Hike|2.6|70|Loop around a section of the Washougal River using a new footbridge}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Mill Ditch to Round Lake Hike|6.4|685|Walk along a working aqueduct to its source at Round Lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Fallen Leaf Lake Hike|4.1|600|Hike a maze of forest trails above Fallen Leaf Lake in Camas}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lacamas Heritage Trail Hike|7.0|30|Flat hike along the west shore of Lacamas Lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Round Lake Loop Hike|1.4|140|Loop walk around a scenic lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lacamas Creek Loop Hike|4.1|670|Loop hike including a lovely creek, three waterfalls, an interesting gorge, and camas fields}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Prune Hill Loop Hike|7.5|800|Walk up, down, and around Prune Hill in Camas}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Green Mountain West Hike|2.3|520|Forested route, with optional scramble, up a viewless Boring volcano}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Green Mountain East Loop Hike|5.4|645|Old roads and trails on a legacy lands property north of Camas}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Washougal}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Washougal Waterfront Hike|2.1|45|Walk under cottonwoods, get views of Mt. Hood, and visit a historic site}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Columbia River Dike Hike|8.2|30|Walk above the Columbia to get views and observe wildlife}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Steigerwald Lake Refuge Loop Hike|4.0|30|Take a new levee to join a loop through seasonal wetlands}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Washougal River Park Hike|3.3|305|Leafy walk on old logging road with access to Washougal River}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Yacolt Burn===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Tarbell Trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Tarbell Loop Hike|23.5|4095|Take the Tarbell Trail to the top of Larch Mountain and down across Cold Creek and Rock Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Tarbell Trail to Hidden Falls Hike|10.4|1415|Hike with some views of surrounding peaks to a secluded waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Shadow Loop Hike|7.2|1255|Lollipop loop from Rock Creek using a new connector trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Appaloosa Loop Hike|11.6|1740|Hike up from Rock Creek to Hidden Falls and then complete a loop}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sixth Sense Loop Hike|7.0|1280|Loop up along Cold Creek and down Larch Mountain's northwest ridge.}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Larch Mountain via Cold Creek Hike|11.6|2300|Ascending hike through secondary forest to Larch Mountain's summit}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Larch Mountain via Grouse Vista Hike|5.4|1205|Hike to a sweeping viewpoint and then up to the top of Larch Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Hidden Falls from Grouse Vista Hike|10.3|1845|Hike to Hidden Falls along the west slopes of Silver Star Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Silver Star Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Star Mountain Hike|5.6|1240|Shortest climb to the summit of Silver Star using an old jeep track}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Star via Ed's Trail Loop Hike|5.7|1460|Take Ed's Trail through a natural arch to Silver Star}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Silver Star South Ridge Hike|8.2|3105|More elevation gain on a little-followed jeep track to Silver Star's summit}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Star Mountain via Grouse Vista Hike|6.0|2010|Most common route to Silver Star on a rubbly road track}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Star-Pyramid Rock Loop Hike|7.2|2115|Come down from Silver Star on the east side of the ridge}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Silver Star-Chinook Trail Loop Hike|13.2|2985|Big loop using the summit ridge of Silver Star Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Star Mountain via Bluff Mountain Hike|11.6|2450|Longer, open ridgeline hike to the summit; bursting with wildflowers in early summer}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Silver Star Mountain via Starway Trail Hike|9.4|3850|Little-traveled obscure trail up the east ridge of the Star Creek valley}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Rock Creek Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Stebbins Creek to Three Corner Rock Hike|18.2|4490|Take the Three Corner Rock Trail from the Washougal River to an expansive viewpoint}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sedum Ridge Loop Hike|12.4|3535|Hike an unmaintained trail to an old lookout site and return via the PCT}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Snag Creek Loop Hike|10.4|2310|Obscure route, using an abandoned trail, a road, and then the PCT, to access views from Mowich Butte}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Three Corner Rock from Snag Creek Hike|11.4|2440|Take the PCT to Three Corner Rock, crossing Snag Creek and Rock Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Three Corner Rock Hike|4.2|1200|Shorter hike using the PCT to get to Three Corner Rock}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Birkenfeld Mountain via Three Corner Rock Hike|11.4|2325|Hike the PCT to Three Corner Rock and then bushwhack up Birkenfeld Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Lewis River Area===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|East Fork Lewis River}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lewisville Park Loop Hike|2.8|140|Loop along the East Fork in Clark County's oldest park}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lucia Falls Loop Hike|1.1|90|Short loop to a small waterfall in a rocky gorge}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Moulton Falls Hike|5.9|260|Hike up the East Fork to a gorge and a couple of waterfalls}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Yacolt Falls Hike|0.6|80|Short hike to a beautiful waterfall; loop possible in summer}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Bells Mountain North Slope Loop Hike|6.8|700|Loop up through secondary forest; return via Moulton Falls Trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sword Fern Way Loop Hike|8.4|1785|A loop off the Bells Mountain Trail takes you to the summit of Bells Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Bells Mountain Hike|16.3|3040|Undulating hike through secondary forest and clearcuts and then along a quiet creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Summit Springs Trail Hike|5.8|1750|Uphill hike in the Yacolt Burn to a ridge top viewpoint}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Lookout and Little Lookout Mountains Hike|10.6|3050|Hike along the East Fork and then up to outstanding viewpoints}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}} <br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Siouxon Creek Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Siouxon Creek Hike|8.2|1615|Lovely creek and waterfall hike in lush forest}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Horseshoe Ridge Loop Hike|12.1|3405|Remote ridge loop to a stand of old growth, returning via Siouxon Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Huffman Peak Loop Hike|13.3|4205|Use two deep fords to access a high ridge with several viewpoints}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Siouxon Peak Loop Hike|17.1|4730|Hike up to the high ridge above the Siouxon to get expansive views}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Upper Siouxon Creek Loop Hike|10.2|2995|Steep descent into an uncrowded and beautiful section of Siouxon Creek}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|North Siouxon Creek Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|North Siouxon Creek Hike|10.4|1815|Hike to Black Hole Falls on rugged North Siouxon Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineMF|Mount Mitchell Hike|5.0|2050|&lt;b&gt;Trail closed&lt;/b&gt;}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Mount Mitchell via Sugarloaf Trail Hike|7.9|1920|Alternative trail to the views at the summit of Mount Mitchell}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Lewis River Reservoirs}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lower Marble Creek Falls Hike|1.2|70|Hike along an old road to a viewpoint of a small waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Beaver Bay Hike|3.9|195|Hike above wetlands and the shore of Yale Lake between two campgrounds}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Yale Reservoir IP Road Hike|7.3|120|Flat hike along the east shore of Yale Lake using an old haul road}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Upper Lewis River}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Curly Creek Falls Hike|0.4|10|Easiest of strolls to two waterfall viewpoints}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lewis River Traverse Hike|10.0|1260|One-way hike through old-growth bottomlands and above a narrow gorge}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Big Creek Falls Hike|1.4|180|Now abandoned trail to a view of Big Creek Falls}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Speed Trail Hike|2.0|680|Descend to the Lewis River through lush old growth; it's all uphill on the way back!}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Spencer Butte via Cussed Hollow Loop Hike|14.1|3475|Loop from the Lewis River up to Spencer Butte; descent via the obscure Bluff Trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineMF|Lewis River Waterfalls Hike|6.6|500|Hike past four wide picturesque waterfalls and two minor ones}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Wright Meadow Hike|9.6|2625|Hike up through old growth to an expansive meadow}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Quartz Creek Hike|9.2|2010|Trail with unbridged creek crossings through streamside old growth}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Mount St. Helens===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Kalama River Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Merrill Lake Loop Hike|0.9|145|Interpretive loop through old growth on the east shore of Merrill Lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Kalama Falls via Road 7500 Hike|4.6|350|Walk a road and then trails to visit Kalama Falls }}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Kalama Waterfalls Hike|9.9|790|Gently graded trail to waterfalls on the Kalama River}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Cinnamon Ridge Loop Hike|14.1|2950|Loop along river and ridge with old growth trees and then many viewpoints}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Kalama River-Goat Marsh Lake Loop Hike|13.9|1435|Gently graded exploration of the Kalama River and two lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Fossil Trail Loop Hike|12.9|2000|Loop into remote old growth using horse trails, ski trails, and old road beds}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Goat Marsh Lake Hike|1.5|80|Hike into noble fir old growth near marshy wetlands in a scientific research area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Blue Horse Loop Hike|5.2|560|Gentle hike taking in a lake, old growth, lush meadows, and a large debris slide}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sheep Canyon Loop Hike|12.1|2975|Classic St. Helens loop taking in alpine meadows, debris flows, and old growth forest}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Butte Camp Dome Loop Hike|14.3|3630|Bigger loop on the southwest flanks of Mt. St. Helens}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Mount Saint Helens via Butte Camp Hike|13.2|5305|Use the old southern ascent route to reach the high point on Mt. St. Helens}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Forest Road 83}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Trail of Two Forests Loop Hike|0.3|30|See and even crawl through tree molds from a 2,000 year-old lava flow}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Volcano Viewpoint Hike|1.7|410|Hike up to a view of Mt. St. Helens from the Ape Cave Trailhead}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Ape Cave Hike|2.0|180|Exploring the Lower Cave is fun for all; the more difficult Upper Cave is a loop of 2.7 miles}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Mount Saint Helens Hike|9.6|4665|Steep hike to the crater rim of Mount St. Helens.}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|June Lake Hike|2.5|440|Short hike to a small lake backed by a waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Pine Creek Hike|0.8|90|Stroll to a restored shelter with option for a short extension}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Ape Canyon Hike|11.0|2485|Magnificent hike up an old-growth ridge to the Plains of Abraham}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Upper Lava Canyon Hike|1.2|330|Informative trail about the dramatic geological events that formed Lava Canyon}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lava Canyon to The Ship Hike|3.9|945|Hike down the Muddy River Gorge past six waterfalls}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lava Canyon-Old Road 83 Loop Hike|7.5|1320|Loop down the spectacular Muddy River Gorge and return via an abandoned road}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lava Canyon from Smith Creek Hike|5.8|1240|Hike up a spectacular basalt canyon scoured out by the 1980 blast}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Coldwater Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Coldwater Lake Loop Hike|11.8|1840|Hike along this new lake's north shore and then below the spine of the South Coldwater Ridge}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Hummocks Loop Hike|2.7|100|Interpretive loop through revegetating area &quot;bombed&quot; by the 5/18/80 eruption}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Coldwater Peak from South Coldwater Hike|14.0|3420|Beautiful hike through the blast zone to the top of a denuded peak}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Johnston Ridge Hike|10.4|1830|Blast zone hike with two interpretive trails and views to the crater most of the way}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Harrys Ridge Hike|8.5|1830|Hike around the Devils Elbow and over The Spillover to an expansive viewpoint}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Coldwater Peak Hike|11.6|3160|Hike to the top of Coldwater Peak taking in stunning views in all directions}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Loowit Falls via Truman Trail Hike|14.6|2470|Make your way across the Pumice Plain to a waterfall plunging over the Sasquatch Steps}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Windy Ridge}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Meta Lake Hike|0.7|10|Interpretive trails to a blast zone lake and the Miner's Car}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Spirit Lake Hike|2.4|545|Hike down to the log-choked shore of Spirit Lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Plains of Abraham Loop Hike|8.4|1390|Scenic open loop on the east side of Mt. St. Helens}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|From Norway Pass}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Norway Pass Hike|4.2|855|Short blast zone hike to a view of Mt. St. Helens and Spirit Lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Panhandle Lake Hike|11.8|2650|Take a trip into the Lakes Basin of the Mt. Margaret Backcountry}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Whittier Ridge-Lakes Loop Hike|14.2|3790|Rugged loop that visits the Lakes Basin in the Mt. Margaret Backcountry}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Ghost Lake Hike|5.2|660|Hike the Boundary Trail to a secluded lake on the edge of the blast zone}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Wind River Area===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Lower Wind River Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Mowich Butte from Trout Creek Hike|11.2|2625|Hike the PCT to Sedum Ridge and then take an old road to the top of Mowich Butte}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Bunker Hill Hike|5.8|1310|Take a flat stretch of the PCT to a vigorous climb up to a former lookout site}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Whistle Punk Loop Hike|1.6|40|Interpretive loop trail dedicated to the heyday of logging in the area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Plantation Spacing Study Hike|1.3|60|Short loops around two forestry research study areas}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Falls Creek Falls Hike|3.4|850|Lovely creek hike to a three-tiered waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Falls Creek Falls Loop Hike|6.3|1445|Hike to a thundering waterfall and then loop up to higher viewpoints}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lava Butte Hike|3.8|1020|Ford the Wind River to hike up a little traveled trail}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Trapper Creek Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Dry Creek Hike|7.6|640|Discover massive old-growth trees as you follow Dry Creek in a quiet bottomland}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Trapper Creek Wilderness Loop Hike|14.5|3575|Loop around the wilderness that includes waterfalls, old growth, and a high viewpoint}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Soda Peaks Lake via Trapper Creek Hike|10.2|3110|Steep hike through old growth to a secluded cirque lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Trapper Creek Primitive Trails Loop Hike|11.1|3570|A lollipop exploring some of the &quot;primitive&quot; connector trails in the Trapper Creek Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Observation Peak via Big Hollow Hike|10.4|2755|Hike up an old growth slope to a scenic viewpoint; extending to Sister Rocks is an option}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Sister Rocks Hike|3.9|750|Short hike to a rocky viewpoint over the Trapper Creek Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Observation Peak Hike|5.6|1400|Hike into this tiny wilderness from the north side for spectacular views}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Observation Peak-Rim Trail Loop Hike|8.4|2680|Loop using primitive trails, sometimes hard to follow, in the Trapper Creek Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sister Rocks-Observation Peak Loop Hike|8.4|2280|Go off trail from Sister Rocks to loop into the Trapper Creek Wilderness and visit Observation Peak}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Soda Peaks Lake West Hike|4.4|1270|Longer drive and higher trailhead, but much shorter hike to this quiet wilderness lake}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Panther Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Panther Creek Falls Hike|0.3|90|Short excursion to an intriguing and picturesque waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Upper Falls Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Falls Creek Trail Hike|17.5|1250|Gradual trail that passes lava tubes and viewpoints to reach the top of Falls Creek Falls}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|McClellan Meadows Hike|6.8|815|Walk on gently sloping terrain to one of the largest meadows in the area}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Big Huckleberry Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Cedar Creek-Big Huckleberry Mountain Loop Hike|6.3|1365|Loop using rarely used trails and a forest road}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Grassy Knoll Hike|4.2|1280|Hike to a spectacular wildflower meadow with expansive views}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Big Huckleberry Mountain Hike|11.4|2435|Hike along a ridge of wildflower meadows to a former lookout site}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Big Huckleberry Mountain from Crest Camp Hike|12.6|1710|Follow the western edge of the Big Lava Bed to a former lookout site}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Indian Heaven Wilderness===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Eastern Indian Heaven Trailheads}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Indian Racetrack via the PCT Hike|8.0|850|Gradual hike in woods and meadows to the Racetrack}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Red Mountain Add-on Hike|1.6|705|Hike from the Indian Racetrack to a lookout atop a cinder cone}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Tombstone Lake via the PCT Hike|16.4|2280|Walk Indian Heaven's backbone to a secluded lake; optional return via the old CCT described}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Junction Lake Hike|5.0|725|Short hike to a popular lake in the center of Indian Heaven}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Junction Lake-Bear Lake Loop Hike|8.7|1220|Lollipop loop to lakes and meadows in the heart of Indian Heaven}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lake Wapiki Hike|7.0|1625|Gradually rising hike through huckleberries to a beautiful lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lemei Rock via Lemei Trail Hike|9.2|2285|Hike to and consider scrambling up an ancient volcanic crag}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Western Indian Heaven Trailheads}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Indian Racetrack Hike|4.6|760|Visit the site of an abandoned racetrack}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Basin Lakes Loop Hike|9.1|1795|Take an abandoned trail to a secluded collection of lakes (experienced hikers only)}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Thomas Lake Hike|2.1|225|Family hike to five wilderness lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineMF|Blue Lake Hike|6.6|980|Stunning hike through high meadows past a dozen lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Thomas Lake-Junction Lake Loop Hike|8.5|1065|Make a loop using old and current sections of the Pacific Crest Trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Acker Lake Loop Hike|10.1|1240|Use an abandoned route to make a loop taking in meadows and lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Indian Heaven Lakes Loop Hike|12.2|1675|Epic hike that takes in 15 named lakes plus short side options for 7 more!}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Chenamus Lake Hike|4.1|485|Visit two lakes and gather huckleberries in late summer!}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Placid Lake Loop Hike|10.1|1460|Take advantage of an abandoned trail to make a loop taking in lakes and meadows}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Northern Indian Heaven Trailheads}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Deep Lake Hike|5.4|1270|Short hike to a wilderness lake with a view of Mt. Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Bird Mountain Loop Hike|6.8|1700|Loop hike into the heart of Indian Heaven Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Cultus Creek to Junction Lake Loop Hike|9.9|1910|Hike deep into the heart of the Indian Heaven Wilderness from the north}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Wood Lake via Sawtooth Mountain Hike|9.2|2190|Get views from the rugged slopes of Sawtooth Mountain before dropping to a secluded lake}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===White Salmon River Area===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Monte Cristo Range}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Little Huckleberry Mountain Hike|5.0|1840|Hike to an old lookout site above the Big Lava Bed with views of Cascade peaks}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Monte Carlo-Monte Cristo Loop Hike|11.8|4070|Loop hike on little-traveled trails to two summits in the Monte Cristo Range}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Monte Carlo-Monte Cristo Hike|5.8|1940|Two wildflower summits with views on the edge of the Gifford Pinchot}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Buck Creek Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Buck Creek Falls Loop Hike|2.8|1090|Short springtime loop up a creek and along wildflower slopes}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Nestor Peak Hike|8.0|2980|Spring wildflower hike to a former lookout site with views}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Penny Ridge to Monte Carlo Hike|15.2|3455|Hike old road beds up a ridge for wildflowers and some views}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Monte Carlo via Middle Fork Grove Hike|6.3|1860|Hike through a remnant stand of old growth to a mile-long wildflower ridge}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Husum Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Weldon Wagon Road Hike|5.2|1210|Gradual hike on historic settler route across blooming slopes and into white oak woods}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Mount Adams===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Trout Lake Creek Drainage}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Trout Lake Preserve Hike|1.3|300|Get great views of Mt. Adams as you walk above expansive wetlands}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Guler Ice Cave Hike|2.2|80|Walk to and crawl around an icy lava tube in early spring}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Natural Bridges Hike|1.8|80|Explore a collapsed lava tube with caves and two natural bridges}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sleeping Beauty Hike|3.0|1430|Short, steep trail up a basalt knoll with expansive views}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Langfield Falls Hike|0.5|80|Take a short trail to a scenic waterfall; also visit the nearby peeled cedars}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Steamboat Mountain Hike|1.6|575|Hike a short, steep trail to a summit with far-ranging views}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|West Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Salt Creek Hike|8.4|730|Little-hiked trail past beaver marshes to a debris flow and view of Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lookingglass Lake via Stagman Ridge Hike|10.8|2415|Lollipop loop with wildflower meadows and views on the slopes of Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Horseshoe Meadow-Lookingglass Lake Loop Hike|13.2|2000|Alpine meadows and lake on the southwest side of Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Riley Camp-Horseshoe Meadow Loop Hike|15.6|3145|Loop that explores the west slope of Mt. Adams using a little-hiked connector trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Riley Camp to Crystal Lake Hike|13.2|2860|Wilderness hike to a high alpine lake on the slopes of Mt. Adams}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Northwest Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Council Bluff Hike|3.2|840|Short hike to a former lookout site with expansive views}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Chain of Lakes Hike|2.7|180|Fairly level hike to shallow montane lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Takhlakh Lake Loop Hike|2.7|215|Loop hike around a stunning lake and a lava flow, with Mt. Adams views}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Divide Camp to High Camp Hike|13.1|2500|Less traveled but scenic route to the Pacific Crest Trail and High Camp}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Adams Glacier Meadows Hike|8.2|2315|Premier alpine area on Mount Adams. Can be busy but there's a large enough area to disperse crowds.}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Foggy Flat Hike|22.2|1550|Less busy alpine area on Mount Adams. Continue an extra few miles to Devil's Garden.}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|South Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Buck Creek-Wicky Shelter Loop Hike|9.6|1185|Lower level loop from White Salmon River viewpoints to a shelter and a large ponderosa}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Crofton Ridge Loop Hike|12.5|2600|Loop hike up to Crofton Ridge on the south slopes of Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Crofton Butte Hike|3.3|1100|Take the Crofton Ridge Trail, and then go off trail to the summit of Crofton Butte}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lookingglass Lake via Shorthorn Trail Hike|11.8|2495|Route across debris slide territory and through a burn to a secluded lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Mount Adams Summit Hike|12.4|6740|Hike up steep slopes to the summit of Washington's second highest peak}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|A.G. Aiken Lava Bed Loop Hike|14.7|3235|Loop up around a relatively recent lava flow and descend into old growth}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Mt. Adams Recreation Area (Yakama Nation)}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Mount Adams Loop Hike|38.4|8450|Loop around Mount Adams requiring registration with the Yakama Nation}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Pine Way to Gotchen Creek Meadows Hike|10.7|2380|Hike a neglected trail through an intense burn and then turn up to classic mountain meadows}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Bird Creek Meadows Loop Hike|6.6|1415|Loop through subalpine meadows to a great viewpoint and mountain lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Sunrise Camp Hike|9.6|2860|Take a mountain climbers' trail to a base camp on Mt. Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Heart Lake Hike|2.0|150|Secluded lake near Hellroaring Meadows and Little Mt. Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Little Mount Adams Hike|6.9|2030|Follow an abandoned trail to a spectacular cinder cone}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Glenwood Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Rattlesnake Falls Hike|2.5|525|Easy walk to one scenic waterfall and then a scramble down to another}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Willard Springs Loop Hike|2.3|55|Stroll through ponderosa pine woods and next to wetlands in a wildlife refuge}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Goat Rocks Wilderness===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Goat Rocks Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Snowgrass Flat Hike|11.1|2380|Visit a beautiful alpine meadow full of August wildflowers}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Goat Lake Loop Hike|12.8|2590|Loop hike to Goat Lake basin that makes a good overnight backpack}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Goat Rocks Traverse Hike|28.7|4875|See the spectacular Goat Rocks from Walupt Lake to White Pass}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|South Tieton Hike|17.6|1930|Back side of Goat Rocks; nice alpine area far away from Portland and Seattle}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Mount Rainier Area===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Mount Rainier National Park}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Spray Park Hike|7.4|2610|Hike to alpine meadows with expansive views via a spectacular waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Tolmie Lookout via Eunice Lake Hike|6.6|1640|Pleasant hike to a high lake and then a lookout with views}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Burroughs Mountain Loop Hike|6.2|1300|Hike from Sunrise for expansive views of mountain and glacier}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===North of Rainier Area===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Enchantment Lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Enchantment Lakes Thru Hike|21.5|5450|Most spectacular hike on earth}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> See Southwest area hikes and destinations in our [[:Category:Southwest Washington|Southwest Washington index]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Southwest_Washington_Hikes Southwest Washington Hikes 2023-07-29T19:32:03Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>{{-}}<br /> &lt;b&gt;<br /> * [[#Western_Lowlands|Western Lowlands]]<br /> * [[#Yacolt_Burn|Yacolt Burn]] <br /> * [[#Lewis_River_Area|Lewis River Area]]<br /> * [[#Mount_St._Helens|Mount St. Helens]]<br /> * [[#Wind_River_Area|Wind River Area]]<br /> * [[#Indian_Heaven_Wilderness|Indian Heaven Wilderness]]<br /> * [[#White_Salmon_River_Area|White Salmon River Area]]<br /> * [[#Mount_Adams|Mount Adams]]<br /> * [[#Goat_Rocks_Wilderness|Goat Rocks Wilderness]]<br /> * [[#Mount_Rainier_Area|Mount Rainier Area]]&lt;/b&gt; <br /> <br /> <br /> ===Western Lowlands===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Vancouver Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Vancouver Discovery Loop Hike|4.9|130|A loop hike which traces the history of Anglo-American discovery and settlement in the area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Waterfront Renaissance Trail Hike|10.8|75|Walk along the Columbia from downtown Vancouver to Wintler Park passing numerous historic locations}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Burnt Bridge Creek Hike|8.1|180|Easy, 8-mile paved greenway in a pretty valley; described in three sections}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Ellen Davis Trail Hike|5.2|420|Wind up and around low hills in central Vancouver}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Columbia Springs Hike|3.1|165|Explore a network of trails east and west of the Vancouver Fish Hatchery}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Salmon Creek Hike|9.1|185|Walk along the wetlands and up a forested stream at Salmon Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Cougar Trails Loop Hike|2.6|230|Loop down to Mill Creek at the WSU Vancouver Campus}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Whipple Creek Loop Hike|5.9|605|Hike farm fields to enter a 300-acre forest on Whipple Creek near the county fairgrounds}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Vancouver Lake-Frenchmans Bar Hike|10.5|10|Paved and gravel trails between Vancouver Lake and the Columbia River}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Ridgefield Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Gee Creek Ridge Loop Hike|1.8|185|Walk along a forested path in Ridgefield that descends to Gee Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Oaks to Wetlands Loop Hike|1.7|80|Easy loop through a recovering oak savanna}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Carty Lake Hike|2.8|60|Explore the west shore of Carty Lake in the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Kiwa Trail Loop Hike|1.2|0|Short seasonal birdwatching loop around sloughs and marshes}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|I-5 Corridor: La Center to Centralia}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Paradise Point Loop Hike|1.8|240|Swampy bottomland and forested slope hike on East Fork Lewis River}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|La Center Loop Hike|4.2|310|Hike above wetlands on the East Fork Lewis River; then loop through La Center via Brezee Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lake Sacajawea Loop Hike|3.6|35|Hike around a lake and arboretum in the center of Longview}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Castle Rock Riverfront Hike|3.5|150|Paved trail along the Cowlitz River in Castle Rock}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Silver Lake-Seaquest Loop Hike|4.5|530|Take a short loop through a wetland and then hike lush woods at Seaquest State Park}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lewis and Clark State Park Loop Hike|4.8|340|Two loops through lush old-growth lowland forest}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Seminary Hill Loop Hike|1.4|360|Forested hike through a natural area in Centralia}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Chehalis River Discovery Loop Hike|4.0|10|Level grassy walk along the Chehalis River near Centralia}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|I-5 Corridor: Centralia to Nisqually}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Mima Mounds Loop Hike|3.2|30|Short loops around the mysterious phenomenon of symmetrical mounds in a wildflower prairie}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Mima Falls Loop Hike|6.5|795|Loop in the lush lowland forest of the Black Hills to a small waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Bob Bammert Grove Hike|1.2|315|Hike up above Mima Creek to a grove of old-growth Douglas-firs}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Millersylvania Loop Hike|3.9|180|State park loop along a lakeshore, through wetlands, and under towering old growth}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Tumwater Falls Loop Hike|0.9|90|Leafy loop past three waterfalls on the Deschutes River}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Tumwater Historical Park Loop Hike|1.8|45|Visit historic buildings and follow a trail to the Middle Basin}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Watershed Park Loop Hike|1.5|85|Forested loop around Moxlie Creek near I-5}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Capitol Lake Loop Hike|2.5|100|Walk around a large reflecting pool and up to Washington's Capitol Campus}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Grass Lake Loop Hike|1.7|55|Visit a lake and marsh in suburban Olympia}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Nisqually Wildlife Refuge Hike|4.1|0|Go birdwatching and get views of Mt. Rainier and the Olympics from the Nisqually Estuary}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Brush Prairie/Battle Ground}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Groth-Norene Preserves Loop Hike|1.8|30|Two connected loops in protected patches of forest}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Gordy Jolma Loop Hike|4.3|85|Old golf course repurposed as a natural area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Salmon-Morgan Creeks Loop Hike|1.5|60|Two short loops above a creek confluence in cedar forest}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Battle Ground Lake Loop Hike|2.1|205|Walk around a small crater lake and its forested rim}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}} <br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Camas}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Washougal River Greenway Loop Hike|2.6|70|Loop around a section of the Washougal River using a new footbridge}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Mill Ditch to Round Lake Hike|6.4|685|Walk along a working aqueduct to its source at Round Lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Fallen Leaf Lake Hike|4.1|600|Hike a maze of forest trails above Fallen Leaf Lake in Camas}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lacamas Heritage Trail Hike|7.0|30|Flat hike along the west shore of Lacamas Lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Round Lake Loop Hike|1.4|140|Loop walk around a scenic lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lacamas Creek Loop Hike|4.1|670|Loop hike including a lovely creek, three waterfalls, an interesting gorge, and camas fields}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Prune Hill Loop Hike|7.5|800|Walk up, down, and around Prune Hill in Camas}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Green Mountain West Hike|2.3|520|Forested route, with optional scramble, up a viewless Boring volcano}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Green Mountain East Loop Hike|5.4|645|Old roads and trails on a legacy lands property north of Camas}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Washougal}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Washougal Waterfront Hike|2.1|45|Walk under cottonwoods, get views of Mt. Hood, and visit a historic site}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Columbia River Dike Hike|8.2|30|Walk above the Columbia to get views and observe wildlife}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Steigerwald Lake Refuge Loop Hike|4.0|30|Take a new levee to join a loop through seasonal wetlands}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Washougal River Park Hike|3.3|305|Leafy walk on old logging road with access to Washougal River}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Yacolt Burn===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Tarbell Trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Tarbell Loop Hike|23.5|4095|Take the Tarbell Trail to the top of Larch Mountain and down across Cold Creek and Rock Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Tarbell Trail to Hidden Falls Hike|10.4|1415|Hike with some views of surrounding peaks to a secluded waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Shadow Loop Hike|7.2|1255|Lollipop loop from Rock Creek using a new connector trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Appaloosa Loop Hike|11.6|1740|Hike up from Rock Creek to Hidden Falls and then complete a loop}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sixth Sense Loop Hike|7.0|1280|Loop up along Cold Creek and down Larch Mountain's northwest ridge.}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Larch Mountain via Cold Creek Hike|11.6|2300|Ascending hike through secondary forest to Larch Mountain's summit}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Larch Mountain via Grouse Vista Hike|5.4|1205|Hike to a sweeping viewpoint and then up to the top of Larch Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Hidden Falls from Grouse Vista Hike|10.3|1845|Hike to Hidden Falls along the west slopes of Silver Star Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Silver Star Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Star Mountain Hike|5.6|1240|Shortest climb to the summit of Silver Star using an old jeep track}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Star via Ed's Trail Loop Hike|5.7|1460|Take Ed's Trail through a natural arch to Silver Star}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Silver Star South Ridge Hike|8.2|3105|More elevation gain on a little-followed jeep track to Silver Star's summit}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Star Mountain via Grouse Vista Hike|6.0|2010|Most common route to Silver Star on a rubbly road track}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Star-Pyramid Rock Loop Hike|7.2|2115|Come down from Silver Star on the east side of the ridge}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Silver Star-Chinook Trail Loop Hike|13.2|2985|Big loop using the summit ridge of Silver Star Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Silver Star Mountain via Bluff Mountain Hike|11.6|2450|Longer, open ridgeline hike to the summit; bursting with wildflowers in early summer}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Silver Star Mountain via Starway Trail Hike|9.4|3850|Little-traveled obscure trail up the east ridge of the Star Creek valley}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Rock Creek Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Stebbins Creek to Three Corner Rock Hike|18.2|4490|Take the Three Corner Rock Trail from the Washougal River to an expansive viewpoint}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sedum Ridge Loop Hike|12.4|3535|Hike an unmaintained trail to an old lookout site and return via the PCT}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Snag Creek Loop Hike|10.4|2310|Obscure route, using an abandoned trail, a road, and then the PCT, to access views from Mowich Butte}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Three Corner Rock from Snag Creek Hike|11.4|2440|Take the PCT to Three Corner Rock, crossing Snag Creek and Rock Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Three Corner Rock Hike|4.2|1200|Shorter hike using the PCT to get to Three Corner Rock}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Birkenfeld Mountain via Three Corner Rock Hike|11.4|2325|Hike the PCT to Three Corner Rock and then bushwhack up Birkenfeld Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Lewis River Area===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|East Fork Lewis River}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lewisville Park Loop Hike|2.8|140|Loop along the East Fork in Clark County's oldest park}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lucia Falls Loop Hike|1.1|90|Short loop to a small waterfall in a rocky gorge}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Moulton Falls Hike|5.9|260|Hike up the East Fork to a gorge and a couple of waterfalls}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Yacolt Falls Hike|0.6|80|Short hike to a beautiful waterfall; loop possible in summer}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Bells Mountain North Slope Loop Hike|6.8|700|Loop up through secondary forest; return via Moulton Falls Trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sword Fern Way Loop Hike|8.4|1785|A loop off the Bells Mountain Trail takes you to the summit of Bells Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Bells Mountain Hike|16.3|3040|Undulating hike through secondary forest and clearcuts and then along a quiet creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Summit Springs Trail Hike|5.8|1750|Uphill hike in the Yacolt Burn to a ridge top viewpoint}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Lookout and Little Lookout Mountains Hike|10.6|3050|Hike along the East Fork and then up to outstanding viewpoints}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}} <br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Siouxon Creek Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Siouxon Creek Hike|8.2|1615|Lovely creek and waterfall hike in lush forest}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Horseshoe Ridge Loop Hike|12.1|3405|Remote ridge loop to a stand of old growth, returning via Siouxon Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Huffman Peak Loop Hike|13.3|4205|Use two deep fords to access a high ridge with several viewpoints}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Siouxon Peak Loop Hike|17.1|4730|Hike up to the high ridge above the Siouxon to get expansive views}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Upper Siouxon Creek Loop Hike|10.2|2995|Steep descent into an uncrowded and beautiful section of Siouxon Creek}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|North Siouxon Creek Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|North Siouxon Creek Hike|10.4|1815|Hike to Black Hole Falls on rugged North Siouxon Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineMF|Mount Mitchell Hike|5.0|2050|&lt;b&gt;Trail closed&lt;/b&gt;}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Mount Mitchell via Sugarloaf Trail Hike|7.9|1920|Alternative trail to the views at the summit of Mount Mitchell}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Lewis River Reservoirs}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Lower Marble Creek Falls Hike|1.2|70|Hike along an old road to a viewpoint of a small waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Beaver Bay Hike|3.9|195|Hike above wetlands and the shore of Yale Lake between two campgrounds}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Yale Reservoir IP Road Hike|7.3|120|Flat hike along the east shore of Yale Lake using an old haul road}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Upper Lewis River}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Curly Creek Falls Hike|0.4|10|Easiest of strolls to two waterfall viewpoints}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lewis River Traverse Hike|10.0|1260|One-way hike through old-growth bottomlands and above a narrow gorge}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Big Creek Falls Hike|1.4|180|Now abandoned trail to a view of Big Creek Falls}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Speed Trail Hike|2.0|680|Descend to the Lewis River through lush old growth; it's all uphill on the way back!}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Spencer Butte via Cussed Hollow Loop Hike|14.1|3475|Loop from the Lewis River up to Spencer Butte; descent via the obscure Bluff Trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineMF|Lewis River Waterfalls Hike|6.6|500|Hike past four wide picturesque waterfalls and two minor ones}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Wright Meadow Hike|9.6|2625|Hike up through old growth to an expansive meadow}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Quartz Creek Hike|9.2|2010|Trail with unbridged creek crossings through streamside old growth}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Mount St. Helens===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Kalama River Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Merrill Lake Loop Hike|0.9|145|Interpretive loop through old growth on the east shore of Merrill Lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Kalama Falls via Road 7500 Hike|4.6|350|Walk a road and then trails to visit Kalama Falls }}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Kalama Waterfalls Hike|9.9|790|Gently graded trail to waterfalls on the Kalama River}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Cinnamon Ridge Loop Hike|14.1|2950|Loop along river and ridge with old growth trees and then many viewpoints}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Kalama River-Goat Marsh Lake Loop Hike|13.9|1435|Gently graded exploration of the Kalama River and two lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Fossil Trail Loop Hike|12.9|2000|Loop into remote old growth using horse trails, ski trails, and old road beds}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Goat Marsh Lake Hike|1.5|80|Hike into noble fir old growth near marshy wetlands in a scientific research area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Blue Horse Loop Hike|5.2|560|Gentle hike taking in a lake, old growth, lush meadows, and a large debris slide}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sheep Canyon Loop Hike|12.1|2975|Classic St. Helens loop taking in alpine meadows, debris flows, and old growth forest}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Butte Camp Dome Loop Hike|14.3|3630|Bigger loop on the southwest flanks of Mt. St. Helens}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Mount Saint Helens via Butte Camp Hike|13.2|5305|Use the old southern ascent route to reach the high point on Mt. St. Helens}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Forest Road 83}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Trail of Two Forests Loop Hike|0.3|30|See and even crawl through tree molds from a 2,000 year-old lava flow}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Volcano Viewpoint Hike|1.7|410|Hike up to a view of Mt. St. Helens from the Ape Cave Trailhead}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Ape Cave Hike|2.0|180|Exploring the Lower Cave is fun for all; the more difficult Upper Cave is a loop of 2.7 miles}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Mount Saint Helens Hike|9.6|4665|Steep hike to the crater rim of Mount St. Helens.}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|June Lake Hike|2.5|440|Short hike to a small lake backed by a waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Pine Creek Hike|0.8|90|Stroll to a restored shelter with option for a short extension}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Ape Canyon Hike|11.0|2485|Magnificent hike up an old-growth ridge to the Plains of Abraham}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Upper Lava Canyon Hike|1.2|330|Informative trail about the dramatic geological events that formed Lava Canyon}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lava Canyon to The Ship Hike|3.9|945|Hike down the Muddy River Gorge past six waterfalls}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lava Canyon-Old Road 83 Loop Hike|7.5|1320|Loop down the spectacular Muddy River Gorge and return via an abandoned road}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lava Canyon from Smith Creek Hike|5.8|1240|Hike up a spectacular basalt canyon scoured out by the 1980 blast}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Coldwater Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Coldwater Lake Loop Hike|11.8|1840|Hike along this new lake's north shore and then below the spine of the South Coldwater Ridge}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Hummocks Loop Hike|2.7|100|Interpretive loop through revegetating area &quot;bombed&quot; by the 5/18/80 eruption}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Coldwater Peak from South Coldwater Hike|14.0|3420|Beautiful hike through the blast zone to the top of a denuded peak}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Johnston Ridge Hike|10.4|1830|Blast zone hike with two interpretive trails and views to the crater most of the way}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Harrys Ridge Hike|8.5|1830|Hike around the Devils Elbow and over The Spillover to an expansive viewpoint}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Coldwater Peak Hike|11.6|3160|Hike to the top of Coldwater Peak taking in stunning views in all directions}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Loowit Falls via Truman Trail Hike|14.6|2470|Make your way across the Pumice Plain to a waterfall plunging over the Sasquatch Steps}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Windy Ridge}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Meta Lake Hike|0.7|10|Interpretive trails to a blast zone lake and the Miner's Car}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Spirit Lake Hike|2.4|545|Hike down to the log-choked shore of Spirit Lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Plains of Abraham Loop Hike|8.4|1390|Scenic open loop on the east side of Mt. St. Helens}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|From Norway Pass}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Norway Pass Hike|4.2|855|Short blast zone hike to a view of Mt. St. Helens and Spirit Lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Panhandle Lake Hike|11.8|2650|Take a trip into the Lakes Basin of the Mt. Margaret Backcountry}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Whittier Ridge-Lakes Loop Hike|14.2|3790|Rugged loop that visits the Lakes Basin in the Mt. Margaret Backcountry}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Ghost Lake Hike|5.2|660|Hike the Boundary Trail to a secluded lake on the edge of the blast zone}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Wind River Area===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Lower Wind River Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Mowich Butte from Trout Creek Hike|11.2|2625|Hike the PCT to Sedum Ridge and then take an old road to the top of Mowich Butte}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Bunker Hill Hike|5.8|1310|Take a flat stretch of the PCT to a vigorous climb up to a former lookout site}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Whistle Punk Loop Hike|1.6|40|Interpretive loop trail dedicated to the heyday of logging in the area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Plantation Spacing Study Hike|1.3|60|Short loops around two forestry research study areas}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Falls Creek Falls Hike|3.4|850|Lovely creek hike to a three-tiered waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Falls Creek Falls Loop Hike|6.3|1445|Hike to a thundering waterfall and then loop up to higher viewpoints}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lava Butte Hike|3.8|1020|Ford the Wind River to hike up a little traveled trail}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Trapper Creek Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Dry Creek Hike|7.6|640|Discover massive old-growth trees as you follow Dry Creek in a quiet bottomland}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Trapper Creek Wilderness Loop Hike|14.5|3575|Loop around the wilderness that includes waterfalls, old growth, and a high viewpoint}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Soda Peaks Lake via Trapper Creek Hike|10.2|3110|Steep hike through old growth to a secluded cirque lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Trapper Creek Primitive Trails Loop Hike|11.1|3570|A lollipop exploring some of the &quot;primitive&quot; connector trails in the Trapper Creek Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Observation Peak via Big Hollow Hike|10.4|2755|Hike up an old growth slope to a scenic viewpoint; extending to Sister Rocks is an option}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Sister Rocks Hike|3.9|750|Short hike to a rocky viewpoint over the Trapper Creek Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Observation Peak Hike|5.6|1400|Hike into this tiny wilderness from the north side for spectacular views}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Observation Peak-Rim Trail Loop Hike|8.4|2680|Loop using primitive trails, sometimes hard to follow, in the Trapper Creek Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sister Rocks-Observation Peak Loop Hike|8.4|2280|Go off trail from Sister Rocks to loop into the Trapper Creek Wilderness and visit Observation Peak}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Soda Peaks Lake West Hike|4.4|1270|Longer drive and higher trailhead, but much shorter hike to this quiet wilderness lake}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Panther Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Panther Creek Falls Hike|0.3|90|Short excursion to an intriguing and picturesque waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Upper Falls Creek}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Falls Creek Trail Hike|17.5|1250|Gradual trail that passes lava tubes and viewpoints to reach the top of Falls Creek Falls}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|McClellan Meadows Hike|6.8|815|Walk on gently sloping terrain to one of the largest meadows in the area}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Big Huckleberry Mountain}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Cedar Creek-Big Huckleberry Mountain Loop Hike|6.3|1365|Loop using rarely used trails and a forest road}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Grassy Knoll Hike|4.2|1280|Hike to a spectacular wildflower meadow with expansive views}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Big Huckleberry Mountain Hike|11.4|2435|Hike along a ridge of wildflower meadows to a former lookout site}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Big Huckleberry Mountain from Crest Camp Hike|12.6|1710|Follow the western edge of the Big Lava Bed to a former lookout site}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Indian Heaven Wilderness===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Eastern Indian Heaven Trailheads}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Indian Racetrack via the PCT Hike|8.0|850|Gradual hike in woods and meadows to the Racetrack}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Red Mountain Add-on Hike|1.6|705|Hike from the Indian Racetrack to a lookout atop a cinder cone}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Tombstone Lake via the PCT Hike|16.4|2280|Walk Indian Heaven's backbone to a secluded lake; optional return via the old CCT described}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Junction Lake Hike|5.0|725|Short hike to a popular lake in the center of Indian Heaven}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Junction Lake-Bear Lake Loop Hike|8.7|1220|Lollipop loop to lakes and meadows in the heart of Indian Heaven}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lake Wapiki Hike|7.0|1625|Gradually rising hike through huckleberries to a beautiful lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lemei Rock via Lemei Trail Hike|9.2|2285|Hike to and consider scrambling up an ancient volcanic crag}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Western Indian Heaven Trailheads}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Indian Racetrack Hike|4.6|760|Visit the site of an abandoned racetrack}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Basin Lakes Loop Hike|9.1|1795|Take an abandoned trail to a secluded collection of lakes (experienced hikers only)}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Thomas Lake Hike|2.1|225|Family hike to five wilderness lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineMF|Blue Lake Hike|6.6|980|Stunning hike through high meadows past a dozen lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Thomas Lake-Junction Lake Loop Hike|8.5|1065|Make a loop using old and current sections of the Pacific Crest Trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Acker Lake Loop Hike|10.1|1240|Use an abandoned route to make a loop taking in meadows and lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Indian Heaven Lakes Loop Hike|12.2|1675|Epic hike that takes in 15 named lakes plus short side options for 7 more!}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Chenamus Lake Hike|4.1|485|Visit two lakes and gather huckleberries in late summer!}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Placid Lake Loop Hike|10.1|1460|Take advantage of an abandoned trail to make a loop taking in lakes and meadows}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Northern Indian Heaven Trailheads}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Deep Lake Hike|5.4|1270|Short hike to a wilderness lake with a view of Mt. Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Bird Mountain Loop Hike|6.8|1700|Loop hike into the heart of Indian Heaven Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Cultus Creek to Junction Lake Loop Hike|9.9|1910|Hike deep into the heart of the Indian Heaven Wilderness from the north}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Wood Lake via Sawtooth Mountain Hike|9.2|2190|Get views from the rugged slopes of Sawtooth Mountain before dropping to a secluded lake}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===White Salmon River Area===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Monte Cristo Range}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Little Huckleberry Mountain Hike|5.0|1840|Hike to an old lookout site above the Big Lava Bed with views of Cascade peaks}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Monte Carlo-Monte Cristo Loop Hike|11.8|4070|Loop hike on little-traveled trails to two summits in the Monte Cristo Range}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Monte Carlo-Monte Cristo Hike|5.8|1940|Two wildflower summits with views on the edge of the Gifford Pinchot}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Buck Creek Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Buck Creek Falls Loop Hike|2.8|1090|Short springtime loop up a creek and along wildflower slopes}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Nestor Peak Hike|8.0|2980|Spring wildflower hike to a former lookout site with views}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Penny Ridge to Monte Carlo Hike|15.2|3455|Hike old road beds up a ridge for wildflowers and some views}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Monte Carlo via Middle Fork Grove Hike|6.3|1860|Hike through a remnant stand of old growth to a mile-long wildflower ridge}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Husum Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Weldon Wagon Road Hike|5.2|1210|Gradual hike on historic settler route across blooming slopes and into white oak woods}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Mount Adams===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Trout Lake Creek Drainage}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Trout Lake Preserve Hike|1.3|300|Get great views of Mt. Adams as you walk above expansive wetlands}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Guler Ice Cave Hike|2.2|80|Walk to and crawl around an icy lava tube in early spring}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Natural Bridges Hike|1.8|80|Explore a collapsed lava tube with caves and two natural bridges}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Sleeping Beauty Hike|3.0|1430|Short, steep trail up a basalt knoll with expansive views}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Langfield Falls Hike|0.5|80|Take a short trail to a scenic waterfall; also visit the nearby peeled cedars}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Steamboat Mountain Hike|1.6|575|Hike a short, steep trail to a summit with far-ranging views}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|West Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Salt Creek Hike|8.4|730|Little-hiked trail past beaver marshes to a debris flow and view of Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lookingglass Lake via Stagman Ridge Hike|10.8|2415|Lollipop loop with wildflower meadows and views on the slopes of Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Horseshoe Meadow-Lookingglass Lake Loop Hike|13.2|2000|Alpine meadows and lake on the southwest side of Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Riley Camp-Horseshoe Meadow Loop Hike|15.6|3145|Loop that explores the west slope of Mt. Adams using a little-hiked connector trail}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Riley Camp to Crystal Lake Hike|13.2|2860|Wilderness hike to a high alpine lake on the slopes of Mt. Adams}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Northwest Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Council Bluff Hike|3.2|840|Short hike to a former lookout site with expansive views}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Chain of Lakes Hike|2.7|180|Fairly level hike to shallow montane lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Takhlakh Lake Loop Hike|2.7|215|Loop hike around a stunning lake and a lava flow, with Mt. Adams views}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Divide Camp to High Camp Hike|13.1|2500|Less traveled but scenic route to the Pacific Crest Trail and High Camp}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Adams Glacier Meadows Hike|8.2|2315|Premier alpine area on Mount Adams. Can be busy but there's a large enough area to disperse crowds.}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Foggy Flat Hike|22.2|1550|Less busy alpine area on Mount Adams. Continue an extra few miles to Devil's Garden.}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|South Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Buck Creek-Wicky Shelter Loop Hike|9.6|1185|Lower level loop from White Salmon River viewpoints to a shelter and a large ponderosa}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Crofton Ridge Loop Hike|12.5|2600|Loop hike up to Crofton Ridge on the south slopes of Mount Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Crofton Butte Hike|3.3|1100|Take the Crofton Ridge Trail, and then go off trail to the summit of Crofton Butte}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Lookingglass Lake via Shorthorn Trail Hike|11.8|2495|Route across debris slide territory and through a burn to a secluded lake}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Mount Adams Summit Hike|12.4|6740|Hike up steep slopes to the summit of Washington's second highest peak}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|A.G. Aiken Lava Bed Loop Hike|14.7|3235|Loop up around a relatively recent lava flow and descend into old growth}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Mt. Adams Recreation Area (Yakama Nation)}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Mount Adams Loop Hike|38.4|8450|Loop around Mount Adams requiring registration with the Yakama Nation}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Pine Way to Gotchen Creek Meadows Hike|10.7|2380|Hike a neglected trail through an intense burn and then turn up to classic mountain meadows}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Bird Creek Meadows Loop Hike|6.6|1415|Loop through subalpine meadows to a great viewpoint and mountain lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Sunrise Camp Hike|9.6|2860|Take a mountain climbers' trail to a base camp on Mt. Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Heart Lake Hike|2.0|150|Secluded lake near Hellroaring Meadows and Little Mt. Adams}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Little Mount Adams Hike|6.9|2030|Follow an abandoned trail to a spectacular cinder cone}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{GuideSub|Glenwood Area}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Rattlesnake Falls Hike|2.5|525|Easy walk to one scenic waterfall and then a scramble down to another}}<br /> {{GuideLineE|Willard Springs Loop Hike|2.3|55|Stroll through ponderosa pine woods and next to wetlands in a wildlife refuge}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Goat Rocks Wilderness===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Goat Rocks Wilderness}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Snowgrass Flat Hike|11.1|2380|Visit a beautiful alpine meadow full of August wildflowers}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Goat Lake Loop Hike|12.8|2590|Loop hike to Goat Lake basin that makes a good overnight backpack}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|Goat Rocks Traverse Hike|28.7|4875|See the spectacular Goat Rocks from Walupt Lake to White Pass}}<br /> {{GuideLineD|South Tieton Hike|17.6|1930|Back side of Goat Rocks; nice alpine area far away from Portland and Seattle}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Mount Rainier Area===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Mount Rainier National Park}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Spray Park Hike|7.4|2610|Hike to alpine meadows with expansive views via a spectacular waterfall}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Tolmie Lookout via Eunice Lake Hike|6.6|1640|Pleasant hike to a high lake and then a lookout with views}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Burroughs Mountain Loop Hike|6.2|1300|Hike from Sunrise for expansive views of mountain and glacier}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> ===North of Rainier Area===<br /> {{GuideArea}}<br /> {{GuideSub|Enchantment Lakes}}<br /> {{GuideLineM|Enchantment Lakes Thru Hike|21.5|5450|Most spectacular hike on earth}}<br /> {{GuideSubEnd}}<br /> <br /> <br /> See Southwest area hikes and destinations in our [[:Category:Southwest Washington|Southwest Washington index]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Rogue_River_Hike Rogue River Hike 2023-04-27T14:06:15Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Southern Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Bureau of Land Management]]<br /> [[Category:Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Wild Rogue Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Traverse Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:All Season Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Crowded Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:Rogueriver1.JPG|thumb|400px|The trail follows along the Rogue River. Frequently the trail is a couple hundred feet above the river with great views down to the river. ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguewhiskbrg.JPG|thumb|250px|A nice bridge crosses Whiskey Creek. ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguetrail.JPG|thumb|250px|There are places where the trail is fairly narrow with a steep drop on one side. ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguecamp.jpg|thumb|250px|Typical hiker campsite, this one at the end of the bridge over Bunker Creek ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguepaul54.JPG|thumb|250px|The Brushy Bar Guard Station ''(Paul)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguepaul61.JPG|thumb|250px|Tent at Camp Tacoma, where there are several nice sandy campsites next to the river. ''(Paul)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguemap.JPG|thumb|400px|Rogue River trail from http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/maps-publications.php]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Grave Creek Trailhead}}<br /> * End point: [[Big Bend Trailhead (Lower Rogue River)|Big Bend Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail log: [[Rogue River Hike/Log]]<br /> * Hike type: Traverse (one way)<br /> {{Distance|39.8 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|3080 feet}} <br /> * High point: 910 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Year round, but very hot in summer<br /> * Family Friendly: Yes, in short sections<br /> * Backpackable: Yes<br /> * Crowded: Yes, from mid-spring into summer<br /> {{Hazards|t=y|p=y|s=y}}<br /> <br /> === Hike Description ===<br /> &lt;b&gt;&lt;font color=red&gt;NOTICE: Road access to the [[Grave Creek Trailhead]] via Galice is currently closed due to extensive damage from the 2022 Rum Creek Fire. You can reach the trailhead from farther north, exiting I-5 at either Sun Valley or Wolf Creek.&lt;/font color&gt;&lt;/b&gt; <br /> <br /> &lt;b&gt;&lt;font color=red&gt;NOTICE: A landslide has blocked trail 21.5 miles downstream from Graves Creek Trailhead, 1 mile upstream from Rogue River Ranch. No safe route around it. (May 2023) [https://www.facebook.com/BLMOregonAndWashington/posts/pfbid0sygDZGsEQi8xFiYCb8NfBxuc7ZumwfRgtzeq6kcVQZXxWv3SQJyWyRZxhQfUdeqfl BLM notice]&lt;/font color&gt;&lt;/b&gt; <br /> <br /> This is a premier hike in Southern Oregon. The trail goes along the Rogue River, sometimes near the river and other times going a couple hundred feet above and offering great views. There is a 40-mile wild section with only one road access about in the middle. <br /> <br /> You can do the full 40-mile hike, or you could just go from either end as far as you want, and then return to where you began. To do the 40 miles, you can drive two cars to [[Big Bend Trailhead|Illahe]], then backtrack one car to where you left the Rogue, turn left, and go the last 7.5 miles to [[Grave Creek Trailhead|Grave Creek]]. This route can be snowed in during the winter and early spring. Alternately, as you get near the trailhead, there are businesses and residences that have signs out front saying &quot;shuttle&quot;. <br /> <br /> There are several shuttle services for hikers and rafters/kayakers:<br /> * [https://www.whitewatercowboys.com/rogue-river-shuttles White Water Cowboys]<br /> * [https://wildrogue.com/rogue-river-shuttles/#:~:text=Morrisons%20Rogue%20Wilderness%20Adventures%20offers,or%20Quosatana%20(Q)%20creek. Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Adventures]<br /> * [https://bltshuttles.weebly.com/ BLT's Rogue River Shuttles]<br /> <br /> <br /> The trail is fairly good, though there are places where it is somewhat narrow with a steep drop on one side. In some places, it's somewhat rocky so you have to watch your step to avoid hurting your ankle. The trail crosses many streams, some with bridges, some necessitating a rock hop. In the winter, expect to encounter logs across the trail and slides that may be difficult to cross.<br /> <br /> The Rogue River is better known for boating by rafts and motor boats. There are many challenging rapids and several good camping spots. A lottery system is used to limit the number of people using watercraft, but it's still fairly crowded during the season. From November to April, there aren't so many boaters. If you're into running rivers, this should definitely be on your list.<br /> <br /> Hikers are allowed to use the boater campsites without having to reserve them, but you might not want to if they're crowded with boaters. There are also many hiker camps away from the river, but most of them are small with few flat level areas to sleep on. In the winter, there are so few backpackers that you can have your choice of campsites.<br /> <br /> The climate here is much drier and warmer than in Portland. Since the trail stays below 900 feet elevation, it could be very nice here, even when it's snowy in [[Columbia River Gorge|the Gorge]] and on [[Mount Hood]]. Along the river, the vegetation is fairly sparse with lots of madrone trees. On the ridges above, there are pine and fir trees. Often, it is clear near the river with fog on the ridges above that burns off in the afternoon. The trees get much of their moisture from fog.<br /> <br /> Sometimes there's snow here, and when the snow is melting and/or there are heavy rains, the river can flood, making the trail impassable. About half a mile from the [[Grave Creek Trailhead]] is a sign above the trail showing the river level in a recent flood. Check out the weather reports for Grants Pass or Gold Beach to get an idea of the current weather.<br /> <br /> Watch for [[Ticks|ticks]], particularly in the summer. There are more ticks on the western half of the route. There is more grass along the trail in this section. The ticks wait on blades of grass until they can hop a ride on you or another mammal. Long pants and gaiters and perhaps tick repellant are recommended. After each day's hike, carefully inspect to see if any ticks are on you and remove them. You can get Lyme disease from a tick bite; typically there are a target shaped circular red rash and flu-like symptoms. If you manifest these symptoms, check in with a doctor who can recommend a treatment.<br /> <br /> There are bears, especially around the western ten miles of the trail. Hang your food at least ten feet above ground and five feet away from trees. Use the provided bear-proof enclosures (electric fences, boxes, or cables/pullies) in the western section at [[Rogue Camp Tacoma|Camp Tacoma]], Tate Creek, Half Moon Bar, and Burns Creek. According to the BLM, bear problems aren't as bad as they used to be because of prevention efforts.<br /> <br /> Watch out for [[Poison Oak|poison oak]], especially as you go further west. Also watch out for [[Snakes|rattlesnakes]] from spring into fall.<br /> <br /> === Detailed Description ===<br /> The trail starts at the parking area below the north end of the bridge across the Rogue at Grave Creek. Be aware that the parking area occasionally gets flooded. During the boating season, stay out of the way of boaters launching boats. The BLM is currently asking hikers to park in a pullout on the other side of the bridge, not near the boat ramp.<br /> <br /> At mile 1.7 from the trailhead is a trail down to Rainie Falls. There is a large area near the river where you could camp. There's also a pit outhouse. To get a good view of the falls, you have to go on the trail on the south side of the river from Grave Creek.<br /> <br /> At mile 3.2 is [[Whiskey Creek]]. Just before the creek is a campsite with an outhouse. This is probably the busiest campsite. If you want more privacy, go across Whiskey Creek and in the next 0.1 miles are several nice spots between the trail and the river. Right after the bridge over Whiskey Creek, there's a 0.1 mile trail up to an historic cabin. There are several buildings, but no camp spots or outhouse. There is a dirt road you can walk up about half a mile to a gravel road you can drive to and park at. Up to this point, expect to see a lot of day hikers. The crowds really thin out from here on.<br /> <br /> At mile 3.7 is [[Rogue Big Slide Camp|Big Slide Camp]], where there is a large area that could accommodate many people. You'll get a nice view of the river with a cabin on the other side. There's also an outhouse. You won't find drinking water here, so you'll have to get it from Whiskey Creek or a small creek 0.4 miles to the west. Beyond here, there are hiker campsites every couple miles or so. These tend to be small, right next to the trail, with no good flat level place to camp. You can also get to the boater campsites, but sometimes the trail is way above so you have to take a steep, rough path down to them.<br /> <br /> Some better campsites are: <br /> <br /> * Bronco Creek is at mile 6.8. There's drinking water and 0.1 mile west of the creek is a decent place to camp a bit down from the main trail. <br /> * Bunker Creek is at mile 8.9. The hiker camp is just at the west end of the bridge. A better spot is a bit east of the bridge below the trail. You can get drinking water here. <br /> * At about mile 12 are the boater campsites at Horseshoe Bend and Lower Horseshoe. There are faint use trails down to them from the main trail, but it's about 200 feet down and quite steep.<br /> * At mile 13 is Meadow Creek. Here you'll find drinking water, several campsites, and an outhouse.<br /> * Zane Grey's Cabin is at mile 17.3. Zane Grey used this as a base for his fishing trips on the Rogue. It is now open to visitors.<br /> * At 23 miles is the Rogue River Ranch. It is BLM owned, and the museum is open May through October. There's water, a bathroom, and an emergency radio. There is road access to here down a difficult gravel road. There is also [[Marial|Marial Lodge]]. Tucker Flat car campground is also here. It's not too busy, except on summer weekends, because of the difficult road access. The campground is also the trailhead for the [[Wild Rogue Loop Hike]].<br /> * Mule Creek Canyon is at mile 24. This is one of the more difficult sections of the Rogue, with a narrow channel and a lot of turbulence. It is also one of the most scenic sections of the hike. <br /> * Check out [[Rogue Paradise Lodge|Paradise Lodge]] at mile 27.4 from Grave Creek. You can get a shower, food, and a beer. It's only accessible by boat, trail, or airplane. They're only open in the summer, but you might find someone there year-round. <br /> * At mile 30.2 is [[Brushy Bar Guard Station]] and campsite. The guard station is manned during the summer. There is a porch area you can use in the winter when it's not manned. You'll find a large camp area, outhouse, bear-proof units, and a drinking water stream at about mile 30.5.<br /> * The last major campsite is [[Rogue Camp Tacoma|Camp Tacoma]] at mile 32.7. There are a lot of boaters here during the season in nice sandy campsites right next to the river. You might prefer smaller campsites at Flora Dell Creek (hiker only) at mile 35 or Hick's Creek at mile 35.7. These are harder to find.<br /> <br /> <br /> The eastern trailhead is [[Big Bend Trailhead (Lower Rogue River)|Big Bend]] at mile 39.5. Nearby is the Foster Bar boat ramp, the most popular boat takeout point. There's a year-round campground here with a resident caretaker. If you parked your car overnight, you might want to park it at the boat ramp area rather than the [[Big Bend Trailhead (Lower Rogue River)|Big Bend Trailhead]] and walk an extra half mile because with a resident caretaker it's safer.<br /> <br /> For current info call:<br /> * Rogue River eastern half - Grants Pass BLM 541-471-6500 <br /> * Rogue River western half - Gold Beach USFS 541-247-3600 <br /> <br /> <br /> === Fees, Facilities, etc. ===<br /> * Permits not required if you are hiking/backpacking unsupported by raft shuttles<br /> * Wilderness regulations apply<br /> * There may be fire restrictions; check for the latest news<br /> * Store food in a bear canister or be prepared to hang it<br /> <br /> === Maps ===<br /> {{Hikemaps|latitude=42.7163|longitude=-123.8833}}<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/rogue_river_trail_color_2011.pdf The Rogue River Trail (Bureau of Land Management)]<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/or-wildrogue-map.jpg Wild Rogue Wilderness (BLM)]<br /> * Siskiyou Mountain Club: ''Wild Rogue Wilderness''<br /> * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Powers and Gold Beach Ranger Districts''<br /> * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Siskiyou National Forest''<br /> <br /> {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=30675 Rogue River 1/24/2023]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=30325 rogue river may 2022]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29585 Rogue River trail from Grave Creek Trailhead]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29424 Rogue River - Dec 6, 2020]<br /> * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=21589 Rogue River Trail 27/30-Apr-2015]<br /> <br /> {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> <br /> === Guidebooks that cover this hike ===<br /> * ''100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Southern Oregon &amp; Northern California'' by William L. Sullivan<br /> * ''Trips &amp; Trails: Oregon'' by William L. Sullivan<br /> * ''Hiking Southern Oregon'' by Art Bernstein &amp; Victor Harris<br /> * ''Hiking Oregon's Southern Cascades and Siskiyous'' by Art Bernstein<br /> * ''76 Day-Hikes Within 100 Miles of the Rogue Valley'' by Art Bernstein<br /> * ''Hiking Oregon's Geology'' by Ellen Morris Bishop<br /> * ''Backpacking Oregon'' by Douglas Lorain; revised by Becky Ohlsen<br /> * ''100 Classic Hikes in Oregon'' by Douglas Lorain<br /> * ''Oregon's Wilderness Areas'' by George Wuerthner<br /> * ''75 Hikes in Oregon's Coast Range &amp; Siskiyous'' by Rhonda &amp; George Ostertag<br /> * ''Oregon Campgrounds Hiking Guide'' by Rhonda &amp; George Ostertag<br /> * ''100 Oregon Hiking Trails'' by Don &amp; Roberta Lowe<br /> * ''HIking Oregon'' by Donna Lynn Ikenberry<br /> * ''Oregon Hiking'' by Sean Patrick Hill<br /> * ''Pacific Northwest Hiking'' by Scott Leonard &amp; Sean Patrick Hill<br /> * ''Oregon Coast: Camping &amp; Hiking'' by Tom Stienstra &amp; Sean Patrick Hill<br /> * ''From Sea to Summit: The R.A.D. Guide to Hiking in Curry County, Oregon'' by the R.A.D. Outdoor Club<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/rogue-siskiyou/recarea/?recid=69636 Rogue River National Recreation Trail #1160 (USFS)]<br /> * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5346991.pdf Oregon Rogue River Trail (USFS)]<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/visit/rogue-river-national-recreation-trail Rogue River National Recreation Trail (Bureau of Land Management)]<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-passes/lotteries-and-permit-systems/oregon-washington/rogue-river Rogue National Wild &amp; Scenic River Permits (Bureau of Land Management)]<br /> * [https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/rogue-river-trail-backpacking-guide Rogue River Trail Backpacking Guide (Clever Hiker)]<br /> * [https://artemishikes.com/2017/11/04/autumn-backpacking-the-rogue-river-trail/ Autumn Backpacking: the Rogue River Trail (Artemis Hikes)]<br /> * [https://vanmarmot.org/2015/04/27/rogue-river-trail-southern-oregon-27-30-apr-2015/ Rogue River Trail (Southern Oregon) 27/30-Apr-2015 (Boots on the Trail)]<br /> * [http://jaysjourneys.com/2017/05/23/rogue-river-trail/ Rogue River Trail (Jay's Journeys)]<br /> * [http://ericshikes.blogspot.com/2020/04/rogue-river-trail-thru-hike.html Rogue River Trail Thru hike (Eric's Hikes)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-1 Rogue River Trail - Day 1 (Outdoor Project)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-2 Rogue River Trail - Day 2 (Outdoor Project)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-3 Rogue River Trail - Day 3 (Outdoor Project)] <br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-4 Rogue River Trail - Day 4 (Outdoor Project)] <br /> * [https://rogueriverraft.com/hiking-the-rogue-river-trail/ Hiking on the Wild &amp; Scenic Rogue River Trail (Morrisons Rogue River Adventures)]<br /> * [https://wildrogue.com/hiking-yourself/ Hiking Adventure: Exploring the Rogue River Trail &amp; Beyond (Morrisons Rogue River Adventures)]<br /> * [https://wanderingyuncks.com/2021/05/20/rogue-river-trail-big-bend-to-clay-hill-05-14-2021/ Rogue River Trail – Big Bend to Clay Hill – 05/14/2021 (wanderingyuncks)]<br /> * [https://adventurecontinues.org/2018/03/30/rogue-river-trail-from-grave-creek/ Rogue River Trail from Grave Creek (The Adventure Continues)]<br /> * [http://www.wildscenicrogue.com/trails/rogue-river-trail/ Rogue River Trail (Wild &amp; Scenic Rogue River)]<br /> * [https://www.pariaoutdoorproducts.com/blogs/affordable-backpacking-gear-blog/hike-of-the-week-rogue-river-trail Hike of the Week: Rogue River Trail (Paria Outdoor Products)]<br /> * [https://orcalcoast.com/index.php/rogue-river-trail/ Rogue River Trail (Oregon California Coast)]<br /> * [https://www.nwrafting.com/rogue-river-rafting/hiking-the-rogue-river-trail-a-river-guides-perspective Hiking the Rogue River Trail – A River Guide’s Perspective (NW Rafting)]<br /> * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFSKCi0jg7c. Hiking 40 Miles on the Rogue River (Bears Stole Our Food) (Jonathan Yentch)]<br /> * [https://www.podiumrunner.com/culture/run-long-run-healthy-weekly-roundup-march-17-2022/ Trail of the Week: Rogue River Trail, Oregon (Podium Runner)]<br /> * [https://www.mailtribune.com/happening-now/2022/09/18/lower-rogue-river-trail-reopens/ &quot;Lower Rogue River Trail reopens&quot; (Mail Tribune)]<br /> * [https://nwwildflowers.com/places/Rogue_Valley Rogue Valley (Northwest Wildflowers)]<br /> <br /> <br /> === Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:retiredjerry|retiredjerry]] (creator)</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Rogue_River_Hike Rogue River Hike 2023-04-27T14:04:55Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Southern Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Bureau of Land Management]]<br /> [[Category:Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Wild Rogue Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Traverse Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:All Season Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Crowded Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:Rogueriver1.JPG|thumb|400px|The trail follows along the Rogue River. Frequently the trail is a couple hundred feet above the river with great views down to the river. ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguewhiskbrg.JPG|thumb|250px|A nice bridge crosses Whiskey Creek. ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguetrail.JPG|thumb|250px|There are places where the trail is fairly narrow with a steep drop on one side. ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguecamp.jpg|thumb|250px|Typical hiker campsite, this one at the end of the bridge over Bunker Creek ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguepaul54.JPG|thumb|250px|The Brushy Bar Guard Station ''(Paul)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguepaul61.JPG|thumb|250px|Tent at Camp Tacoma, where there are several nice sandy campsites next to the river. ''(Paul)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguemap.JPG|thumb|400px|Rogue River trail from http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/maps-publications.php]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Grave Creek Trailhead}}<br /> * End point: [[Big Bend Trailhead (Lower Rogue River)|Big Bend Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail log: [[Rogue River Hike/Log]]<br /> * Hike type: Traverse (one way)<br /> {{Distance|39.8 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|3080 feet}} <br /> * High point: 910 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Year round, but very hot in summer<br /> * Family Friendly: Yes, in short sections<br /> * Backpackable: Yes<br /> * Crowded: Yes, from mid-spring into summer<br /> {{Hazards|t=y|p=y|s=y}}<br /> <br /> === Hike Description ===<br /> &lt;b&gt;&lt;font color=red&gt;NOTICE: Road access to the [[Grave Creek Trailhead]] via Galice is currently closed due to extensive damage from the 2022 Rum Creek Fire. You can reach the trailhead from farther north, exiting I-5 at either Sun Valley or Wolf Creek.&lt;/font color&gt;&lt;/b&gt; <br /> <br /> &lt;b&gt;&lt;font color=red&gt;NOTICE: A landslide has blocked trail 21.5 miles downstream from Graves Creek Trailhead, 1 mile upstream from Rogue River Ranch. No safe route around it. [https://www.facebook.com/BLMOregonAndWashington/posts/pfbid0sygDZGsEQi8xFiYCb8NfBxuc7ZumwfRgtzeq6kcVQZXxWv3SQJyWyRZxhQfUdeqfl BLM notice]&lt;/font color&gt;&lt;/b&gt; <br /> <br /> This is a premier hike in Southern Oregon. The trail goes along the Rogue River, sometimes near the river and other times going a couple hundred feet above and offering great views. There is a 40-mile wild section with only one road access about in the middle. <br /> <br /> You can do the full 40-mile hike, or you could just go from either end as far as you want, and then return to where you began. To do the 40 miles, you can drive two cars to [[Big Bend Trailhead|Illahe]], then backtrack one car to where you left the Rogue, turn left, and go the last 7.5 miles to [[Grave Creek Trailhead|Grave Creek]]. This route can be snowed in during the winter and early spring. Alternately, as you get near the trailhead, there are businesses and residences that have signs out front saying &quot;shuttle&quot;. <br /> <br /> There are several shuttle services for hikers and rafters/kayakers:<br /> * [https://www.whitewatercowboys.com/rogue-river-shuttles White Water Cowboys]<br /> * [https://wildrogue.com/rogue-river-shuttles/#:~:text=Morrisons%20Rogue%20Wilderness%20Adventures%20offers,or%20Quosatana%20(Q)%20creek. Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Adventures]<br /> * [https://bltshuttles.weebly.com/ BLT's Rogue River Shuttles]<br /> <br /> <br /> The trail is fairly good, though there are places where it is somewhat narrow with a steep drop on one side. In some places, it's somewhat rocky so you have to watch your step to avoid hurting your ankle. The trail crosses many streams, some with bridges, some necessitating a rock hop. In the winter, expect to encounter logs across the trail and slides that may be difficult to cross.<br /> <br /> The Rogue River is better known for boating by rafts and motor boats. There are many challenging rapids and several good camping spots. A lottery system is used to limit the number of people using watercraft, but it's still fairly crowded during the season. From November to April, there aren't so many boaters. If you're into running rivers, this should definitely be on your list.<br /> <br /> Hikers are allowed to use the boater campsites without having to reserve them, but you might not want to if they're crowded with boaters. There are also many hiker camps away from the river, but most of them are small with few flat level areas to sleep on. In the winter, there are so few backpackers that you can have your choice of campsites.<br /> <br /> The climate here is much drier and warmer than in Portland. Since the trail stays below 900 feet elevation, it could be very nice here, even when it's snowy in [[Columbia River Gorge|the Gorge]] and on [[Mount Hood]]. Along the river, the vegetation is fairly sparse with lots of madrone trees. On the ridges above, there are pine and fir trees. Often, it is clear near the river with fog on the ridges above that burns off in the afternoon. The trees get much of their moisture from fog.<br /> <br /> Sometimes there's snow here, and when the snow is melting and/or there are heavy rains, the river can flood, making the trail impassable. About half a mile from the [[Grave Creek Trailhead]] is a sign above the trail showing the river level in a recent flood. Check out the weather reports for Grants Pass or Gold Beach to get an idea of the current weather.<br /> <br /> Watch for [[Ticks|ticks]], particularly in the summer. There are more ticks on the western half of the route. There is more grass along the trail in this section. The ticks wait on blades of grass until they can hop a ride on you or another mammal. Long pants and gaiters and perhaps tick repellant are recommended. After each day's hike, carefully inspect to see if any ticks are on you and remove them. You can get Lyme disease from a tick bite; typically there are a target shaped circular red rash and flu-like symptoms. If you manifest these symptoms, check in with a doctor who can recommend a treatment.<br /> <br /> There are bears, especially around the western ten miles of the trail. Hang your food at least ten feet above ground and five feet away from trees. Use the provided bear-proof enclosures (electric fences, boxes, or cables/pullies) in the western section at [[Rogue Camp Tacoma|Camp Tacoma]], Tate Creek, Half Moon Bar, and Burns Creek. According to the BLM, bear problems aren't as bad as they used to be because of prevention efforts.<br /> <br /> Watch out for [[Poison Oak|poison oak]], especially as you go further west. Also watch out for [[Snakes|rattlesnakes]] from spring into fall.<br /> <br /> === Detailed Description ===<br /> The trail starts at the parking area below the north end of the bridge across the Rogue at Grave Creek. Be aware that the parking area occasionally gets flooded. During the boating season, stay out of the way of boaters launching boats. The BLM is currently asking hikers to park in a pullout on the other side of the bridge, not near the boat ramp.<br /> <br /> At mile 1.7 from the trailhead is a trail down to Rainie Falls. There is a large area near the river where you could camp. There's also a pit outhouse. To get a good view of the falls, you have to go on the trail on the south side of the river from Grave Creek.<br /> <br /> At mile 3.2 is [[Whiskey Creek]]. Just before the creek is a campsite with an outhouse. This is probably the busiest campsite. If you want more privacy, go across Whiskey Creek and in the next 0.1 miles are several nice spots between the trail and the river. Right after the bridge over Whiskey Creek, there's a 0.1 mile trail up to an historic cabin. There are several buildings, but no camp spots or outhouse. There is a dirt road you can walk up about half a mile to a gravel road you can drive to and park at. Up to this point, expect to see a lot of day hikers. The crowds really thin out from here on.<br /> <br /> At mile 3.7 is [[Rogue Big Slide Camp|Big Slide Camp]], where there is a large area that could accommodate many people. You'll get a nice view of the river with a cabin on the other side. There's also an outhouse. You won't find drinking water here, so you'll have to get it from Whiskey Creek or a small creek 0.4 miles to the west. Beyond here, there are hiker campsites every couple miles or so. These tend to be small, right next to the trail, with no good flat level place to camp. You can also get to the boater campsites, but sometimes the trail is way above so you have to take a steep, rough path down to them.<br /> <br /> Some better campsites are: <br /> <br /> * Bronco Creek is at mile 6.8. There's drinking water and 0.1 mile west of the creek is a decent place to camp a bit down from the main trail. <br /> * Bunker Creek is at mile 8.9. The hiker camp is just at the west end of the bridge. A better spot is a bit east of the bridge below the trail. You can get drinking water here. <br /> * At about mile 12 are the boater campsites at Horseshoe Bend and Lower Horseshoe. There are faint use trails down to them from the main trail, but it's about 200 feet down and quite steep.<br /> * At mile 13 is Meadow Creek. Here you'll find drinking water, several campsites, and an outhouse.<br /> * Zane Grey's Cabin is at mile 17.3. Zane Grey used this as a base for his fishing trips on the Rogue. It is now open to visitors.<br /> * At 23 miles is the Rogue River Ranch. It is BLM owned, and the museum is open May through October. There's water, a bathroom, and an emergency radio. There is road access to here down a difficult gravel road. There is also [[Marial|Marial Lodge]]. Tucker Flat car campground is also here. It's not too busy, except on summer weekends, because of the difficult road access. The campground is also the trailhead for the [[Wild Rogue Loop Hike]].<br /> * Mule Creek Canyon is at mile 24. This is one of the more difficult sections of the Rogue, with a narrow channel and a lot of turbulence. It is also one of the most scenic sections of the hike. <br /> * Check out [[Rogue Paradise Lodge|Paradise Lodge]] at mile 27.4 from Grave Creek. You can get a shower, food, and a beer. It's only accessible by boat, trail, or airplane. They're only open in the summer, but you might find someone there year-round. <br /> * At mile 30.2 is [[Brushy Bar Guard Station]] and campsite. The guard station is manned during the summer. There is a porch area you can use in the winter when it's not manned. You'll find a large camp area, outhouse, bear-proof units, and a drinking water stream at about mile 30.5.<br /> * The last major campsite is [[Rogue Camp Tacoma|Camp Tacoma]] at mile 32.7. There are a lot of boaters here during the season in nice sandy campsites right next to the river. You might prefer smaller campsites at Flora Dell Creek (hiker only) at mile 35 or Hick's Creek at mile 35.7. These are harder to find.<br /> <br /> <br /> The eastern trailhead is [[Big Bend Trailhead (Lower Rogue River)|Big Bend]] at mile 39.5. Nearby is the Foster Bar boat ramp, the most popular boat takeout point. There's a year-round campground here with a resident caretaker. If you parked your car overnight, you might want to park it at the boat ramp area rather than the [[Big Bend Trailhead (Lower Rogue River)|Big Bend Trailhead]] and walk an extra half mile because with a resident caretaker it's safer.<br /> <br /> For current info call:<br /> * Rogue River eastern half - Grants Pass BLM 541-471-6500 <br /> * Rogue River western half - Gold Beach USFS 541-247-3600 <br /> <br /> <br /> === Fees, Facilities, etc. ===<br /> * Permits not required if you are hiking/backpacking unsupported by raft shuttles<br /> * Wilderness regulations apply<br /> * There may be fire restrictions; check for the latest news<br /> * Store food in a bear canister or be prepared to hang it<br /> <br /> === Maps ===<br /> {{Hikemaps|latitude=42.7163|longitude=-123.8833}}<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/rogue_river_trail_color_2011.pdf The Rogue River Trail (Bureau of Land Management)]<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/or-wildrogue-map.jpg Wild Rogue Wilderness (BLM)]<br /> * Siskiyou Mountain Club: ''Wild Rogue Wilderness''<br /> * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Powers and Gold Beach Ranger Districts''<br /> * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Siskiyou National Forest''<br /> <br /> {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=30675 Rogue River 1/24/2023]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=30325 rogue river may 2022]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29585 Rogue River trail from Grave Creek Trailhead]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29424 Rogue River - Dec 6, 2020]<br /> * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=21589 Rogue River Trail 27/30-Apr-2015]<br /> <br /> {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> <br /> === Guidebooks that cover this hike ===<br /> * ''100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Southern Oregon &amp; Northern California'' by William L. Sullivan<br /> * ''Trips &amp; Trails: Oregon'' by William L. Sullivan<br /> * ''Hiking Southern Oregon'' by Art Bernstein &amp; Victor Harris<br /> * ''Hiking Oregon's Southern Cascades and Siskiyous'' by Art Bernstein<br /> * ''76 Day-Hikes Within 100 Miles of the Rogue Valley'' by Art Bernstein<br /> * ''Hiking Oregon's Geology'' by Ellen Morris Bishop<br /> * ''Backpacking Oregon'' by Douglas Lorain; revised by Becky Ohlsen<br /> * ''100 Classic Hikes in Oregon'' by Douglas Lorain<br /> * ''Oregon's Wilderness Areas'' by George Wuerthner<br /> * ''75 Hikes in Oregon's Coast Range &amp; Siskiyous'' by Rhonda &amp; George Ostertag<br /> * ''Oregon Campgrounds Hiking Guide'' by Rhonda &amp; George Ostertag<br /> * ''100 Oregon Hiking Trails'' by Don &amp; Roberta Lowe<br /> * ''HIking Oregon'' by Donna Lynn Ikenberry<br /> * ''Oregon Hiking'' by Sean Patrick Hill<br /> * ''Pacific Northwest Hiking'' by Scott Leonard &amp; Sean Patrick Hill<br /> * ''Oregon Coast: Camping &amp; Hiking'' by Tom Stienstra &amp; Sean Patrick Hill<br /> * ''From Sea to Summit: The R.A.D. Guide to Hiking in Curry County, Oregon'' by the R.A.D. Outdoor Club<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/rogue-siskiyou/recarea/?recid=69636 Rogue River National Recreation Trail #1160 (USFS)]<br /> * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5346991.pdf Oregon Rogue River Trail (USFS)]<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/visit/rogue-river-national-recreation-trail Rogue River National Recreation Trail (Bureau of Land Management)]<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-passes/lotteries-and-permit-systems/oregon-washington/rogue-river Rogue National Wild &amp; Scenic River Permits (Bureau of Land Management)]<br /> * [https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/rogue-river-trail-backpacking-guide Rogue River Trail Backpacking Guide (Clever Hiker)]<br /> * [https://artemishikes.com/2017/11/04/autumn-backpacking-the-rogue-river-trail/ Autumn Backpacking: the Rogue River Trail (Artemis Hikes)]<br /> * [https://vanmarmot.org/2015/04/27/rogue-river-trail-southern-oregon-27-30-apr-2015/ Rogue River Trail (Southern Oregon) 27/30-Apr-2015 (Boots on the Trail)]<br /> * [http://jaysjourneys.com/2017/05/23/rogue-river-trail/ Rogue River Trail (Jay's Journeys)]<br /> * [http://ericshikes.blogspot.com/2020/04/rogue-river-trail-thru-hike.html Rogue River Trail Thru hike (Eric's Hikes)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-1 Rogue River Trail - Day 1 (Outdoor Project)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-2 Rogue River Trail - Day 2 (Outdoor Project)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-3 Rogue River Trail - Day 3 (Outdoor Project)] <br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-4 Rogue River Trail - Day 4 (Outdoor Project)] <br /> * [https://rogueriverraft.com/hiking-the-rogue-river-trail/ Hiking on the Wild &amp; Scenic Rogue River Trail (Morrisons Rogue River Adventures)]<br /> * [https://wildrogue.com/hiking-yourself/ Hiking Adventure: Exploring the Rogue River Trail &amp; Beyond (Morrisons Rogue River Adventures)]<br /> * [https://wanderingyuncks.com/2021/05/20/rogue-river-trail-big-bend-to-clay-hill-05-14-2021/ Rogue River Trail – Big Bend to Clay Hill – 05/14/2021 (wanderingyuncks)]<br /> * [https://adventurecontinues.org/2018/03/30/rogue-river-trail-from-grave-creek/ Rogue River Trail from Grave Creek (The Adventure Continues)]<br /> * [http://www.wildscenicrogue.com/trails/rogue-river-trail/ Rogue River Trail (Wild &amp; Scenic Rogue River)]<br /> * [https://www.pariaoutdoorproducts.com/blogs/affordable-backpacking-gear-blog/hike-of-the-week-rogue-river-trail Hike of the Week: Rogue River Trail (Paria Outdoor Products)]<br /> * [https://orcalcoast.com/index.php/rogue-river-trail/ Rogue River Trail (Oregon California Coast)]<br /> * [https://www.nwrafting.com/rogue-river-rafting/hiking-the-rogue-river-trail-a-river-guides-perspective Hiking the Rogue River Trail – A River Guide’s Perspective (NW Rafting)]<br /> * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFSKCi0jg7c. Hiking 40 Miles on the Rogue River (Bears Stole Our Food) (Jonathan Yentch)]<br /> * [https://www.podiumrunner.com/culture/run-long-run-healthy-weekly-roundup-march-17-2022/ Trail of the Week: Rogue River Trail, Oregon (Podium Runner)]<br /> * [https://www.mailtribune.com/happening-now/2022/09/18/lower-rogue-river-trail-reopens/ &quot;Lower Rogue River Trail reopens&quot; (Mail Tribune)]<br /> * [https://nwwildflowers.com/places/Rogue_Valley Rogue Valley (Northwest Wildflowers)]<br /> <br /> <br /> === Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:retiredjerry|retiredjerry]] (creator)</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Rogue_River_Hike Rogue River Hike 2023-04-27T14:03:05Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Southern Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Bureau of Land Management]]<br /> [[Category:Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Wild Rogue Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Traverse Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:All Season Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Crowded Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:Rogueriver1.JPG|thumb|400px|The trail follows along the Rogue River. Frequently the trail is a couple hundred feet above the river with great views down to the river. ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguewhiskbrg.JPG|thumb|250px|A nice bridge crosses Whiskey Creek. ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguetrail.JPG|thumb|250px|There are places where the trail is fairly narrow with a steep drop on one side. ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguecamp.jpg|thumb|250px|Typical hiker campsite, this one at the end of the bridge over Bunker Creek ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguepaul54.JPG|thumb|250px|The Brushy Bar Guard Station ''(Paul)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguepaul61.JPG|thumb|250px|Tent at Camp Tacoma, where there are several nice sandy campsites next to the river. ''(Paul)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguemap.JPG|thumb|400px|Rogue River trail from http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/maps-publications.php]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Grave Creek Trailhead}}<br /> * End point: [[Big Bend Trailhead (Lower Rogue River)|Big Bend Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail log: [[Rogue River Hike/Log]]<br /> * Hike type: Traverse (one way)<br /> {{Distance|39.8 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|3080 feet}} <br /> * High point: 910 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Year round, but very hot in summer<br /> * Family Friendly: Yes, in short sections<br /> * Backpackable: Yes<br /> * Crowded: Yes, from mid-spring into summer<br /> {{Hazards|t=y|p=y|s=y}}<br /> <br /> === Hike Description ===<br /> &lt;b&gt;&lt;font color=red&gt;NOTICE: Road access to the [[Grave Creek Trailhead]] via Galice is currently closed due to extensive damage from the 2022 Rum Creek Fire. You can reach the trailhead from farther north, exiting I-5 at either Sun Valley or Wolf Creek.&lt;/font color&gt;&lt;/b&gt; <br /> <br /> &lt;b&gt;&lt;font color=red&gt;NOTICE: A landslide has blocked trail 21.5 miles downstream from Graves Creek Trailhead, 1 mile upstream from Rogue River Ranch. No safe route around it. [https://www.facebook.com/BLMOregonAndWashington/posts/pfbid0sygDZGsEQi8xFiYCb8NfBxuc7ZumwfRgtzeq6kcVQZXxWv3SQJyWyRZxhQfUdeqfl.]&lt;/font color&gt;&lt;/b&gt; <br /> <br /> This is a premier hike in Southern Oregon. The trail goes along the Rogue River, sometimes near the river and other times going a couple hundred feet above and offering great views. There is a 40-mile wild section with only one road access about in the middle. <br /> <br /> You can do the full 40-mile hike, or you could just go from either end as far as you want, and then return to where you began. To do the 40 miles, you can drive two cars to [[Big Bend Trailhead|Illahe]], then backtrack one car to where you left the Rogue, turn left, and go the last 7.5 miles to [[Grave Creek Trailhead|Grave Creek]]. This route can be snowed in during the winter and early spring. Alternately, as you get near the trailhead, there are businesses and residences that have signs out front saying &quot;shuttle&quot;. <br /> <br /> There are several shuttle services for hikers and rafters/kayakers:<br /> * [https://www.whitewatercowboys.com/rogue-river-shuttles White Water Cowboys]<br /> * [https://wildrogue.com/rogue-river-shuttles/#:~:text=Morrisons%20Rogue%20Wilderness%20Adventures%20offers,or%20Quosatana%20(Q)%20creek. Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Adventures]<br /> * [https://bltshuttles.weebly.com/ BLT's Rogue River Shuttles]<br /> <br /> <br /> The trail is fairly good, though there are places where it is somewhat narrow with a steep drop on one side. In some places, it's somewhat rocky so you have to watch your step to avoid hurting your ankle. The trail crosses many streams, some with bridges, some necessitating a rock hop. In the winter, expect to encounter logs across the trail and slides that may be difficult to cross.<br /> <br /> The Rogue River is better known for boating by rafts and motor boats. There are many challenging rapids and several good camping spots. A lottery system is used to limit the number of people using watercraft, but it's still fairly crowded during the season. From November to April, there aren't so many boaters. If you're into running rivers, this should definitely be on your list.<br /> <br /> Hikers are allowed to use the boater campsites without having to reserve them, but you might not want to if they're crowded with boaters. There are also many hiker camps away from the river, but most of them are small with few flat level areas to sleep on. In the winter, there are so few backpackers that you can have your choice of campsites.<br /> <br /> The climate here is much drier and warmer than in Portland. Since the trail stays below 900 feet elevation, it could be very nice here, even when it's snowy in [[Columbia River Gorge|the Gorge]] and on [[Mount Hood]]. Along the river, the vegetation is fairly sparse with lots of madrone trees. On the ridges above, there are pine and fir trees. Often, it is clear near the river with fog on the ridges above that burns off in the afternoon. The trees get much of their moisture from fog.<br /> <br /> Sometimes there's snow here, and when the snow is melting and/or there are heavy rains, the river can flood, making the trail impassable. About half a mile from the [[Grave Creek Trailhead]] is a sign above the trail showing the river level in a recent flood. Check out the weather reports for Grants Pass or Gold Beach to get an idea of the current weather.<br /> <br /> Watch for [[Ticks|ticks]], particularly in the summer. There are more ticks on the western half of the route. There is more grass along the trail in this section. The ticks wait on blades of grass until they can hop a ride on you or another mammal. Long pants and gaiters and perhaps tick repellant are recommended. After each day's hike, carefully inspect to see if any ticks are on you and remove them. You can get Lyme disease from a tick bite; typically there are a target shaped circular red rash and flu-like symptoms. If you manifest these symptoms, check in with a doctor who can recommend a treatment.<br /> <br /> There are bears, especially around the western ten miles of the trail. Hang your food at least ten feet above ground and five feet away from trees. Use the provided bear-proof enclosures (electric fences, boxes, or cables/pullies) in the western section at [[Rogue Camp Tacoma|Camp Tacoma]], Tate Creek, Half Moon Bar, and Burns Creek. According to the BLM, bear problems aren't as bad as they used to be because of prevention efforts.<br /> <br /> Watch out for [[Poison Oak|poison oak]], especially as you go further west. Also watch out for [[Snakes|rattlesnakes]] from spring into fall.<br /> <br /> === Detailed Description ===<br /> The trail starts at the parking area below the north end of the bridge across the Rogue at Grave Creek. Be aware that the parking area occasionally gets flooded. During the boating season, stay out of the way of boaters launching boats. The BLM is currently asking hikers to park in a pullout on the other side of the bridge, not near the boat ramp.<br /> <br /> At mile 1.7 from the trailhead is a trail down to Rainie Falls. There is a large area near the river where you could camp. There's also a pit outhouse. To get a good view of the falls, you have to go on the trail on the south side of the river from Grave Creek.<br /> <br /> At mile 3.2 is [[Whiskey Creek]]. Just before the creek is a campsite with an outhouse. This is probably the busiest campsite. If you want more privacy, go across Whiskey Creek and in the next 0.1 miles are several nice spots between the trail and the river. Right after the bridge over Whiskey Creek, there's a 0.1 mile trail up to an historic cabin. There are several buildings, but no camp spots or outhouse. There is a dirt road you can walk up about half a mile to a gravel road you can drive to and park at. Up to this point, expect to see a lot of day hikers. The crowds really thin out from here on.<br /> <br /> At mile 3.7 is [[Rogue Big Slide Camp|Big Slide Camp]], where there is a large area that could accommodate many people. You'll get a nice view of the river with a cabin on the other side. There's also an outhouse. You won't find drinking water here, so you'll have to get it from Whiskey Creek or a small creek 0.4 miles to the west. Beyond here, there are hiker campsites every couple miles or so. These tend to be small, right next to the trail, with no good flat level place to camp. You can also get to the boater campsites, but sometimes the trail is way above so you have to take a steep, rough path down to them.<br /> <br /> Some better campsites are: <br /> <br /> * Bronco Creek is at mile 6.8. There's drinking water and 0.1 mile west of the creek is a decent place to camp a bit down from the main trail. <br /> * Bunker Creek is at mile 8.9. The hiker camp is just at the west end of the bridge. A better spot is a bit east of the bridge below the trail. You can get drinking water here. <br /> * At about mile 12 are the boater campsites at Horseshoe Bend and Lower Horseshoe. There are faint use trails down to them from the main trail, but it's about 200 feet down and quite steep.<br /> * At mile 13 is Meadow Creek. Here you'll find drinking water, several campsites, and an outhouse.<br /> * Zane Grey's Cabin is at mile 17.3. Zane Grey used this as a base for his fishing trips on the Rogue. It is now open to visitors.<br /> * At 23 miles is the Rogue River Ranch. It is BLM owned, and the museum is open May through October. There's water, a bathroom, and an emergency radio. There is road access to here down a difficult gravel road. There is also [[Marial|Marial Lodge]]. Tucker Flat car campground is also here. It's not too busy, except on summer weekends, because of the difficult road access. The campground is also the trailhead for the [[Wild Rogue Loop Hike]].<br /> * Mule Creek Canyon is at mile 24. This is one of the more difficult sections of the Rogue, with a narrow channel and a lot of turbulence. It is also one of the most scenic sections of the hike. <br /> * Check out [[Rogue Paradise Lodge|Paradise Lodge]] at mile 27.4 from Grave Creek. You can get a shower, food, and a beer. It's only accessible by boat, trail, or airplane. They're only open in the summer, but you might find someone there year-round. <br /> * At mile 30.2 is [[Brushy Bar Guard Station]] and campsite. The guard station is manned during the summer. There is a porch area you can use in the winter when it's not manned. You'll find a large camp area, outhouse, bear-proof units, and a drinking water stream at about mile 30.5.<br /> * The last major campsite is [[Rogue Camp Tacoma|Camp Tacoma]] at mile 32.7. There are a lot of boaters here during the season in nice sandy campsites right next to the river. You might prefer smaller campsites at Flora Dell Creek (hiker only) at mile 35 or Hick's Creek at mile 35.7. These are harder to find.<br /> <br /> <br /> The eastern trailhead is [[Big Bend Trailhead (Lower Rogue River)|Big Bend]] at mile 39.5. Nearby is the Foster Bar boat ramp, the most popular boat takeout point. There's a year-round campground here with a resident caretaker. If you parked your car overnight, you might want to park it at the boat ramp area rather than the [[Big Bend Trailhead (Lower Rogue River)|Big Bend Trailhead]] and walk an extra half mile because with a resident caretaker it's safer.<br /> <br /> For current info call:<br /> * Rogue River eastern half - Grants Pass BLM 541-471-6500 <br /> * Rogue River western half - Gold Beach USFS 541-247-3600 <br /> <br /> <br /> === Fees, Facilities, etc. ===<br /> * Permits not required if you are hiking/backpacking unsupported by raft shuttles<br /> * Wilderness regulations apply<br /> * There may be fire restrictions; check for the latest news<br /> * Store food in a bear canister or be prepared to hang it<br /> <br /> === Maps ===<br /> {{Hikemaps|latitude=42.7163|longitude=-123.8833}}<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/rogue_river_trail_color_2011.pdf The Rogue River Trail (Bureau of Land Management)]<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/or-wildrogue-map.jpg Wild Rogue Wilderness (BLM)]<br /> * Siskiyou Mountain Club: ''Wild Rogue Wilderness''<br /> * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Powers and Gold Beach Ranger Districts''<br /> * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Siskiyou National Forest''<br /> <br /> {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=30675 Rogue River 1/24/2023]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=30325 rogue river may 2022]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29585 Rogue River trail from Grave Creek Trailhead]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29424 Rogue River - Dec 6, 2020]<br /> * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=21589 Rogue River Trail 27/30-Apr-2015]<br /> <br /> {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> <br /> === Guidebooks that cover this hike ===<br /> * ''100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Southern Oregon &amp; Northern California'' by William L. Sullivan<br /> * ''Trips &amp; Trails: Oregon'' by William L. Sullivan<br /> * ''Hiking Southern Oregon'' by Art Bernstein &amp; Victor Harris<br /> * ''Hiking Oregon's Southern Cascades and Siskiyous'' by Art Bernstein<br /> * ''76 Day-Hikes Within 100 Miles of the Rogue Valley'' by Art Bernstein<br /> * ''Hiking Oregon's Geology'' by Ellen Morris Bishop<br /> * ''Backpacking Oregon'' by Douglas Lorain; revised by Becky Ohlsen<br /> * ''100 Classic Hikes in Oregon'' by Douglas Lorain<br /> * ''Oregon's Wilderness Areas'' by George Wuerthner<br /> * ''75 Hikes in Oregon's Coast Range &amp; Siskiyous'' by Rhonda &amp; George Ostertag<br /> * ''Oregon Campgrounds Hiking Guide'' by Rhonda &amp; George Ostertag<br /> * ''100 Oregon Hiking Trails'' by Don &amp; Roberta Lowe<br /> * ''HIking Oregon'' by Donna Lynn Ikenberry<br /> * ''Oregon Hiking'' by Sean Patrick Hill<br /> * ''Pacific Northwest Hiking'' by Scott Leonard &amp; Sean Patrick Hill<br /> * ''Oregon Coast: Camping &amp; Hiking'' by Tom Stienstra &amp; Sean Patrick Hill<br /> * ''From Sea to Summit: The R.A.D. Guide to Hiking in Curry County, Oregon'' by the R.A.D. Outdoor Club<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/rogue-siskiyou/recarea/?recid=69636 Rogue River National Recreation Trail #1160 (USFS)]<br /> * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5346991.pdf Oregon Rogue River Trail (USFS)]<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/visit/rogue-river-national-recreation-trail Rogue River National Recreation Trail (Bureau of Land Management)]<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-passes/lotteries-and-permit-systems/oregon-washington/rogue-river Rogue National Wild &amp; Scenic River Permits (Bureau of Land Management)]<br /> * [https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/rogue-river-trail-backpacking-guide Rogue River Trail Backpacking Guide (Clever Hiker)]<br /> * [https://artemishikes.com/2017/11/04/autumn-backpacking-the-rogue-river-trail/ Autumn Backpacking: the Rogue River Trail (Artemis Hikes)]<br /> * [https://vanmarmot.org/2015/04/27/rogue-river-trail-southern-oregon-27-30-apr-2015/ Rogue River Trail (Southern Oregon) 27/30-Apr-2015 (Boots on the Trail)]<br /> * [http://jaysjourneys.com/2017/05/23/rogue-river-trail/ Rogue River Trail (Jay's Journeys)]<br /> * [http://ericshikes.blogspot.com/2020/04/rogue-river-trail-thru-hike.html Rogue River Trail Thru hike (Eric's Hikes)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-1 Rogue River Trail - Day 1 (Outdoor Project)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-2 Rogue River Trail - Day 2 (Outdoor Project)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-3 Rogue River Trail - Day 3 (Outdoor Project)] <br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-4 Rogue River Trail - Day 4 (Outdoor Project)] <br /> * [https://rogueriverraft.com/hiking-the-rogue-river-trail/ Hiking on the Wild &amp; Scenic Rogue River Trail (Morrisons Rogue River Adventures)]<br /> * [https://wildrogue.com/hiking-yourself/ Hiking Adventure: Exploring the Rogue River Trail &amp; Beyond (Morrisons Rogue River Adventures)]<br /> * [https://wanderingyuncks.com/2021/05/20/rogue-river-trail-big-bend-to-clay-hill-05-14-2021/ Rogue River Trail – Big Bend to Clay Hill – 05/14/2021 (wanderingyuncks)]<br /> * [https://adventurecontinues.org/2018/03/30/rogue-river-trail-from-grave-creek/ Rogue River Trail from Grave Creek (The Adventure Continues)]<br /> * [http://www.wildscenicrogue.com/trails/rogue-river-trail/ Rogue River Trail (Wild &amp; Scenic Rogue River)]<br /> * [https://www.pariaoutdoorproducts.com/blogs/affordable-backpacking-gear-blog/hike-of-the-week-rogue-river-trail Hike of the Week: Rogue River Trail (Paria Outdoor Products)]<br /> * [https://orcalcoast.com/index.php/rogue-river-trail/ Rogue River Trail (Oregon California Coast)]<br /> * [https://www.nwrafting.com/rogue-river-rafting/hiking-the-rogue-river-trail-a-river-guides-perspective Hiking the Rogue River Trail – A River Guide’s Perspective (NW Rafting)]<br /> * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFSKCi0jg7c. Hiking 40 Miles on the Rogue River (Bears Stole Our Food) (Jonathan Yentch)]<br /> * [https://www.podiumrunner.com/culture/run-long-run-healthy-weekly-roundup-march-17-2022/ Trail of the Week: Rogue River Trail, Oregon (Podium Runner)]<br /> * [https://www.mailtribune.com/happening-now/2022/09/18/lower-rogue-river-trail-reopens/ &quot;Lower Rogue River Trail reopens&quot; (Mail Tribune)]<br /> * [https://nwwildflowers.com/places/Rogue_Valley Rogue Valley (Northwest Wildflowers)]<br /> <br /> <br /> === Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:retiredjerry|retiredjerry]] (creator)</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Rogue_River_Hike Rogue River Hike 2023-04-27T14:02:12Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Southern Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Bureau of Land Management]]<br /> [[Category:Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Wild Rogue Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Traverse Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:All Season Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Crowded Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:Rogueriver1.JPG|thumb|400px|The trail follows along the Rogue River. Frequently the trail is a couple hundred feet above the river with great views down to the river. ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguewhiskbrg.JPG|thumb|250px|A nice bridge crosses Whiskey Creek. ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguetrail.JPG|thumb|250px|There are places where the trail is fairly narrow with a steep drop on one side. ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguecamp.jpg|thumb|250px|Typical hiker campsite, this one at the end of the bridge over Bunker Creek ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguepaul54.JPG|thumb|250px|The Brushy Bar Guard Station ''(Paul)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguepaul61.JPG|thumb|250px|Tent at Camp Tacoma, where there are several nice sandy campsites next to the river. ''(Paul)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguemap.JPG|thumb|400px|Rogue River trail from http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/maps-publications.php]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Grave Creek Trailhead}}<br /> * End point: [[Big Bend Trailhead (Lower Rogue River)|Big Bend Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail log: [[Rogue River Hike/Log]]<br /> * Hike type: Traverse (one way)<br /> {{Distance|39.8 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|3080 feet}} <br /> * High point: 910 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Year round, but very hot in summer<br /> * Family Friendly: Yes, in short sections<br /> * Backpackable: Yes<br /> * Crowded: Yes, from mid-spring into summer<br /> {{Hazards|t=y|p=y|s=y}}<br /> <br /> === Hike Description ===<br /> &lt;b&gt;&lt;font color=red&gt;NOTICE: Road access to the [[Grave Creek Trailhead]] via Galice is currently closed due to extensive damage from the 2022 Rum Creek Fire. You can reach the trailhead from farther north, exiting I-5 at either Sun Valley or Wolf Creek.&lt;/font color&gt;&lt;/b&gt; <br /> <br /> &lt;b&gt;&lt;font color=red&gt;NOTICE: A landslide has blocked trail 21.5 miles downstream from Graves Creek Trailhead, 1 mile upstream from Rogue River Ranch. No safe route around it. https://www.facebook.com/BLMOregonAndWashington/posts/pfbid0sygDZGsEQi8xFiYCb8NfBxuc7ZumwfRgtzeq6kcVQZXxWv3SQJyWyRZxhQfUdeqfl.&lt;/font color&gt;&lt;/b&gt; <br /> <br /> This is a premier hike in Southern Oregon. The trail goes along the Rogue River, sometimes near the river and other times going a couple hundred feet above and offering great views. There is a 40-mile wild section with only one road access about in the middle. <br /> <br /> You can do the full 40-mile hike, or you could just go from either end as far as you want, and then return to where you began. To do the 40 miles, you can drive two cars to [[Big Bend Trailhead|Illahe]], then backtrack one car to where you left the Rogue, turn left, and go the last 7.5 miles to [[Grave Creek Trailhead|Grave Creek]]. This route can be snowed in during the winter and early spring. Alternately, as you get near the trailhead, there are businesses and residences that have signs out front saying &quot;shuttle&quot;. <br /> <br /> There are several shuttle services for hikers and rafters/kayakers:<br /> * [https://www.whitewatercowboys.com/rogue-river-shuttles White Water Cowboys]<br /> * [https://wildrogue.com/rogue-river-shuttles/#:~:text=Morrisons%20Rogue%20Wilderness%20Adventures%20offers,or%20Quosatana%20(Q)%20creek. Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Adventures]<br /> * [https://bltshuttles.weebly.com/ BLT's Rogue River Shuttles]<br /> <br /> <br /> The trail is fairly good, though there are places where it is somewhat narrow with a steep drop on one side. In some places, it's somewhat rocky so you have to watch your step to avoid hurting your ankle. The trail crosses many streams, some with bridges, some necessitating a rock hop. In the winter, expect to encounter logs across the trail and slides that may be difficult to cross.<br /> <br /> The Rogue River is better known for boating by rafts and motor boats. There are many challenging rapids and several good camping spots. A lottery system is used to limit the number of people using watercraft, but it's still fairly crowded during the season. From November to April, there aren't so many boaters. If you're into running rivers, this should definitely be on your list.<br /> <br /> Hikers are allowed to use the boater campsites without having to reserve them, but you might not want to if they're crowded with boaters. There are also many hiker camps away from the river, but most of them are small with few flat level areas to sleep on. In the winter, there are so few backpackers that you can have your choice of campsites.<br /> <br /> The climate here is much drier and warmer than in Portland. Since the trail stays below 900 feet elevation, it could be very nice here, even when it's snowy in [[Columbia River Gorge|the Gorge]] and on [[Mount Hood]]. Along the river, the vegetation is fairly sparse with lots of madrone trees. On the ridges above, there are pine and fir trees. Often, it is clear near the river with fog on the ridges above that burns off in the afternoon. The trees get much of their moisture from fog.<br /> <br /> Sometimes there's snow here, and when the snow is melting and/or there are heavy rains, the river can flood, making the trail impassable. About half a mile from the [[Grave Creek Trailhead]] is a sign above the trail showing the river level in a recent flood. Check out the weather reports for Grants Pass or Gold Beach to get an idea of the current weather.<br /> <br /> Watch for [[Ticks|ticks]], particularly in the summer. There are more ticks on the western half of the route. There is more grass along the trail in this section. The ticks wait on blades of grass until they can hop a ride on you or another mammal. Long pants and gaiters and perhaps tick repellant are recommended. After each day's hike, carefully inspect to see if any ticks are on you and remove them. You can get Lyme disease from a tick bite; typically there are a target shaped circular red rash and flu-like symptoms. If you manifest these symptoms, check in with a doctor who can recommend a treatment.<br /> <br /> There are bears, especially around the western ten miles of the trail. Hang your food at least ten feet above ground and five feet away from trees. Use the provided bear-proof enclosures (electric fences, boxes, or cables/pullies) in the western section at [[Rogue Camp Tacoma|Camp Tacoma]], Tate Creek, Half Moon Bar, and Burns Creek. According to the BLM, bear problems aren't as bad as they used to be because of prevention efforts.<br /> <br /> Watch out for [[Poison Oak|poison oak]], especially as you go further west. Also watch out for [[Snakes|rattlesnakes]] from spring into fall.<br /> <br /> === Detailed Description ===<br /> The trail starts at the parking area below the north end of the bridge across the Rogue at Grave Creek. Be aware that the parking area occasionally gets flooded. During the boating season, stay out of the way of boaters launching boats. The BLM is currently asking hikers to park in a pullout on the other side of the bridge, not near the boat ramp.<br /> <br /> At mile 1.7 from the trailhead is a trail down to Rainie Falls. There is a large area near the river where you could camp. There's also a pit outhouse. To get a good view of the falls, you have to go on the trail on the south side of the river from Grave Creek.<br /> <br /> At mile 3.2 is [[Whiskey Creek]]. Just before the creek is a campsite with an outhouse. This is probably the busiest campsite. If you want more privacy, go across Whiskey Creek and in the next 0.1 miles are several nice spots between the trail and the river. Right after the bridge over Whiskey Creek, there's a 0.1 mile trail up to an historic cabin. There are several buildings, but no camp spots or outhouse. There is a dirt road you can walk up about half a mile to a gravel road you can drive to and park at. Up to this point, expect to see a lot of day hikers. The crowds really thin out from here on.<br /> <br /> At mile 3.7 is [[Rogue Big Slide Camp|Big Slide Camp]], where there is a large area that could accommodate many people. You'll get a nice view of the river with a cabin on the other side. There's also an outhouse. You won't find drinking water here, so you'll have to get it from Whiskey Creek or a small creek 0.4 miles to the west. Beyond here, there are hiker campsites every couple miles or so. These tend to be small, right next to the trail, with no good flat level place to camp. You can also get to the boater campsites, but sometimes the trail is way above so you have to take a steep, rough path down to them.<br /> <br /> Some better campsites are: <br /> <br /> * Bronco Creek is at mile 6.8. There's drinking water and 0.1 mile west of the creek is a decent place to camp a bit down from the main trail. <br /> * Bunker Creek is at mile 8.9. The hiker camp is just at the west end of the bridge. A better spot is a bit east of the bridge below the trail. You can get drinking water here. <br /> * At about mile 12 are the boater campsites at Horseshoe Bend and Lower Horseshoe. There are faint use trails down to them from the main trail, but it's about 200 feet down and quite steep.<br /> * At mile 13 is Meadow Creek. Here you'll find drinking water, several campsites, and an outhouse.<br /> * Zane Grey's Cabin is at mile 17.3. Zane Grey used this as a base for his fishing trips on the Rogue. It is now open to visitors.<br /> * At 23 miles is the Rogue River Ranch. It is BLM owned, and the museum is open May through October. There's water, a bathroom, and an emergency radio. There is road access to here down a difficult gravel road. There is also [[Marial|Marial Lodge]]. Tucker Flat car campground is also here. It's not too busy, except on summer weekends, because of the difficult road access. The campground is also the trailhead for the [[Wild Rogue Loop Hike]].<br /> * Mule Creek Canyon is at mile 24. This is one of the more difficult sections of the Rogue, with a narrow channel and a lot of turbulence. It is also one of the most scenic sections of the hike. <br /> * Check out [[Rogue Paradise Lodge|Paradise Lodge]] at mile 27.4 from Grave Creek. You can get a shower, food, and a beer. It's only accessible by boat, trail, or airplane. They're only open in the summer, but you might find someone there year-round. <br /> * At mile 30.2 is [[Brushy Bar Guard Station]] and campsite. The guard station is manned during the summer. There is a porch area you can use in the winter when it's not manned. You'll find a large camp area, outhouse, bear-proof units, and a drinking water stream at about mile 30.5.<br /> * The last major campsite is [[Rogue Camp Tacoma|Camp Tacoma]] at mile 32.7. There are a lot of boaters here during the season in nice sandy campsites right next to the river. You might prefer smaller campsites at Flora Dell Creek (hiker only) at mile 35 or Hick's Creek at mile 35.7. These are harder to find.<br /> <br /> <br /> The eastern trailhead is [[Big Bend Trailhead (Lower Rogue River)|Big Bend]] at mile 39.5. Nearby is the Foster Bar boat ramp, the most popular boat takeout point. There's a year-round campground here with a resident caretaker. If you parked your car overnight, you might want to park it at the boat ramp area rather than the [[Big Bend Trailhead (Lower Rogue River)|Big Bend Trailhead]] and walk an extra half mile because with a resident caretaker it's safer.<br /> <br /> For current info call:<br /> * Rogue River eastern half - Grants Pass BLM 541-471-6500 <br /> * Rogue River western half - Gold Beach USFS 541-247-3600 <br /> <br /> <br /> === Fees, Facilities, etc. ===<br /> * Permits not required if you are hiking/backpacking unsupported by raft shuttles<br /> * Wilderness regulations apply<br /> * There may be fire restrictions; check for the latest news<br /> * Store food in a bear canister or be prepared to hang it<br /> <br /> === Maps ===<br /> {{Hikemaps|latitude=42.7163|longitude=-123.8833}}<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/rogue_river_trail_color_2011.pdf The Rogue River Trail (Bureau of Land Management)]<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/or-wildrogue-map.jpg Wild Rogue Wilderness (BLM)]<br /> * Siskiyou Mountain Club: ''Wild Rogue Wilderness''<br /> * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Powers and Gold Beach Ranger Districts''<br /> * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Siskiyou National Forest''<br /> <br /> {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=30675 Rogue River 1/24/2023]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=30325 rogue river may 2022]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29585 Rogue River trail from Grave Creek Trailhead]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29424 Rogue River - Dec 6, 2020]<br /> * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=21589 Rogue River Trail 27/30-Apr-2015]<br /> <br /> {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> <br /> === Guidebooks that cover this hike ===<br /> * ''100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Southern Oregon &amp; Northern California'' by William L. Sullivan<br /> * ''Trips &amp; Trails: Oregon'' by William L. Sullivan<br /> * ''Hiking Southern Oregon'' by Art Bernstein &amp; Victor Harris<br /> * ''Hiking Oregon's Southern Cascades and Siskiyous'' by Art Bernstein<br /> * ''76 Day-Hikes Within 100 Miles of the Rogue Valley'' by Art Bernstein<br /> * ''Hiking Oregon's Geology'' by Ellen Morris Bishop<br /> * ''Backpacking Oregon'' by Douglas Lorain; revised by Becky Ohlsen<br /> * ''100 Classic Hikes in Oregon'' by Douglas Lorain<br /> * ''Oregon's Wilderness Areas'' by George Wuerthner<br /> * ''75 Hikes in Oregon's Coast Range &amp; Siskiyous'' by Rhonda &amp; George Ostertag<br /> * ''Oregon Campgrounds Hiking Guide'' by Rhonda &amp; George Ostertag<br /> * ''100 Oregon Hiking Trails'' by Don &amp; Roberta Lowe<br /> * ''HIking Oregon'' by Donna Lynn Ikenberry<br /> * ''Oregon Hiking'' by Sean Patrick Hill<br /> * ''Pacific Northwest Hiking'' by Scott Leonard &amp; Sean Patrick Hill<br /> * ''Oregon Coast: Camping &amp; Hiking'' by Tom Stienstra &amp; Sean Patrick Hill<br /> * ''From Sea to Summit: The R.A.D. Guide to Hiking in Curry County, Oregon'' by the R.A.D. Outdoor Club<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/rogue-siskiyou/recarea/?recid=69636 Rogue River National Recreation Trail #1160 (USFS)]<br /> * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5346991.pdf Oregon Rogue River Trail (USFS)]<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/visit/rogue-river-national-recreation-trail Rogue River National Recreation Trail (Bureau of Land Management)]<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-passes/lotteries-and-permit-systems/oregon-washington/rogue-river Rogue National Wild &amp; Scenic River Permits (Bureau of Land Management)]<br /> * [https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/rogue-river-trail-backpacking-guide Rogue River Trail Backpacking Guide (Clever Hiker)]<br /> * [https://artemishikes.com/2017/11/04/autumn-backpacking-the-rogue-river-trail/ Autumn Backpacking: the Rogue River Trail (Artemis Hikes)]<br /> * [https://vanmarmot.org/2015/04/27/rogue-river-trail-southern-oregon-27-30-apr-2015/ Rogue River Trail (Southern Oregon) 27/30-Apr-2015 (Boots on the Trail)]<br /> * [http://jaysjourneys.com/2017/05/23/rogue-river-trail/ Rogue River Trail (Jay's Journeys)]<br /> * [http://ericshikes.blogspot.com/2020/04/rogue-river-trail-thru-hike.html Rogue River Trail Thru hike (Eric's Hikes)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-1 Rogue River Trail - Day 1 (Outdoor Project)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-2 Rogue River Trail - Day 2 (Outdoor Project)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-3 Rogue River Trail - Day 3 (Outdoor Project)] <br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-4 Rogue River Trail - Day 4 (Outdoor Project)] <br /> * [https://rogueriverraft.com/hiking-the-rogue-river-trail/ Hiking on the Wild &amp; Scenic Rogue River Trail (Morrisons Rogue River Adventures)]<br /> * [https://wildrogue.com/hiking-yourself/ Hiking Adventure: Exploring the Rogue River Trail &amp; Beyond (Morrisons Rogue River Adventures)]<br /> * [https://wanderingyuncks.com/2021/05/20/rogue-river-trail-big-bend-to-clay-hill-05-14-2021/ Rogue River Trail – Big Bend to Clay Hill – 05/14/2021 (wanderingyuncks)]<br /> * [https://adventurecontinues.org/2018/03/30/rogue-river-trail-from-grave-creek/ Rogue River Trail from Grave Creek (The Adventure Continues)]<br /> * [http://www.wildscenicrogue.com/trails/rogue-river-trail/ Rogue River Trail (Wild &amp; Scenic Rogue River)]<br /> * [https://www.pariaoutdoorproducts.com/blogs/affordable-backpacking-gear-blog/hike-of-the-week-rogue-river-trail Hike of the Week: Rogue River Trail (Paria Outdoor Products)]<br /> * [https://orcalcoast.com/index.php/rogue-river-trail/ Rogue River Trail (Oregon California Coast)]<br /> * [https://www.nwrafting.com/rogue-river-rafting/hiking-the-rogue-river-trail-a-river-guides-perspective Hiking the Rogue River Trail – A River Guide’s Perspective (NW Rafting)]<br /> * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFSKCi0jg7c. Hiking 40 Miles on the Rogue River (Bears Stole Our Food) (Jonathan Yentch)]<br /> * [https://www.podiumrunner.com/culture/run-long-run-healthy-weekly-roundup-march-17-2022/ Trail of the Week: Rogue River Trail, Oregon (Podium Runner)]<br /> * [https://www.mailtribune.com/happening-now/2022/09/18/lower-rogue-river-trail-reopens/ &quot;Lower Rogue River Trail reopens&quot; (Mail Tribune)]<br /> * [https://nwwildflowers.com/places/Rogue_Valley Rogue Valley (Northwest Wildflowers)]<br /> <br /> <br /> === Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:retiredjerry|retiredjerry]] (creator)</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Rogue_River_Hike Rogue River Hike 2023-04-27T14:01:12Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Southern Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Bureau of Land Management]]<br /> [[Category:Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Wild Rogue Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Traverse Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:All Season Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Crowded Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:Rogueriver1.JPG|thumb|400px|The trail follows along the Rogue River. Frequently the trail is a couple hundred feet above the river with great views down to the river. ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguewhiskbrg.JPG|thumb|250px|A nice bridge crosses Whiskey Creek. ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguetrail.JPG|thumb|250px|There are places where the trail is fairly narrow with a steep drop on one side. ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguecamp.jpg|thumb|250px|Typical hiker campsite, this one at the end of the bridge over Bunker Creek ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguepaul54.JPG|thumb|250px|The Brushy Bar Guard Station ''(Paul)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguepaul61.JPG|thumb|250px|Tent at Camp Tacoma, where there are several nice sandy campsites next to the river. ''(Paul)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguemap.JPG|thumb|400px|Rogue River trail from http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/maps-publications.php]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Grave Creek Trailhead}}<br /> * End point: [[Big Bend Trailhead (Lower Rogue River)|Big Bend Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail log: [[Rogue River Hike/Log]]<br /> * Hike type: Traverse (one way)<br /> {{Distance|39.8 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|3080 feet}} <br /> * High point: 910 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Year round, but very hot in summer<br /> * Family Friendly: Yes, in short sections<br /> * Backpackable: Yes<br /> * Crowded: Yes, from mid-spring into summer<br /> {{Hazards|t=y|p=y|s=y}}<br /> <br /> === Hike Description ===<br /> &lt;b&gt;&lt;font color=red&gt;NOTICE: Road access to the [[Grave Creek Trailhead]] via Galice is currently closed due to extensive damage from the 2022 Rum Creek Fire. You can reach the trailhead from farther north, exiting I-5 at either Sun Valley or Wolf Creek.&lt;/font color&gt;&lt;/b&gt; <br /> <br /> &lt;b&gt;&lt;font color=red&gt;NOTICE: A landslide has blocked trail 21.5 miles downstream from Graves Creek Trailhead, 1 mile upstream from Rogue River Ranch. No safe route around it. <br /> https://www.facebook.com/BLMOregonAndWashington/posts/pfbid0sygDZGsEQi8xFiYCb8NfBxuc7ZumwfRgtzeq6kcVQZXxWv3SQJyWyRZxhQfUdeqfl&lt;/font color&gt;&lt;/b&gt; <br /> <br /> This is a premier hike in Southern Oregon. The trail goes along the Rogue River, sometimes near the river and other times going a couple hundred feet above and offering great views. There is a 40-mile wild section with only one road access about in the middle. <br /> <br /> You can do the full 40-mile hike, or you could just go from either end as far as you want, and then return to where you began. To do the 40 miles, you can drive two cars to [[Big Bend Trailhead|Illahe]], then backtrack one car to where you left the Rogue, turn left, and go the last 7.5 miles to [[Grave Creek Trailhead|Grave Creek]]. This route can be snowed in during the winter and early spring. Alternately, as you get near the trailhead, there are businesses and residences that have signs out front saying &quot;shuttle&quot;. <br /> <br /> There are several shuttle services for hikers and rafters/kayakers:<br /> * [https://www.whitewatercowboys.com/rogue-river-shuttles White Water Cowboys]<br /> * [https://wildrogue.com/rogue-river-shuttles/#:~:text=Morrisons%20Rogue%20Wilderness%20Adventures%20offers,or%20Quosatana%20(Q)%20creek. Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Adventures]<br /> * [https://bltshuttles.weebly.com/ BLT's Rogue River Shuttles]<br /> <br /> <br /> The trail is fairly good, though there are places where it is somewhat narrow with a steep drop on one side. In some places, it's somewhat rocky so you have to watch your step to avoid hurting your ankle. The trail crosses many streams, some with bridges, some necessitating a rock hop. In the winter, expect to encounter logs across the trail and slides that may be difficult to cross.<br /> <br /> The Rogue River is better known for boating by rafts and motor boats. There are many challenging rapids and several good camping spots. A lottery system is used to limit the number of people using watercraft, but it's still fairly crowded during the season. From November to April, there aren't so many boaters. If you're into running rivers, this should definitely be on your list.<br /> <br /> Hikers are allowed to use the boater campsites without having to reserve them, but you might not want to if they're crowded with boaters. There are also many hiker camps away from the river, but most of them are small with few flat level areas to sleep on. In the winter, there are so few backpackers that you can have your choice of campsites.<br /> <br /> The climate here is much drier and warmer than in Portland. Since the trail stays below 900 feet elevation, it could be very nice here, even when it's snowy in [[Columbia River Gorge|the Gorge]] and on [[Mount Hood]]. Along the river, the vegetation is fairly sparse with lots of madrone trees. On the ridges above, there are pine and fir trees. Often, it is clear near the river with fog on the ridges above that burns off in the afternoon. The trees get much of their moisture from fog.<br /> <br /> Sometimes there's snow here, and when the snow is melting and/or there are heavy rains, the river can flood, making the trail impassable. About half a mile from the [[Grave Creek Trailhead]] is a sign above the trail showing the river level in a recent flood. Check out the weather reports for Grants Pass or Gold Beach to get an idea of the current weather.<br /> <br /> Watch for [[Ticks|ticks]], particularly in the summer. There are more ticks on the western half of the route. There is more grass along the trail in this section. The ticks wait on blades of grass until they can hop a ride on you or another mammal. Long pants and gaiters and perhaps tick repellant are recommended. After each day's hike, carefully inspect to see if any ticks are on you and remove them. You can get Lyme disease from a tick bite; typically there are a target shaped circular red rash and flu-like symptoms. If you manifest these symptoms, check in with a doctor who can recommend a treatment.<br /> <br /> There are bears, especially around the western ten miles of the trail. Hang your food at least ten feet above ground and five feet away from trees. Use the provided bear-proof enclosures (electric fences, boxes, or cables/pullies) in the western section at [[Rogue Camp Tacoma|Camp Tacoma]], Tate Creek, Half Moon Bar, and Burns Creek. According to the BLM, bear problems aren't as bad as they used to be because of prevention efforts.<br /> <br /> Watch out for [[Poison Oak|poison oak]], especially as you go further west. Also watch out for [[Snakes|rattlesnakes]] from spring into fall.<br /> <br /> === Detailed Description ===<br /> The trail starts at the parking area below the north end of the bridge across the Rogue at Grave Creek. Be aware that the parking area occasionally gets flooded. During the boating season, stay out of the way of boaters launching boats. The BLM is currently asking hikers to park in a pullout on the other side of the bridge, not near the boat ramp.<br /> <br /> At mile 1.7 from the trailhead is a trail down to Rainie Falls. There is a large area near the river where you could camp. There's also a pit outhouse. To get a good view of the falls, you have to go on the trail on the south side of the river from Grave Creek.<br /> <br /> At mile 3.2 is [[Whiskey Creek]]. Just before the creek is a campsite with an outhouse. This is probably the busiest campsite. If you want more privacy, go across Whiskey Creek and in the next 0.1 miles are several nice spots between the trail and the river. Right after the bridge over Whiskey Creek, there's a 0.1 mile trail up to an historic cabin. There are several buildings, but no camp spots or outhouse. There is a dirt road you can walk up about half a mile to a gravel road you can drive to and park at. Up to this point, expect to see a lot of day hikers. The crowds really thin out from here on.<br /> <br /> At mile 3.7 is [[Rogue Big Slide Camp|Big Slide Camp]], where there is a large area that could accommodate many people. You'll get a nice view of the river with a cabin on the other side. There's also an outhouse. You won't find drinking water here, so you'll have to get it from Whiskey Creek or a small creek 0.4 miles to the west. Beyond here, there are hiker campsites every couple miles or so. These tend to be small, right next to the trail, with no good flat level place to camp. You can also get to the boater campsites, but sometimes the trail is way above so you have to take a steep, rough path down to them.<br /> <br /> Some better campsites are: <br /> <br /> * Bronco Creek is at mile 6.8. There's drinking water and 0.1 mile west of the creek is a decent place to camp a bit down from the main trail. <br /> * Bunker Creek is at mile 8.9. The hiker camp is just at the west end of the bridge. A better spot is a bit east of the bridge below the trail. You can get drinking water here. <br /> * At about mile 12 are the boater campsites at Horseshoe Bend and Lower Horseshoe. There are faint use trails down to them from the main trail, but it's about 200 feet down and quite steep.<br /> * At mile 13 is Meadow Creek. Here you'll find drinking water, several campsites, and an outhouse.<br /> * Zane Grey's Cabin is at mile 17.3. Zane Grey used this as a base for his fishing trips on the Rogue. It is now open to visitors.<br /> * At 23 miles is the Rogue River Ranch. It is BLM owned, and the museum is open May through October. There's water, a bathroom, and an emergency radio. There is road access to here down a difficult gravel road. There is also [[Marial|Marial Lodge]]. Tucker Flat car campground is also here. It's not too busy, except on summer weekends, because of the difficult road access. The campground is also the trailhead for the [[Wild Rogue Loop Hike]].<br /> * Mule Creek Canyon is at mile 24. This is one of the more difficult sections of the Rogue, with a narrow channel and a lot of turbulence. It is also one of the most scenic sections of the hike. <br /> * Check out [[Rogue Paradise Lodge|Paradise Lodge]] at mile 27.4 from Grave Creek. You can get a shower, food, and a beer. It's only accessible by boat, trail, or airplane. They're only open in the summer, but you might find someone there year-round. <br /> * At mile 30.2 is [[Brushy Bar Guard Station]] and campsite. The guard station is manned during the summer. There is a porch area you can use in the winter when it's not manned. You'll find a large camp area, outhouse, bear-proof units, and a drinking water stream at about mile 30.5.<br /> * The last major campsite is [[Rogue Camp Tacoma|Camp Tacoma]] at mile 32.7. There are a lot of boaters here during the season in nice sandy campsites right next to the river. You might prefer smaller campsites at Flora Dell Creek (hiker only) at mile 35 or Hick's Creek at mile 35.7. These are harder to find.<br /> <br /> <br /> The eastern trailhead is [[Big Bend Trailhead (Lower Rogue River)|Big Bend]] at mile 39.5. Nearby is the Foster Bar boat ramp, the most popular boat takeout point. There's a year-round campground here with a resident caretaker. If you parked your car overnight, you might want to park it at the boat ramp area rather than the [[Big Bend Trailhead (Lower Rogue River)|Big Bend Trailhead]] and walk an extra half mile because with a resident caretaker it's safer.<br /> <br /> For current info call:<br /> * Rogue River eastern half - Grants Pass BLM 541-471-6500 <br /> * Rogue River western half - Gold Beach USFS 541-247-3600 <br /> <br /> <br /> === Fees, Facilities, etc. ===<br /> * Permits not required if you are hiking/backpacking unsupported by raft shuttles<br /> * Wilderness regulations apply<br /> * There may be fire restrictions; check for the latest news<br /> * Store food in a bear canister or be prepared to hang it<br /> <br /> === Maps ===<br /> {{Hikemaps|latitude=42.7163|longitude=-123.8833}}<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/rogue_river_trail_color_2011.pdf The Rogue River Trail (Bureau of Land Management)]<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/or-wildrogue-map.jpg Wild Rogue Wilderness (BLM)]<br /> * Siskiyou Mountain Club: ''Wild Rogue Wilderness''<br /> * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Powers and Gold Beach Ranger Districts''<br /> * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Siskiyou National Forest''<br /> <br /> {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=30675 Rogue River 1/24/2023]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=30325 rogue river may 2022]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29585 Rogue River trail from Grave Creek Trailhead]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29424 Rogue River - Dec 6, 2020]<br /> * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=21589 Rogue River Trail 27/30-Apr-2015]<br /> <br /> {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> <br /> === Guidebooks that cover this hike ===<br /> * ''100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Southern Oregon &amp; Northern California'' by William L. Sullivan<br /> * ''Trips &amp; Trails: Oregon'' by William L. Sullivan<br /> * ''Hiking Southern Oregon'' by Art Bernstein &amp; Victor Harris<br /> * ''Hiking Oregon's Southern Cascades and Siskiyous'' by Art Bernstein<br /> * ''76 Day-Hikes Within 100 Miles of the Rogue Valley'' by Art Bernstein<br /> * ''Hiking Oregon's Geology'' by Ellen Morris Bishop<br /> * ''Backpacking Oregon'' by Douglas Lorain; revised by Becky Ohlsen<br /> * ''100 Classic Hikes in Oregon'' by Douglas Lorain<br /> * ''Oregon's Wilderness Areas'' by George Wuerthner<br /> * ''75 Hikes in Oregon's Coast Range &amp; Siskiyous'' by Rhonda &amp; George Ostertag<br /> * ''Oregon Campgrounds Hiking Guide'' by Rhonda &amp; George Ostertag<br /> * ''100 Oregon Hiking Trails'' by Don &amp; Roberta Lowe<br /> * ''HIking Oregon'' by Donna Lynn Ikenberry<br /> * ''Oregon Hiking'' by Sean Patrick Hill<br /> * ''Pacific Northwest Hiking'' by Scott Leonard &amp; Sean Patrick Hill<br /> * ''Oregon Coast: Camping &amp; Hiking'' by Tom Stienstra &amp; Sean Patrick Hill<br /> * ''From Sea to Summit: The R.A.D. Guide to Hiking in Curry County, Oregon'' by the R.A.D. Outdoor Club<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/rogue-siskiyou/recarea/?recid=69636 Rogue River National Recreation Trail #1160 (USFS)]<br /> * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5346991.pdf Oregon Rogue River Trail (USFS)]<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/visit/rogue-river-national-recreation-trail Rogue River National Recreation Trail (Bureau of Land Management)]<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-passes/lotteries-and-permit-systems/oregon-washington/rogue-river Rogue National Wild &amp; Scenic River Permits (Bureau of Land Management)]<br /> * [https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/rogue-river-trail-backpacking-guide Rogue River Trail Backpacking Guide (Clever Hiker)]<br /> * [https://artemishikes.com/2017/11/04/autumn-backpacking-the-rogue-river-trail/ Autumn Backpacking: the Rogue River Trail (Artemis Hikes)]<br /> * [https://vanmarmot.org/2015/04/27/rogue-river-trail-southern-oregon-27-30-apr-2015/ Rogue River Trail (Southern Oregon) 27/30-Apr-2015 (Boots on the Trail)]<br /> * [http://jaysjourneys.com/2017/05/23/rogue-river-trail/ Rogue River Trail (Jay's Journeys)]<br /> * [http://ericshikes.blogspot.com/2020/04/rogue-river-trail-thru-hike.html Rogue River Trail Thru hike (Eric's Hikes)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-1 Rogue River Trail - Day 1 (Outdoor Project)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-2 Rogue River Trail - Day 2 (Outdoor Project)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-3 Rogue River Trail - Day 3 (Outdoor Project)] <br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-4 Rogue River Trail - Day 4 (Outdoor Project)] <br /> * [https://rogueriverraft.com/hiking-the-rogue-river-trail/ Hiking on the Wild &amp; Scenic Rogue River Trail (Morrisons Rogue River Adventures)]<br /> * [https://wildrogue.com/hiking-yourself/ Hiking Adventure: Exploring the Rogue River Trail &amp; Beyond (Morrisons Rogue River Adventures)]<br /> * [https://wanderingyuncks.com/2021/05/20/rogue-river-trail-big-bend-to-clay-hill-05-14-2021/ Rogue River Trail – Big Bend to Clay Hill – 05/14/2021 (wanderingyuncks)]<br /> * [https://adventurecontinues.org/2018/03/30/rogue-river-trail-from-grave-creek/ Rogue River Trail from Grave Creek (The Adventure Continues)]<br /> * [http://www.wildscenicrogue.com/trails/rogue-river-trail/ Rogue River Trail (Wild &amp; Scenic Rogue River)]<br /> * [https://www.pariaoutdoorproducts.com/blogs/affordable-backpacking-gear-blog/hike-of-the-week-rogue-river-trail Hike of the Week: Rogue River Trail (Paria Outdoor Products)]<br /> * [https://orcalcoast.com/index.php/rogue-river-trail/ Rogue River Trail (Oregon California Coast)]<br /> * [https://www.nwrafting.com/rogue-river-rafting/hiking-the-rogue-river-trail-a-river-guides-perspective Hiking the Rogue River Trail – A River Guide’s Perspective (NW Rafting)]<br /> * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFSKCi0jg7c. Hiking 40 Miles on the Rogue River (Bears Stole Our Food) (Jonathan Yentch)]<br /> * [https://www.podiumrunner.com/culture/run-long-run-healthy-weekly-roundup-march-17-2022/ Trail of the Week: Rogue River Trail, Oregon (Podium Runner)]<br /> * [https://www.mailtribune.com/happening-now/2022/09/18/lower-rogue-river-trail-reopens/ &quot;Lower Rogue River Trail reopens&quot; (Mail Tribune)]<br /> * [https://nwwildflowers.com/places/Rogue_Valley Rogue Valley (Northwest Wildflowers)]<br /> <br /> <br /> === Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:retiredjerry|retiredjerry]] (creator)</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Rogue_River_Hike Rogue River Hike 2023-04-27T14:00:28Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Southern Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Bureau of Land Management]]<br /> [[Category:Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Wild Rogue Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Traverse Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:All Season Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Crowded Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:Rogueriver1.JPG|thumb|400px|The trail follows along the Rogue River. Frequently the trail is a couple hundred feet above the river with great views down to the river. ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguewhiskbrg.JPG|thumb|250px|A nice bridge crosses Whiskey Creek. ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguetrail.JPG|thumb|250px|There are places where the trail is fairly narrow with a steep drop on one side. ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguecamp.jpg|thumb|250px|Typical hiker campsite, this one at the end of the bridge over Bunker Creek ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguepaul54.JPG|thumb|250px|The Brushy Bar Guard Station ''(Paul)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguepaul61.JPG|thumb|250px|Tent at Camp Tacoma, where there are several nice sandy campsites next to the river. ''(Paul)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguemap.JPG|thumb|400px|Rogue River trail from http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/maps-publications.php]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Grave Creek Trailhead}}<br /> * End point: [[Big Bend Trailhead (Lower Rogue River)|Big Bend Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail log: [[Rogue River Hike/Log]]<br /> * Hike type: Traverse (one way)<br /> {{Distance|39.8 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|3080 feet}} <br /> * High point: 910 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Year round, but very hot in summer<br /> * Family Friendly: Yes, in short sections<br /> * Backpackable: Yes<br /> * Crowded: Yes, from mid-spring into summer<br /> {{Hazards|t=y|p=y|s=y}}<br /> <br /> === Hike Description ===<br /> &lt;b&gt;&lt;font color=red&gt;NOTICE: Road access to the [[Grave Creek Trailhead]] via Galice is currently closed due to extensive damage from the 2022 Rum Creek Fire. You can reach the trailhead from farther north, exiting I-5 at either Sun Valley or Wolf Creek.&lt;/font color&gt;&lt;/b&gt; <br /> <br /> &lt;b&gt;&lt;font color=red&gt;NOTICE: A landslide has blocked trail 21.5 miles downstream from Graves Creek Trailhead, 1 mile upstream from Rogue River Ranch. <br /> No safe route around it. <br /> https://www.facebook.com/BLMOregonAndWashington/posts/pfbid0sygDZGsEQi8xFiYCb8NfBxuc7ZumwfRgtzeq6kcVQZXxWv3SQJyWyRZxhQfUdeqfl&lt;/font color&gt;&lt;/b&gt; <br /> <br /> This is a premier hike in Southern Oregon. The trail goes along the Rogue River, sometimes near the river and other times going a couple hundred feet above and offering great views. There is a 40-mile wild section with only one road access about in the middle. <br /> <br /> You can do the full 40-mile hike, or you could just go from either end as far as you want, and then return to where you began. To do the 40 miles, you can drive two cars to [[Big Bend Trailhead|Illahe]], then backtrack one car to where you left the Rogue, turn left, and go the last 7.5 miles to [[Grave Creek Trailhead|Grave Creek]]. This route can be snowed in during the winter and early spring. Alternately, as you get near the trailhead, there are businesses and residences that have signs out front saying &quot;shuttle&quot;. <br /> <br /> There are several shuttle services for hikers and rafters/kayakers:<br /> * [https://www.whitewatercowboys.com/rogue-river-shuttles White Water Cowboys]<br /> * [https://wildrogue.com/rogue-river-shuttles/#:~:text=Morrisons%20Rogue%20Wilderness%20Adventures%20offers,or%20Quosatana%20(Q)%20creek. Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Adventures]<br /> * [https://bltshuttles.weebly.com/ BLT's Rogue River Shuttles]<br /> <br /> <br /> The trail is fairly good, though there are places where it is somewhat narrow with a steep drop on one side. In some places, it's somewhat rocky so you have to watch your step to avoid hurting your ankle. The trail crosses many streams, some with bridges, some necessitating a rock hop. In the winter, expect to encounter logs across the trail and slides that may be difficult to cross.<br /> <br /> The Rogue River is better known for boating by rafts and motor boats. There are many challenging rapids and several good camping spots. A lottery system is used to limit the number of people using watercraft, but it's still fairly crowded during the season. From November to April, there aren't so many boaters. If you're into running rivers, this should definitely be on your list.<br /> <br /> Hikers are allowed to use the boater campsites without having to reserve them, but you might not want to if they're crowded with boaters. There are also many hiker camps away from the river, but most of them are small with few flat level areas to sleep on. In the winter, there are so few backpackers that you can have your choice of campsites.<br /> <br /> The climate here is much drier and warmer than in Portland. Since the trail stays below 900 feet elevation, it could be very nice here, even when it's snowy in [[Columbia River Gorge|the Gorge]] and on [[Mount Hood]]. Along the river, the vegetation is fairly sparse with lots of madrone trees. On the ridges above, there are pine and fir trees. Often, it is clear near the river with fog on the ridges above that burns off in the afternoon. The trees get much of their moisture from fog.<br /> <br /> Sometimes there's snow here, and when the snow is melting and/or there are heavy rains, the river can flood, making the trail impassable. About half a mile from the [[Grave Creek Trailhead]] is a sign above the trail showing the river level in a recent flood. Check out the weather reports for Grants Pass or Gold Beach to get an idea of the current weather.<br /> <br /> Watch for [[Ticks|ticks]], particularly in the summer. There are more ticks on the western half of the route. There is more grass along the trail in this section. The ticks wait on blades of grass until they can hop a ride on you or another mammal. Long pants and gaiters and perhaps tick repellant are recommended. After each day's hike, carefully inspect to see if any ticks are on you and remove them. You can get Lyme disease from a tick bite; typically there are a target shaped circular red rash and flu-like symptoms. If you manifest these symptoms, check in with a doctor who can recommend a treatment.<br /> <br /> There are bears, especially around the western ten miles of the trail. Hang your food at least ten feet above ground and five feet away from trees. Use the provided bear-proof enclosures (electric fences, boxes, or cables/pullies) in the western section at [[Rogue Camp Tacoma|Camp Tacoma]], Tate Creek, Half Moon Bar, and Burns Creek. According to the BLM, bear problems aren't as bad as they used to be because of prevention efforts.<br /> <br /> Watch out for [[Poison Oak|poison oak]], especially as you go further west. Also watch out for [[Snakes|rattlesnakes]] from spring into fall.<br /> <br /> === Detailed Description ===<br /> The trail starts at the parking area below the north end of the bridge across the Rogue at Grave Creek. Be aware that the parking area occasionally gets flooded. During the boating season, stay out of the way of boaters launching boats. The BLM is currently asking hikers to park in a pullout on the other side of the bridge, not near the boat ramp.<br /> <br /> At mile 1.7 from the trailhead is a trail down to Rainie Falls. There is a large area near the river where you could camp. There's also a pit outhouse. To get a good view of the falls, you have to go on the trail on the south side of the river from Grave Creek.<br /> <br /> At mile 3.2 is [[Whiskey Creek]]. Just before the creek is a campsite with an outhouse. This is probably the busiest campsite. If you want more privacy, go across Whiskey Creek and in the next 0.1 miles are several nice spots between the trail and the river. Right after the bridge over Whiskey Creek, there's a 0.1 mile trail up to an historic cabin. There are several buildings, but no camp spots or outhouse. There is a dirt road you can walk up about half a mile to a gravel road you can drive to and park at. Up to this point, expect to see a lot of day hikers. The crowds really thin out from here on.<br /> <br /> At mile 3.7 is [[Rogue Big Slide Camp|Big Slide Camp]], where there is a large area that could accommodate many people. You'll get a nice view of the river with a cabin on the other side. There's also an outhouse. You won't find drinking water here, so you'll have to get it from Whiskey Creek or a small creek 0.4 miles to the west. Beyond here, there are hiker campsites every couple miles or so. These tend to be small, right next to the trail, with no good flat level place to camp. You can also get to the boater campsites, but sometimes the trail is way above so you have to take a steep, rough path down to them.<br /> <br /> Some better campsites are: <br /> <br /> * Bronco Creek is at mile 6.8. There's drinking water and 0.1 mile west of the creek is a decent place to camp a bit down from the main trail. <br /> * Bunker Creek is at mile 8.9. The hiker camp is just at the west end of the bridge. A better spot is a bit east of the bridge below the trail. You can get drinking water here. <br /> * At about mile 12 are the boater campsites at Horseshoe Bend and Lower Horseshoe. There are faint use trails down to them from the main trail, but it's about 200 feet down and quite steep.<br /> * At mile 13 is Meadow Creek. Here you'll find drinking water, several campsites, and an outhouse.<br /> * Zane Grey's Cabin is at mile 17.3. Zane Grey used this as a base for his fishing trips on the Rogue. It is now open to visitors.<br /> * At 23 miles is the Rogue River Ranch. It is BLM owned, and the museum is open May through October. There's water, a bathroom, and an emergency radio. There is road access to here down a difficult gravel road. There is also [[Marial|Marial Lodge]]. Tucker Flat car campground is also here. It's not too busy, except on summer weekends, because of the difficult road access. The campground is also the trailhead for the [[Wild Rogue Loop Hike]].<br /> * Mule Creek Canyon is at mile 24. This is one of the more difficult sections of the Rogue, with a narrow channel and a lot of turbulence. It is also one of the most scenic sections of the hike. <br /> * Check out [[Rogue Paradise Lodge|Paradise Lodge]] at mile 27.4 from Grave Creek. You can get a shower, food, and a beer. It's only accessible by boat, trail, or airplane. They're only open in the summer, but you might find someone there year-round. <br /> * At mile 30.2 is [[Brushy Bar Guard Station]] and campsite. The guard station is manned during the summer. There is a porch area you can use in the winter when it's not manned. You'll find a large camp area, outhouse, bear-proof units, and a drinking water stream at about mile 30.5.<br /> * The last major campsite is [[Rogue Camp Tacoma|Camp Tacoma]] at mile 32.7. There are a lot of boaters here during the season in nice sandy campsites right next to the river. You might prefer smaller campsites at Flora Dell Creek (hiker only) at mile 35 or Hick's Creek at mile 35.7. These are harder to find.<br /> <br /> <br /> The eastern trailhead is [[Big Bend Trailhead (Lower Rogue River)|Big Bend]] at mile 39.5. Nearby is the Foster Bar boat ramp, the most popular boat takeout point. There's a year-round campground here with a resident caretaker. If you parked your car overnight, you might want to park it at the boat ramp area rather than the [[Big Bend Trailhead (Lower Rogue River)|Big Bend Trailhead]] and walk an extra half mile because with a resident caretaker it's safer.<br /> <br /> For current info call:<br /> * Rogue River eastern half - Grants Pass BLM 541-471-6500 <br /> * Rogue River western half - Gold Beach USFS 541-247-3600 <br /> <br /> <br /> === Fees, Facilities, etc. ===<br /> * Permits not required if you are hiking/backpacking unsupported by raft shuttles<br /> * Wilderness regulations apply<br /> * There may be fire restrictions; check for the latest news<br /> * Store food in a bear canister or be prepared to hang it<br /> <br /> === Maps ===<br /> {{Hikemaps|latitude=42.7163|longitude=-123.8833}}<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/rogue_river_trail_color_2011.pdf The Rogue River Trail (Bureau of Land Management)]<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/or-wildrogue-map.jpg Wild Rogue Wilderness (BLM)]<br /> * Siskiyou Mountain Club: ''Wild Rogue Wilderness''<br /> * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Powers and Gold Beach Ranger Districts''<br /> * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Siskiyou National Forest''<br /> <br /> {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=30675 Rogue River 1/24/2023]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=30325 rogue river may 2022]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29585 Rogue River trail from Grave Creek Trailhead]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29424 Rogue River - Dec 6, 2020]<br /> * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=21589 Rogue River Trail 27/30-Apr-2015]<br /> <br /> {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> <br /> === Guidebooks that cover this hike ===<br /> * ''100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Southern Oregon &amp; Northern California'' by William L. Sullivan<br /> * ''Trips &amp; Trails: Oregon'' by William L. Sullivan<br /> * ''Hiking Southern Oregon'' by Art Bernstein &amp; Victor Harris<br /> * ''Hiking Oregon's Southern Cascades and Siskiyous'' by Art Bernstein<br /> * ''76 Day-Hikes Within 100 Miles of the Rogue Valley'' by Art Bernstein<br /> * ''Hiking Oregon's Geology'' by Ellen Morris Bishop<br /> * ''Backpacking Oregon'' by Douglas Lorain; revised by Becky Ohlsen<br /> * ''100 Classic Hikes in Oregon'' by Douglas Lorain<br /> * ''Oregon's Wilderness Areas'' by George Wuerthner<br /> * ''75 Hikes in Oregon's Coast Range &amp; Siskiyous'' by Rhonda &amp; George Ostertag<br /> * ''Oregon Campgrounds Hiking Guide'' by Rhonda &amp; George Ostertag<br /> * ''100 Oregon Hiking Trails'' by Don &amp; Roberta Lowe<br /> * ''HIking Oregon'' by Donna Lynn Ikenberry<br /> * ''Oregon Hiking'' by Sean Patrick Hill<br /> * ''Pacific Northwest Hiking'' by Scott Leonard &amp; Sean Patrick Hill<br /> * ''Oregon Coast: Camping &amp; Hiking'' by Tom Stienstra &amp; Sean Patrick Hill<br /> * ''From Sea to Summit: The R.A.D. Guide to Hiking in Curry County, Oregon'' by the R.A.D. Outdoor Club<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/rogue-siskiyou/recarea/?recid=69636 Rogue River National Recreation Trail #1160 (USFS)]<br /> * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5346991.pdf Oregon Rogue River Trail (USFS)]<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/visit/rogue-river-national-recreation-trail Rogue River National Recreation Trail (Bureau of Land Management)]<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-passes/lotteries-and-permit-systems/oregon-washington/rogue-river Rogue National Wild &amp; Scenic River Permits (Bureau of Land Management)]<br /> * [https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/rogue-river-trail-backpacking-guide Rogue River Trail Backpacking Guide (Clever Hiker)]<br /> * [https://artemishikes.com/2017/11/04/autumn-backpacking-the-rogue-river-trail/ Autumn Backpacking: the Rogue River Trail (Artemis Hikes)]<br /> * [https://vanmarmot.org/2015/04/27/rogue-river-trail-southern-oregon-27-30-apr-2015/ Rogue River Trail (Southern Oregon) 27/30-Apr-2015 (Boots on the Trail)]<br /> * [http://jaysjourneys.com/2017/05/23/rogue-river-trail/ Rogue River Trail (Jay's Journeys)]<br /> * [http://ericshikes.blogspot.com/2020/04/rogue-river-trail-thru-hike.html Rogue River Trail Thru hike (Eric's Hikes)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-1 Rogue River Trail - Day 1 (Outdoor Project)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-2 Rogue River Trail - Day 2 (Outdoor Project)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-3 Rogue River Trail - Day 3 (Outdoor Project)] <br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-4 Rogue River Trail - Day 4 (Outdoor Project)] <br /> * [https://rogueriverraft.com/hiking-the-rogue-river-trail/ Hiking on the Wild &amp; Scenic Rogue River Trail (Morrisons Rogue River Adventures)]<br /> * [https://wildrogue.com/hiking-yourself/ Hiking Adventure: Exploring the Rogue River Trail &amp; Beyond (Morrisons Rogue River Adventures)]<br /> * [https://wanderingyuncks.com/2021/05/20/rogue-river-trail-big-bend-to-clay-hill-05-14-2021/ Rogue River Trail – Big Bend to Clay Hill – 05/14/2021 (wanderingyuncks)]<br /> * [https://adventurecontinues.org/2018/03/30/rogue-river-trail-from-grave-creek/ Rogue River Trail from Grave Creek (The Adventure Continues)]<br /> * [http://www.wildscenicrogue.com/trails/rogue-river-trail/ Rogue River Trail (Wild &amp; Scenic Rogue River)]<br /> * [https://www.pariaoutdoorproducts.com/blogs/affordable-backpacking-gear-blog/hike-of-the-week-rogue-river-trail Hike of the Week: Rogue River Trail (Paria Outdoor Products)]<br /> * [https://orcalcoast.com/index.php/rogue-river-trail/ Rogue River Trail (Oregon California Coast)]<br /> * [https://www.nwrafting.com/rogue-river-rafting/hiking-the-rogue-river-trail-a-river-guides-perspective Hiking the Rogue River Trail – A River Guide’s Perspective (NW Rafting)]<br /> * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFSKCi0jg7c. Hiking 40 Miles on the Rogue River (Bears Stole Our Food) (Jonathan Yentch)]<br /> * [https://www.podiumrunner.com/culture/run-long-run-healthy-weekly-roundup-march-17-2022/ Trail of the Week: Rogue River Trail, Oregon (Podium Runner)]<br /> * [https://www.mailtribune.com/happening-now/2022/09/18/lower-rogue-river-trail-reopens/ &quot;Lower Rogue River Trail reopens&quot; (Mail Tribune)]<br /> * [https://nwwildflowers.com/places/Rogue_Valley Rogue Valley (Northwest Wildflowers)]<br /> <br /> <br /> === Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:retiredjerry|retiredjerry]] (creator)</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Rogue_River_Hike Rogue River Hike 2023-04-27T13:59:44Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Southern Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Bureau of Land Management]]<br /> [[Category:Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Wild Rogue Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Traverse Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:All Season Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Crowded Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:Rogueriver1.JPG|thumb|400px|The trail follows along the Rogue River. Frequently the trail is a couple hundred feet above the river with great views down to the river. ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguewhiskbrg.JPG|thumb|250px|A nice bridge crosses Whiskey Creek. ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguetrail.JPG|thumb|250px|There are places where the trail is fairly narrow with a steep drop on one side. ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguecamp.jpg|thumb|250px|Typical hiker campsite, this one at the end of the bridge over Bunker Creek ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguepaul54.JPG|thumb|250px|The Brushy Bar Guard Station ''(Paul)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguepaul61.JPG|thumb|250px|Tent at Camp Tacoma, where there are several nice sandy campsites next to the river. ''(Paul)'']]<br /> [[Image:Roguemap.JPG|thumb|400px|Rogue River trail from http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/maps-publications.php]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Grave Creek Trailhead}}<br /> * End point: [[Big Bend Trailhead (Lower Rogue River)|Big Bend Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail log: [[Rogue River Hike/Log]]<br /> * Hike type: Traverse (one way)<br /> {{Distance|39.8 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|3080 feet}} <br /> * High point: 910 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Year round, but very hot in summer<br /> * Family Friendly: Yes, in short sections<br /> * Backpackable: Yes<br /> * Crowded: Yes, from mid-spring into summer<br /> {{Hazards|t=y|p=y|s=y}}<br /> <br /> === Hike Description ===<br /> &lt;b&gt;&lt;font color=red&gt;NOTICE: Road access to the [[Grave Creek Trailhead]] via Galice is currently closed due to extensive damage from the 2022 Rum Creek Fire. You can reach the trailhead from farther north, exiting I-5 at either Sun Valley or Wolf Creek.&lt;/font color&gt;&lt;/b&gt; <br /> <br /> &lt;b&gt;&lt;font color=red&gt;NOTICE: A landslide has blocked trail 21.5 miles downstream from Graves Creek Trailhead, 1 mile upstream from Rogue River Ranch. <br /> No safe route around it. https://www.facebook.com/BLMOregonAndWashington/posts/pfbid0sygDZGsEQi8xFiYCb8NfBxuc7ZumwfRgtzeq6kcVQZXxWv3SQJyWyRZxhQfUdeqfl&lt;/font color&gt;&lt;/b&gt; <br /> <br /> This is a premier hike in Southern Oregon. The trail goes along the Rogue River, sometimes near the river and other times going a couple hundred feet above and offering great views. There is a 40-mile wild section with only one road access about in the middle. <br /> <br /> You can do the full 40-mile hike, or you could just go from either end as far as you want, and then return to where you began. To do the 40 miles, you can drive two cars to [[Big Bend Trailhead|Illahe]], then backtrack one car to where you left the Rogue, turn left, and go the last 7.5 miles to [[Grave Creek Trailhead|Grave Creek]]. This route can be snowed in during the winter and early spring. Alternately, as you get near the trailhead, there are businesses and residences that have signs out front saying &quot;shuttle&quot;. <br /> <br /> There are several shuttle services for hikers and rafters/kayakers:<br /> * [https://www.whitewatercowboys.com/rogue-river-shuttles White Water Cowboys]<br /> * [https://wildrogue.com/rogue-river-shuttles/#:~:text=Morrisons%20Rogue%20Wilderness%20Adventures%20offers,or%20Quosatana%20(Q)%20creek. Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Adventures]<br /> * [https://bltshuttles.weebly.com/ BLT's Rogue River Shuttles]<br /> <br /> <br /> The trail is fairly good, though there are places where it is somewhat narrow with a steep drop on one side. In some places, it's somewhat rocky so you have to watch your step to avoid hurting your ankle. The trail crosses many streams, some with bridges, some necessitating a rock hop. In the winter, expect to encounter logs across the trail and slides that may be difficult to cross.<br /> <br /> The Rogue River is better known for boating by rafts and motor boats. There are many challenging rapids and several good camping spots. A lottery system is used to limit the number of people using watercraft, but it's still fairly crowded during the season. From November to April, there aren't so many boaters. If you're into running rivers, this should definitely be on your list.<br /> <br /> Hikers are allowed to use the boater campsites without having to reserve them, but you might not want to if they're crowded with boaters. There are also many hiker camps away from the river, but most of them are small with few flat level areas to sleep on. In the winter, there are so few backpackers that you can have your choice of campsites.<br /> <br /> The climate here is much drier and warmer than in Portland. Since the trail stays below 900 feet elevation, it could be very nice here, even when it's snowy in [[Columbia River Gorge|the Gorge]] and on [[Mount Hood]]. Along the river, the vegetation is fairly sparse with lots of madrone trees. On the ridges above, there are pine and fir trees. Often, it is clear near the river with fog on the ridges above that burns off in the afternoon. The trees get much of their moisture from fog.<br /> <br /> Sometimes there's snow here, and when the snow is melting and/or there are heavy rains, the river can flood, making the trail impassable. About half a mile from the [[Grave Creek Trailhead]] is a sign above the trail showing the river level in a recent flood. Check out the weather reports for Grants Pass or Gold Beach to get an idea of the current weather.<br /> <br /> Watch for [[Ticks|ticks]], particularly in the summer. There are more ticks on the western half of the route. There is more grass along the trail in this section. The ticks wait on blades of grass until they can hop a ride on you or another mammal. Long pants and gaiters and perhaps tick repellant are recommended. After each day's hike, carefully inspect to see if any ticks are on you and remove them. You can get Lyme disease from a tick bite; typically there are a target shaped circular red rash and flu-like symptoms. If you manifest these symptoms, check in with a doctor who can recommend a treatment.<br /> <br /> There are bears, especially around the western ten miles of the trail. Hang your food at least ten feet above ground and five feet away from trees. Use the provided bear-proof enclosures (electric fences, boxes, or cables/pullies) in the western section at [[Rogue Camp Tacoma|Camp Tacoma]], Tate Creek, Half Moon Bar, and Burns Creek. According to the BLM, bear problems aren't as bad as they used to be because of prevention efforts.<br /> <br /> Watch out for [[Poison Oak|poison oak]], especially as you go further west. Also watch out for [[Snakes|rattlesnakes]] from spring into fall.<br /> <br /> === Detailed Description ===<br /> The trail starts at the parking area below the north end of the bridge across the Rogue at Grave Creek. Be aware that the parking area occasionally gets flooded. During the boating season, stay out of the way of boaters launching boats. The BLM is currently asking hikers to park in a pullout on the other side of the bridge, not near the boat ramp.<br /> <br /> At mile 1.7 from the trailhead is a trail down to Rainie Falls. There is a large area near the river where you could camp. There's also a pit outhouse. To get a good view of the falls, you have to go on the trail on the south side of the river from Grave Creek.<br /> <br /> At mile 3.2 is [[Whiskey Creek]]. Just before the creek is a campsite with an outhouse. This is probably the busiest campsite. If you want more privacy, go across Whiskey Creek and in the next 0.1 miles are several nice spots between the trail and the river. Right after the bridge over Whiskey Creek, there's a 0.1 mile trail up to an historic cabin. There are several buildings, but no camp spots or outhouse. There is a dirt road you can walk up about half a mile to a gravel road you can drive to and park at. Up to this point, expect to see a lot of day hikers. The crowds really thin out from here on.<br /> <br /> At mile 3.7 is [[Rogue Big Slide Camp|Big Slide Camp]], where there is a large area that could accommodate many people. You'll get a nice view of the river with a cabin on the other side. There's also an outhouse. You won't find drinking water here, so you'll have to get it from Whiskey Creek or a small creek 0.4 miles to the west. Beyond here, there are hiker campsites every couple miles or so. These tend to be small, right next to the trail, with no good flat level place to camp. You can also get to the boater campsites, but sometimes the trail is way above so you have to take a steep, rough path down to them.<br /> <br /> Some better campsites are: <br /> <br /> * Bronco Creek is at mile 6.8. There's drinking water and 0.1 mile west of the creek is a decent place to camp a bit down from the main trail. <br /> * Bunker Creek is at mile 8.9. The hiker camp is just at the west end of the bridge. A better spot is a bit east of the bridge below the trail. You can get drinking water here. <br /> * At about mile 12 are the boater campsites at Horseshoe Bend and Lower Horseshoe. There are faint use trails down to them from the main trail, but it's about 200 feet down and quite steep.<br /> * At mile 13 is Meadow Creek. Here you'll find drinking water, several campsites, and an outhouse.<br /> * Zane Grey's Cabin is at mile 17.3. Zane Grey used this as a base for his fishing trips on the Rogue. It is now open to visitors.<br /> * At 23 miles is the Rogue River Ranch. It is BLM owned, and the museum is open May through October. There's water, a bathroom, and an emergency radio. There is road access to here down a difficult gravel road. There is also [[Marial|Marial Lodge]]. Tucker Flat car campground is also here. It's not too busy, except on summer weekends, because of the difficult road access. The campground is also the trailhead for the [[Wild Rogue Loop Hike]].<br /> * Mule Creek Canyon is at mile 24. This is one of the more difficult sections of the Rogue, with a narrow channel and a lot of turbulence. It is also one of the most scenic sections of the hike. <br /> * Check out [[Rogue Paradise Lodge|Paradise Lodge]] at mile 27.4 from Grave Creek. You can get a shower, food, and a beer. It's only accessible by boat, trail, or airplane. They're only open in the summer, but you might find someone there year-round. <br /> * At mile 30.2 is [[Brushy Bar Guard Station]] and campsite. The guard station is manned during the summer. There is a porch area you can use in the winter when it's not manned. You'll find a large camp area, outhouse, bear-proof units, and a drinking water stream at about mile 30.5.<br /> * The last major campsite is [[Rogue Camp Tacoma|Camp Tacoma]] at mile 32.7. There are a lot of boaters here during the season in nice sandy campsites right next to the river. You might prefer smaller campsites at Flora Dell Creek (hiker only) at mile 35 or Hick's Creek at mile 35.7. These are harder to find.<br /> <br /> <br /> The eastern trailhead is [[Big Bend Trailhead (Lower Rogue River)|Big Bend]] at mile 39.5. Nearby is the Foster Bar boat ramp, the most popular boat takeout point. There's a year-round campground here with a resident caretaker. If you parked your car overnight, you might want to park it at the boat ramp area rather than the [[Big Bend Trailhead (Lower Rogue River)|Big Bend Trailhead]] and walk an extra half mile because with a resident caretaker it's safer.<br /> <br /> For current info call:<br /> * Rogue River eastern half - Grants Pass BLM 541-471-6500 <br /> * Rogue River western half - Gold Beach USFS 541-247-3600 <br /> <br /> <br /> === Fees, Facilities, etc. ===<br /> * Permits not required if you are hiking/backpacking unsupported by raft shuttles<br /> * Wilderness regulations apply<br /> * There may be fire restrictions; check for the latest news<br /> * Store food in a bear canister or be prepared to hang it<br /> <br /> === Maps ===<br /> {{Hikemaps|latitude=42.7163|longitude=-123.8833}}<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/rogue_river_trail_color_2011.pdf The Rogue River Trail (Bureau of Land Management)]<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/or-wildrogue-map.jpg Wild Rogue Wilderness (BLM)]<br /> * Siskiyou Mountain Club: ''Wild Rogue Wilderness''<br /> * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Powers and Gold Beach Ranger Districts''<br /> * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Siskiyou National Forest''<br /> <br /> {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=30675 Rogue River 1/24/2023]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=30325 rogue river may 2022]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29585 Rogue River trail from Grave Creek Trailhead]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29424 Rogue River - Dec 6, 2020]<br /> * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=21589 Rogue River Trail 27/30-Apr-2015]<br /> <br /> {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> <br /> === Guidebooks that cover this hike ===<br /> * ''100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Southern Oregon &amp; Northern California'' by William L. Sullivan<br /> * ''Trips &amp; Trails: Oregon'' by William L. Sullivan<br /> * ''Hiking Southern Oregon'' by Art Bernstein &amp; Victor Harris<br /> * ''Hiking Oregon's Southern Cascades and Siskiyous'' by Art Bernstein<br /> * ''76 Day-Hikes Within 100 Miles of the Rogue Valley'' by Art Bernstein<br /> * ''Hiking Oregon's Geology'' by Ellen Morris Bishop<br /> * ''Backpacking Oregon'' by Douglas Lorain; revised by Becky Ohlsen<br /> * ''100 Classic Hikes in Oregon'' by Douglas Lorain<br /> * ''Oregon's Wilderness Areas'' by George Wuerthner<br /> * ''75 Hikes in Oregon's Coast Range &amp; Siskiyous'' by Rhonda &amp; George Ostertag<br /> * ''Oregon Campgrounds Hiking Guide'' by Rhonda &amp; George Ostertag<br /> * ''100 Oregon Hiking Trails'' by Don &amp; Roberta Lowe<br /> * ''HIking Oregon'' by Donna Lynn Ikenberry<br /> * ''Oregon Hiking'' by Sean Patrick Hill<br /> * ''Pacific Northwest Hiking'' by Scott Leonard &amp; Sean Patrick Hill<br /> * ''Oregon Coast: Camping &amp; Hiking'' by Tom Stienstra &amp; Sean Patrick Hill<br /> * ''From Sea to Summit: The R.A.D. Guide to Hiking in Curry County, Oregon'' by the R.A.D. Outdoor Club<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/rogue-siskiyou/recarea/?recid=69636 Rogue River National Recreation Trail #1160 (USFS)]<br /> * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5346991.pdf Oregon Rogue River Trail (USFS)]<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/visit/rogue-river-national-recreation-trail Rogue River National Recreation Trail (Bureau of Land Management)]<br /> * [https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-passes/lotteries-and-permit-systems/oregon-washington/rogue-river Rogue National Wild &amp; Scenic River Permits (Bureau of Land Management)]<br /> * [https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/rogue-river-trail-backpacking-guide Rogue River Trail Backpacking Guide (Clever Hiker)]<br /> * [https://artemishikes.com/2017/11/04/autumn-backpacking-the-rogue-river-trail/ Autumn Backpacking: the Rogue River Trail (Artemis Hikes)]<br /> * [https://vanmarmot.org/2015/04/27/rogue-river-trail-southern-oregon-27-30-apr-2015/ Rogue River Trail (Southern Oregon) 27/30-Apr-2015 (Boots on the Trail)]<br /> * [http://jaysjourneys.com/2017/05/23/rogue-river-trail/ Rogue River Trail (Jay's Journeys)]<br /> * [http://ericshikes.blogspot.com/2020/04/rogue-river-trail-thru-hike.html Rogue River Trail Thru hike (Eric's Hikes)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-1 Rogue River Trail - Day 1 (Outdoor Project)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-2 Rogue River Trail - Day 2 (Outdoor Project)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-3 Rogue River Trail - Day 3 (Outdoor Project)] <br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/rogue-river-trail-day-4 Rogue River Trail - Day 4 (Outdoor Project)] <br /> * [https://rogueriverraft.com/hiking-the-rogue-river-trail/ Hiking on the Wild &amp; Scenic Rogue River Trail (Morrisons Rogue River Adventures)]<br /> * [https://wildrogue.com/hiking-yourself/ Hiking Adventure: Exploring the Rogue River Trail &amp; Beyond (Morrisons Rogue River Adventures)]<br /> * [https://wanderingyuncks.com/2021/05/20/rogue-river-trail-big-bend-to-clay-hill-05-14-2021/ Rogue River Trail – Big Bend to Clay Hill – 05/14/2021 (wanderingyuncks)]<br /> * [https://adventurecontinues.org/2018/03/30/rogue-river-trail-from-grave-creek/ Rogue River Trail from Grave Creek (The Adventure Continues)]<br /> * [http://www.wildscenicrogue.com/trails/rogue-river-trail/ Rogue River Trail (Wild &amp; Scenic Rogue River)]<br /> * [https://www.pariaoutdoorproducts.com/blogs/affordable-backpacking-gear-blog/hike-of-the-week-rogue-river-trail Hike of the Week: Rogue River Trail (Paria Outdoor Products)]<br /> * [https://orcalcoast.com/index.php/rogue-river-trail/ Rogue River Trail (Oregon California Coast)]<br /> * [https://www.nwrafting.com/rogue-river-rafting/hiking-the-rogue-river-trail-a-river-guides-perspective Hiking the Rogue River Trail – A River Guide’s Perspective (NW Rafting)]<br /> * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFSKCi0jg7c. Hiking 40 Miles on the Rogue River (Bears Stole Our Food) (Jonathan Yentch)]<br /> * [https://www.podiumrunner.com/culture/run-long-run-healthy-weekly-roundup-march-17-2022/ Trail of the Week: Rogue River Trail, Oregon (Podium Runner)]<br /> * [https://www.mailtribune.com/happening-now/2022/09/18/lower-rogue-river-trail-reopens/ &quot;Lower Rogue River Trail reopens&quot; (Mail Tribune)]<br /> * [https://nwwildflowers.com/places/Rogue_Valley Rogue Valley (Northwest Wildflowers)]<br /> <br /> <br /> === Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:retiredjerry|retiredjerry]] (creator)</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Public_Transportation Public Transportation 2023-04-16T16:32:42Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div><br /> There is very little public transportation to common trailheads outside of urban areas, but here are some options:<br /> <br /> * [http://www.ifly.com/portland-international-airport/PDX-airport-shuttles Portland International Airport ground transportation] Shuttles that will transport you to/from Cascade Locks, Timberline Lodge, and other locations.<br /> * [https://sasquatchshuttle.com/ Sasquatch Shuttle] Shuttles between eight stops in the western Oregon Gorge: Portland Women's Forum, Vista House, Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil, Angel's Rest, Wahkeena Falls, Multnomah Falls, Horsetail Falls.<br /> * [https://www.ridecatbus.org/columbia-gorge-express/ Columbia Gorge Express] runs buses seven days a week between the Gateway Transit Center (Portland) and Hood River. The bus stops five times daily at Multnomah Falls.<br /> * [http://www.skamaniacounty.org/TRANSPORTATION/WKND_TRNS.pdf Gorge WET bus] from Vancouver to North Bonneville, Stevenson, Carson, and Dog Mountain.<br /> * [http://www.ci.sandy.or.us/Transit/ Sandy Area Metro] Goes from Portland Gresham Max station to Timberline Lodge. Stop at Zigzag and you could walk over to the West Zigzag Trail or up Hunchback Mountain. Stop at Mt Hood Village and hike over to the Wildwood Recreation Site and up the Boulder Ridge Trail into the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness.<br /> <br /> <br /> * [http://www.tillamookbus.com/ NW Connector] lists public transport in Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln, Columbia, and Benton counties. <br /> * [http://www.oregon-point.com/nw_point.html Point] Transit has several long routes, including Portland to Astoria via Cannon Beach and Portland to Eugene.<br /> <br /> <br /> * [http://www.eugene-or.gov/index.aspx?nid=1075 Eugene Airport Ground Transportation] Several possibilities.<br /> * [http://www.ltd.org/ Lane Transit District] Transit goes from Eugene as far East as McKenzie Bridge which is about 21 miles from the PCT and the Three Sisters. <br /> * [https://www.horse-creek.com/horse-creek/mckenzie-river-trail-shuttle/ Horse Creek Lodge shuttle] from one end of McKenzie trail to the other.<br /> <br /> * [http://cobreeze.com/ Central Oregon Breeze] Goes between Portland and Bend. They will make stops at Government Camp if you pre-arrange.<br /> * [http://pacificcrestbuslines.com/eugene-to-bend/ Pacific Crest Bus Lines] runs from Eugene to Bend, crossing the PCT.<br /> * [http://cascadeseasttransit.com/ Cascades East Transit] connects Central Oregon cities like Bend, Prineville, Redmond, and Madras.<br /> <br /> <br /> * [http://clallamtransit.com/ Clallam Transit] runs on the north side of Olympic National Park: Forks, Neah Bay, Lake Crescent, Port Angeles, Sequim, Port Townsend, Bainbridge Island Ferry.<br /> * [http://www.backpackingbybus.com/ Backpacking by Bus] Website about places you can backpack by bus. Seattle-centric.<br /> <br /> <br /> * Make a request on [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=12 oregonhikers.org] and maybe you can get someone to give you a ride, especially from Portland to closer locations like Cascade Locks or Timberline Lodge.<br /> <br /> <br /> * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/wiki/Category:Public_Transit Public Transit Hikes] Hikes in the Oregon Hikers Field Guide accessible by public transportation, usually in urban areas.<br /> <br /> * [https://tualatin-sherwood-airport-shuttle.com/ Tualatin Sherwood Airport Shuttle] They say they offer door to door shuttle service. Someone on nextdoor recommended them. I have personal experience with them.</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Paradise_Park_Trailhead Paradise Park Trailhead 2021-06-30T21:37:03Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Mount Hood Area]]<br /> [[Category:Northwest Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Mt Hood National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Trailheads]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:Paradiseth.JPG|thumb|400px|Paradise Park Trailhead ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> <br /> {{maplinkinfo|latitude=45.31451|longitude=-121.81575}}<br /> * Elevation: 2830 feet<br /> {{Driving Time|70 minutes}}<br /> <br /> === Hikes starting here ===<br /> * {{Hike ring|trailhead=Paradise Park Trailhead|hike=Paradise Park Hike|log=Paradise Park Hike/Log|previous=Paradise Park Trailhead|next=Paradise Park Lower Viewpoint}}<br /> * {{Hike ring|trailhead=Paradise Park Trailhead|hike=Paradise Park-Hidden Lake Loop Hike|log=Paradise Park-Hidden Lake Loop Hike/Log|previous=Paradise Park Trailhead|next=Paradise Park Lower Viewpoint}}<br /> <br /> === Driving Directions ===<br /> Head east on Highway 26 through Sandy. From the last traffic light in Sandy, it’s 23.2 miles through Zigzag and Rhododendron to the turnoff on the left for Road 39 and the Mt. Hood Kiwanis Loop. <br /> <br /> Proceed 1.2 miles up this road and turn left for the Paradise Park Trail #778. <br /> <br /> Park here and walk about 0.2 miles, through the closed gate, across the Zigzag River, to the old trailhead area and the beginning of the Paradise Park Trail.<br /> <br /> === Page Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:Retiredjerry]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Paradise_Park_Trailhead Paradise Park Trailhead 2021-06-30T13:58:46Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Mount Hood Area]]<br /> [[Category:Northwest Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Mt Hood National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Trailheads]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:Paradiseth.JPG|thumb|400px|Paradise Park Trailhead ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> <br /> {{maplinkinfo|latitude=45.31451|longitude=-121.81575}}<br /> * Elevation: 2830 feet<br /> {{Driving Time|70 minutes}}<br /> <br /> === Hikes starting here ===<br /> * {{Hike ring|trailhead=Paradise Park Trailhead|hike=Paradise Park Hike|log=Paradise Park Hike/Log|previous=Paradise Park Trailhead|next=Paradise Park Lower Viewpoint}}<br /> * {{Hike ring|trailhead=Paradise Park Trailhead|hike=Paradise Park-Hidden Lake Loop Hike|log=Paradise Park-Hidden Lake Loop Hike/Log|previous=Paradise Park Trailhead|next=Paradise Park Lower Viewpoint}}<br /> <br /> === Driving Directions ===<br /> Head east on Highway 26 through Sandy. From the last traffic light in Sandy, it’s 23.2 miles through Zigzag and Rhododendron to the turnoff on the left for Road 39 and the Mt. Hood Kiwanis Loop. <br /> <br /> Proceed 1.2 miles up this road and turn left for the Paradise Park Trail #778. <br /> <br /> Park here and walk about 0.2 miles up the Kiwanis Camp Road, through the closed gate, across the Zigzag River, to the old trailhead area and the beginning of the Paradise Park Trail.<br /> <br /> === Page Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:Retiredjerry]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Timberline_Trail_around_Mount_Hood_Hike Timberline Trail around Mount Hood Hike 2021-06-10T14:08:28Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Northwest Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Mt Hood National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Mount Hood Area]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Alpine Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Exposed Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Glacier Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Loop Hikes]] <br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Waterfall Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:ParadiseParkZigzagCanyon.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood and the massive Zigzag Canyon from the [[Zigzag Overlook]] ''(Tom Kloster)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:Zigzag Canyon Falls, Timberline Trail.jpg|thumb|250px|Waterfall in Zigzag Canyon, Timberline Trail ''(bobcat)'']]<br /> [[Image:Ramonafalls.JPG|thumb|250px|Ramona Falls with bridge at base of falls ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:The Citadel from the Muddy Fork, Timberline Trail.jpg|thumb|250px|Rocky ramparts above the Muddy Fork, Timberline Trail ''(bobcat)'']]<br /> [[Image:Harsh paintbrush (Castilleja hispida), Bald Mountain, Timberline Trail.jpg|thumb|250px|Harsh paintbrush ''(Castilleja hispida)'', Bald Mountain, Timberline Trail ''(bobcat)'']]<br /> [[Image:Lower pond, McNeil Ponds.jpg|thumb|250px|One of the &quot;McNeil Ponds&quot; on the Timberline Trail ''(bobcat)'']]<br /> [[Image:CairnBasinShelter2.JPG|thumb|250px|Cairn Basin Shelter ''(Jeff Black)'']]<br /> [[Image:ElkCoveView.jpg|thumb|250px|Mount Hood from Elk Cove in early August ''(Tom Kloster)'']]<br /> [[Image:mthoodtimbhighnorth.JPG|thumb|250px|North of Timberline Trail high point, the trail goes over a vast lava field marked by large rock cairns with posts ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:ClarkCanyonHood.jpg|thumb|250px|Clark Creek Canyon from the Timberline Trail ''(Tom Kloster)'']]<br /> [[Image:Towhead babies, Mt. Hood Meadows, Timberline Trail.jpg|thumb|250px|Towhead babies, Mt. Hood Meadows, Timberline Trail ''(bobcat)'']]<br /> [[Image:PCTTimberline1.jpg|thumb|250px|The Pacific Crest Trail leaves the Timberline Trail to head south from this point on Boy Scout Ridge ''(bobcat)'']]<br /> [[Image:WhiteRiverCanyon4.jpg|thumb|250px|High meadow near the White River Viewpoint ''(bobcat)'']]<br /> [[Image:mthoodmap2017a.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:mthoodmap2017b.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:mthoodmap2017c.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:mthoodmap2017d.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Timberline Lodge Trailhead}}<br /> * Ending Point: [[Timberline Lodge Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail Log: [[Timberline Trail around Mount Hood Hike/Log|Trail Log]]<br /> * Hike Type: Loop<br /> {{Distance|38.3 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|9000 feet}}<br /> * High Point: 7350 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Summer and early Fall<br /> * Family Friendly: No<br /> * Backpackable: Yes <br /> * Crowded: crowded at some places<br /> <br /> <br /> &lt;b&gt;&lt;font color=red&gt;As of June 2021 the Timberline Trail between Yocum Ridge and the Muddy Fork is closed because of damage from 2020 wind storm. SAR has had to rescue people. Use the PCT to do the lower crossing of the Muddy Fork instead. <br /> <br /> TAKE CARE OUT THERE: Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, this trail is experiencing extremely heavy use. Be prepared to wear a mask during the many portions of this hike where physical distancing is not an option. <br /> <br /> &lt;br&gt;DO YOUR PART: Services are extremely limited at this time, so please bring a trash bag with you so you can pack out what you pack in, including any dog poop from your four-legged hiking buddy. &lt;/font color&gt;&lt;/b&gt;<br /> <br /> === Hike Description ===<br /> &lt;b&gt;The Labor Day 2020 windstorm knocked down hundreds of trees along parts of this trail. Check with the Forest Service before starting your trip.&lt;/b&gt;<br /> <br /> The hike around [[Mount Hood]] is one of the best hikes in the area. You get great views of Mount Hood, and of the surrounding territory including Cascade volcanoes such as [[Mount Saint Helens]], [[Mount Rainier]], [[Mount Adams]], [[Mount Jefferson]], and the [[Three Sisters]]. You can see the Coast Range to the west. You can see Portland and the Willamette River. You can see the Columbia River. You can see the desert to the east. <br /> <br /> It's really interesting to see how the plants and geology vary as you go as low as 3300' by [[Ramona Falls]] through deep forest to barren lava flows as high as 7300' on the east side of the mountain.<br /> <br /> Most people take 4 days and 3 nights, beginning and ending at [[Timberline Lodge Trailhead|Timberline Lodge]], and go clockwise. A number of other alternatives are mentioned below. The detailed description is the same regardless of how you do it. At a few places there are several choices of route which can make the hike a little shorter or longer.<br /> <br /> Compared to the &quot;Dilbert World&quot; we're used to, it's refreshing to get into the routine of getting up in the morning, eating, packing up, hiking several stretches with rest stops, finding a place to get water and camp, and repeating. Anyone that has the opportunity should do this hike at least once. You might like it so much that you want to try a longer trip such as the trail around the Three Sisters, the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier, or thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.<br /> <br /> === Description ===<br /> As usual, mileages can differ between sources. These mileages are from a GPS track. Sometimes a trail is re-routed which can change mileages. These will at least give you an approximate value. These were updated September 2016.<br /> <br /> Start at the top of the parking area to the East of Timberline Lodge at elevation 5900 feet. Go West, below/in front of Timberline Lodge. If you haven't been there, go check it out.<br /> <br /> Keep going West, at about the same elevation. You go just above a ski lift that comes from below, and cross the bottom of another ski lift that goes up. Eventually it becomes the Mountaineer Trail. Keep going West and a little up until it joins the Timberline Trail (400) which is also the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT 2000) at elevation 6000 feet and mile 0.8 from the start.<br /> <br /> If you don't find the Mountaineer Trail, just go West/up until you find the obvious PCT.<br /> <br /> Keep going West on the PCT.<br /> <br /> At 1.2 miles, the trail makes a brief descent into rocky [[Little Zigzag Canyon]], an easy, bridgeless crossing. For the next mile, the trail descends into forest, passing the [[Pacific Crest-Hidden Lake Trail Junction|Hidden Lake Trail]] (no. 779) on the left. There is a campsite (but no drinking water) below the trail just before this junction. There's another campsite (with no drinking water) below the trail in another 0.1 mile. <br /> <br /> At mile 1.5 is the junction with the Hidden Lake Trail. It's about 4 miles down to the trailhead.<br /> <br /> There's a small campsite below the trail at mile 1.8.<br /> <br /> There is a small stream at mile 2.0. It gets to be a trickle late in the season but I've not seen it dry up. <br /> <br /> The Timberline Trail then curves across a series of sloping meadows before suddenly reaching [[Zigzag Overlook]], the lip of gaping Zigzag Canyon at 2.3 miles, elevation 5500. The view includes the meadows of [[Paradise Park]], across the canyon, and rugged Mississippi Head, the mesa-like formation at the head of the canyon. <br /> <br /> From the Zigzag Overlook, the trail quickly descends a cool, forested slope to the bottom of [[Zigzag River Crossing]] at mile 3.4 and 4800 feet elevation. The stream is generally easy to cross without wet feet, but can occasionally present an obstacle during periods of heavy snow melt and rain. Be sure to look upstream for dramatic [[Zigzag Falls]], which often forms snow caves at its base.<br /> <br /> From the canyon floor, the trail climbs steadily, crossing a side stream, then reaching a junction with the [[Pacific Crest-Paradise Park Loop South Trail Junction|Paradise Park Loop Trail]] at 3.8 miles. Turn right here and continue climbing through switchbacks. You could stay on the PCT/Timberline Trail (through forest, only one signed junction go straight, several nice campsites next to Lost Creek) but going through Paradise Park only adds 400' elevation gain and no additional mileage and is well worth it.<br /> <br /> On the Paradise Loop Trail, at mile 4.8, 5700 feet elevation is the junction with the [[Paradise Park Loop-Paradise Park Trail Junction|Paradise Park Trail]] and the beginning of the sprawling alpine meadows of [[Paradise Park]]. It's 5.5 miles down to the [[Paradise Park Trailhead]] near highway 26.<br /> <br /> Continue on the Paradise Loop Trail. Cross [[South Fork Lost Creek Crossing|Lost Creek]] at the 5.0 mile mark. This is a reliable source of drinking water year-round. A little further are the remains of the Paradise Park shelter in a grove of ancient mountain hemlock. There are a couple campsites here, but better sites are ahead. Inexperienced people are tired from the hike and drop their packs right here, so these sites are often taken.<br /> <br /> The route continues to the right here, curving through exceptionally scenic meadows, punctuated by rocky bluffs and Mount Hood towering above. There are also excellent views of the rugged Zigzag Mountain arm of the Mount Hood Wilderness, to the west, and the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness, to the southwest.<br /> <br /> The trail reaches about 5800 feet elevation in Paradise Park.<br /> <br /> Next, the trail crosses another branch of [[North Fork Lost Creek Crossing|Lost Creek]]. This is another reliable drinking water stream. There are a number of nice campsites here. You can go straight up at the stream. You can go a little further and then down a trail to the site of an old lookout. You can keep going down to another more sheltered site. A little further on the Paradise Loop Trail is another trail going down to a campsite. A little further is a trail going up—in about 0.1 mile is a huge rock, maybe 20 feet high, with a campsite next to it (very exposed in bad weather). There are two plaques on the rock memorializing two former Forest Service employees. <br /> <br /> There are a couple more campsites just below the trail.<br /> <br /> The Paradise Loop Trail comes within a few hundred feet of Paradise Branch canyon, before turning downhill in a switchback. If you have the energy and interest, walk through low alpine scrub and meadows to the edge of the canyon for a sweeping view of Mount Hood, Reid Glacier and several waterfalls on the Paradise Branch. <br /> <br /> After taking in the view, return to the main trail, and begin a gradual decent back to the Timberline Trail/PCT, reaching a well-marked [[Pacific Crest-Paradise Park North Trail Junction|junction]] at 6.1 miles. Turn right (northwest). The trail takes a long stretch steeply down.<br /> <br /> If you had stayed on the PCT rather than the Paradise Loop trail, there's a nice campsite at Lost Creek at mile 5.0.<br /> <br /> At about mile 9.0 the trail gets close to Rushing Water Creek and several campsites off the trail a bit, next to the creek, which is good for drinking water. It's kind of cool here if you have hot weather.<br /> <br /> At mile 9.1 the trail crosses the [[Sandy River Crossing on Pacific Crest Trail|Sandy River]]. This is one of the more difficult stream crossings around Mount Hood. You have to cross on rocks/logs. There's no bridge. See [[Tips for Crossing Streams]].<br /> <br /> In the next mile, up to Ramona Falls, there are maybe a dozen campsites near the trail, explore any side trails you see. Get drinking water from Rushing Water Creek at the Sandy River crossing or at Ramona Falls. There's also a small stream below the trail at about mile 9.4 at a low point of the trail at about 3300 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> The trail now goes along the Sandy River stream bed. At mile 9.5 is the junction with the [[Pacific Crest-Timberline Middle Trail Junction|Ramona Falls Trail]]. <br /> <br /> There are three choices here, about the same distance and elevation gain:<br /> # Go left and along the Sandy River—this is the shortest route—this is the official PCT<br /> # Go right, then left at Ramona Falls along Ramona Creek—this adds 0.1 mile<br /> # Go right, then right at Ramona Falls—this adds 0.4 miles—I think this is more scenic.<br /> <br /> <br /> To do the #1 route, go left and go 1.5 miles to a junction. The Ramona Falls trailhead is left about two miles; we want to go right. In another 0.5 miles is another junction where the #2 route joins from the right. <br /> <br /> To do the #2 and #3 routes, go right 0.4 miles to Ramona Falls and another junction. Route #2 goes left 1.6 miles to the junction with route #1.<br /> <br /> Routes #1 and #2 cross the Muddy Fork on an improvised crossing, at elevation 2300 feet, then 2.2 miles uphill to a 5 way junction at 4300 feet elevation. To the left is the PCT north and the trail down to Top Spur trailhead 0.5 miles away. To the right is the trail around Bald Mountain. We want to go straight following the signs to Cairn Basin. It's 0.4 miles to where we connect up with route #3.<br /> <br /> This all sounds more complicated than it is. Route #1 is the PCT so just follow the PCT markers.<br /> <br /> We want to follow route #3. At the junction just after Ramona Falls go right. This is 3500 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> At mile 10.6 is the junction with the Yocum Ridge Trail which dead ends about 6 miles up the mountain. A great trip for another day.<br /> <br /> For the next 4 miles the trail is sometimes taken out by landslides, so you may have to detour the other way.<br /> <br /> At mile 12.6, elevation 4100 feet, is a nice campsite with a drinking water stream.<br /> <br /> Then, the trail crosses the Muddy Fork. There are several different branches to cross. These can sometimes be difficult.<br /> <br /> At mile 14.4, elevation 4350, is a cutoff trail that goes right up and over the ridge where it joins up with routes #1 and #2. We want to go right. A nice detour is to keep going straight around scenic Bald Mountain.<br /> <br /> At mile 14.5 is the junction with the [[Timberline-McGee Creek Trail Junction|McGee Creek Trail]] which comes in from the left (1.3 miles to the [[McGee Creek Trailhead]]). Stay straight. <br /> <br /> At about mile 15.6 are several viewpoints that look up to Mount Hood and down into the Sandy River Canyon. From the PCT junction to here is pretty crowded summer weekends. There is a place for a tent just above the trail in the brush next to the first viewpoint. There's another place for a tent right at the high point.<br /> <br /> At mile 16.3 is the unmarked junction with the [[Timberline-McNeil Point Scramble Trail Junction|McNeil Point Scramble Trail]]. You could take this loop for 1.1 miles until it rejoins the Timberline Trail. This &quot;scramble trail&quot; up to McNeil Point is very difficult and requires you use your hands a bit. (Beyond the McNeil Point shelter, there is a year-round drinking water stream and a number of nice campsites along the way.)<br /> <br /> At mile 16.6 are the &quot;McNeil Ponds&quot;; the Timberline Trail goes between the ponds, then to the right and uphill into the trees. (The boot path that goes alongside the upper pond, past the &quot;Do Not Camp in Meadows&quot; sign, leads to the upper reaches of the Mazama Trail.)<br /> <br /> At mile 16.8 is the signed junction with the [[Timberline-Mazama Trail Junction|Mazama Trail]] #625 (previously known as the Cathedral Ridge Trail) which comes up from the left. It's 3.1 miles to the [[Mazama Trailhead]].<br /> <br /> A little further is the old McNeil Point Trail, now closed for revegetation. There's a nice campsite. There's a drinking water stream that probably dries up in September.<br /> <br /> At mile 17.1 is the signed junction with the [[Timberline-McNeil Point Trail Junction|McNeil Point Trail]]. This officially maintained trail is a much easier side path to [[McNeil Point]]<br /> <br /> At mile 17.3 is a somewhat difficult stream crossing of Glisan Creek, a branch of Ladd Creek. This is the outflow of the Glisan Glacier above. This stream is too silty to drink out of, but there's another small stream that would be better, right next to the main stream.<br /> <br /> In the next several miles, up to Eliot Creek, are several areas burned by the Dollar Lake fire of 2011. There were fingers of fire that burned up to and across the trail. The trail is totally passable. A few trail signs got burned up but they have mostly been replaced by temporary signs. A few campsites have been burned, mainly in Cairn Basin, but there are unburned campsites nearby. Maybe the biggest risk is that trees have been burned, killed, and weakened, so they might fall over on you. But, this is becoming less of a risk because there have been a couple winters to blow over the weakest ones.<br /> <br /> At mile 17.4 is the junction with the [[Cairn Basin|Eden Park Trail]] which goes left. You could take this trail, and loop around to the Vista Ridge Trail and then back up to the Timberline Trail taking an extra 0.5 miles, and losing and then regaining 300' of elevation. [[Eden Park]] is a very scenic meadow area.<br /> <br /> Right after the Eden Park Trail junction is [[Cairn Basin]] (5,600') which stretches for about 0.2 miles along the Timberline Trail. One of the historic CCC shelters can be found here. There are about six campsites all along here on both sides. If they're all full, try taking the trail up past the shelter and you can find a few more campsites.<br /> <br /> At the far end of Cairn Basin, at mile 17.7 is another somewhat difficult stream crossing, the other branch of [[Ladd Creek Crossing on Timberline Trail|Ladd Creek]]. It's too silty to drink.<br /> <br /> At mile 18.5 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Vista Ridge Trail Junction|Vista Ridge Trail]] #626. This is the return from the loop through Eden Park. It's 2.7 miles from here to the [[Vista Ridge Trailhead]]. <br /> <br /> At mile 18.6 is [[Wy'East Basin]], a scenic alpine meadow. There aren't any good places to camp here but there is a stream for filtering water. Here is where you will find the [[Timberline-Barrett Spur Trail Junction|an unmarked trail]] going up to [[Barrett Spur]].<br /> <br /> At mile 18.9 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Pinnacle Ridge Trail Junction|Pinnacle Ridge Trail]] #630. It's 3.4 miles from here to the [[Pinnacle Ridge Trailhead]].<br /> <br /> At mile 19.2, 5800 feet elevation is an [[Timberline-Dollar Lake Trail Junction|unmarked side trail]] going to the right (up) to [[Dollar Lake]]. It's easy to miss this trail as it is hidden in a thicket of young mountain hemlocks. Dollar Lake is 0.3 miles from the Timberline Trail. There are three established campsites there but they are popular and may be full on summer weekends. From here, there's a one mile side trip up to [[Barrett Spur]]. You can get drinking water from Dollar Lake, but people and animals swim there and there's no inflow or outflow. If you keep going up towards Barrett Spur there are some campsites and a drinking water stream.<br /> <br /> At mile 19.9 cross a creek and reach [[Elk Cove]] and the junction with the Elk Cove Trail #631. There is a nice meadow here with great views towards Barrett Spur and Mount Hood. There are about six campsites along the Elk Cove Trail within 0.5 miles of the Timberline Trail. Elk Cove can get very crowded on weekends.<br /> <br /> At mile 20.7 is the difficult crossing of the [[Coe Branch Crossing on Timberline Trail|Coe Branch]]. Look for a spot to cross upstream of where the trail reaches the shore. Elevation here is about 5100 feet.<br /> <br /> At about mile 21.6 you cross a fork of Compass Creek, good for drinking water. At about mile 21.8 are a couple campsites and some other flat areas you could camp. This area got burned over by the Dollar Lake fire. The nicest spot is about 200 feet west of the trail, and just out of the burn area, a very faint side trail to it. At about mile 22.1 is another campsite. At mile 22.3 is another fork of Compass Creek for drinking water.<br /> <br /> At mile 23.8 is the beginning of the new trail that crosses Eliot, at 6000 feet elevation. This is a really nice trail—dirt/gravel, lots of switchbacks. Nothing like the old unofficial trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.5 is the [[Eliot Branch Crossing]]. This is like other stream crossings around [[Mount Hood]] — sometimes easy, sometimes very difficult, it depends on the amount of rain recently and the amount of snow melt. September 2016 it wasn't nearly as bad as the more difficult crossings like Newton, White River, Coe, and Sandy. A little further is the low point at 5400 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> At mile 25.1 the new trail ends back up at the old trail at 5900 feet elevation. <br /> <br /> At mile 25.2 the trail reaches the [[Cloud Cap Trailhead]] at 5,800', a busy spot on weekends. There is a toilet here. There's a trail from here to the Tilly Jane trailhead and campground about 0.6 miles from there. <br /> <br /> At mile 26.2 is a trail junction. To the left is Tilly Jane Trail #600A; to the right is Cooper Spur Trail #600B. Just 0.1 to the right is the historic [[Cooper Spur Shelter]].<br /> <br /> Continue along the Timberline Trail to mile 27.6 to the [[Timberline High Point]]. This is the highest point (7350') along the enter Timberline Trail. There are a couple of streams before the high point until late August, and there's another drinking water stream just after the high point. In September, this stream may only flow in the late afternoon and you may have to dam it up to form a pool and wait for the silt to settle before you can get water. There are a couple ridges that go east from the trail with some flat areas for a tent, but this is extremely exposed and not good in bad weather.<br /> <br /> In another 0.2 miles, there's a high area above the trail, which is the highest point of [[Gnarl Ridge]], where you can find a flat area for a few tents. This is a little more sheltered than the Timberline High Point. There are a couple streams.<br /> <br /> At about mile 28.2 there's a spring a ways to the east of the trail that may be dry.<br /> <br /> The Timberline Trail descends along Gnarl Ridge with excellent views. At about mile 29.0, the trail leaves the top of the ridge near the remains of the Gnarl Ridge Shelter. On the opposite side of the trail are some flat areas with a lot of room for tents. <br /> <br /> At mile 30.3 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Gnarl Ridge Trail Junction|Gnarl Ridge Trail]] #652 which is 3 miles down to the [[Hood River Meadows Trailhead]].<br /> <br /> At mile 31.1 is the difficult crossing of [[Newton Creek Crossing on Timberline Trail|Newton Creek]]). It's a little hard finding where the trail exits the canyon on the West side. It's pretty much opposite the East side—you don't have to go a long ways upstream or downstream. Look around for a rope or flagging. Just after the crossing are several nice campsites a little off the trail. There's also a small drinking water stream. <br /> <br /> We're down to 5400 feet elevation here, and stay at about that elevation across the Mount Hood Meadows area.<br /> <br /> At mile 31.4 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Newton Creek Trail Junction|Newton Creek Trail]] #646 (3 miles down to the [[Hood River Meadows Trailhead]]). Walk a short distance down here for some excellent views south.<br /> <br /> At mile 32.6 is a somewhat difficult crossing of the [[Clark Creek Crossing|Clark Creek]]. At mile 33.4 is a nice waterfall at Heather Canyon and a somewhat difficult stream crossing.<br /> <br /> Over the next 2.5 miles are a number of beauteous streams and little water falls and several campsites. This is all in the Mount Hood Meadows Ski Area, so you see occasional signs of man, but it's a novelty compared to the wilderness so maybe its okay. You normally see ski areas when they're covered with snow. At least there aren't zillions of people.<br /> <br /> At mile 34.7 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Umbrella Falls Trail Junction|Umbrella Falls Trail]] #667. Just before this is a gravel road, the only one you'll see on the entire Timberline Trail. Just before this is [[Mitchel Creek Crossing|Mitchel Creek]], the last time you'll find drinking water for a while. After the trail leaves the meadow and enters forest, at the next switchback in about 0.1 mile, there's a spot above the trail that's flat enough to sleep. Neither of these are that great.<br /> <br /> Then you go steeply down to the most difficult crossing of the [[White River Crossing]] at mile 36.2, 4900 feet elevation. The White River is too silty to drink out of, but the Eastern fork is clear, and if you go up it (north) about 1/4 mile, there are some nice campsites with fire rings. The trail on the West side is about 0.2 miles upstream from the trail on the East side. Between is a route flagged and/or marked with cairns. The exact route varies from year to year.<br /> <br /> At mile 37.0 is the [[Pacific Crest-Timberline South Trail Junction|junction with the PCT]] which comes up on the left from [[Barlow Pass]], 4 miles away. Stay right on the Timberline Trail/PCT.<br /> <br /> There's a tricky spot at about mile 38, 1/2 mile from the end. The trail leaves a ridge and traverses over to Timberline Lodge. If it's not foggy, you can easily see the lodge, but if you can't see the lodge, it's easy to continue up and miss the trail which is a little indistinct. If you're above 6000 feet you're off the trail. Also, the trees really thin out above 6000 feet. Someone did this and didn't survive.<br /> <br /> At mile 38.3 is the end of your trip, back at the Timberline Lodge parking area.<br /> <br /> === Alternate Trips ===<br /> The most common trip is 4 days/3 nights clockwise from Timberline Lodge. Given the trailheads and campsites listed below you can cobble together your own trip.<br /> <br /> Several trailheads that aren't too far off the Timberline Trail:<br /> * [[Timberline Lodge Trailhead]]—about 1/4 mile off the Timberline Trail, the access road is two lane paved, the only place on the Timberline Trail with a restauraunt and other facilities<br /> * [[Cloud Cap Trailhead]]—mile 25.2, about 1/2 mile off the Timberline Trail, the access road is about 9 miles of gravel a bit rough at some places<br /> * [[Top Spur Trailhead]]—mile 13.7, about 1/2 mile off the Timberline Trail, the access road is about 3 miles of single lane paved and 1.6 miles of fairly good gravel <br /> * [[Ramona Falls Trailhead]]—mile 11.0, about 1.4 miles off the PCT, the access road is about a mile of single lane paved potholed, the parking area has a reputation for vandalism<br /> <br /> Presuming you do the hike in several days, choosing nice places to camp can make the hike better. These tend to be more exposed—another school of thought says you should camp at sheltered places and experience the exposed scenic areas while you're hiking. A number of campsites:<br /> * Paradise Park—mile 5, alpine meadow with great views, at least a dozen campsites spread along about a mile, year-round drinking water<br /> * Ramona Falls area—mile 10, forested area, Ramona Falls is a scenic destination, at least a dozen campsites in the mile south of the falls including the area next to Lost Creek, drinking water from Lost Creek or Ramona Creek<br /> * Cairn Basin area—mile 17.5, alpine meadow with some forested places, at least a dozen campsites at Cairn Basin and within one mile west, drinking water from McGee Creek one mile south, a creek just south, and the creek at Wy'East Basin<br /> * Elk Cove—mile 19.9, alpine meadow, about six campsites within 1/2 mile of Timberline Trail along the Elk Cove Trail in forested area, drinking water stream just west of the Elk Cove Trail junction<br /> * mile 22.2, two campsites between Coe Creek and Compass Creek in forest right next to trail, drinking water from a tributary of Coe Creek at 5700' about 1/2 mile east of main Coe Creek or from the several branches of Compass Creek<br /> * [[Cloud Cap Trailhead]]—mile 25.2, in a forested area, right next to the road, picnic tables, all the sites are taken on the weekend but you could find a place to put your tent, it costs $10, there's a drinking water spigot<br /> * [[Cooper Spur Shelter]]—mile 26.4, alpine area with great views, not too many plants, there are some flat areas for tents near the shelter, drinking water from Cloud Cap Trailhead, the Tilly Jane Creek about 1/2 mile below the shelter, or the streams at the Timberline high point<br /> * [[Timberline High Point]]—mile 27.6, extremely exposed alpine area not good in bad weather, there are two ridges that go east from the high point with flat spots for tents, and another spot about 1/2 mile south maybe 0.1 mile off the trail at the highest point of Gnarl Ridge, drinking water early in the season from a stream just north of the high point, a stream just south of the high point is probably good all year but maybe only in the late afternoon<br /> * Gnarl Ridge Shelter—mile 29.0, spots for a dozen tents on the other side of the trail, you can go a ways off the trail for privacy, closest drinking water is at the high point or Newton Creek Crossing<br /> * above Mount Hood Meadows—mile 31 to 34, alpine meadow area with some forested areas, there are about a dozen campsites over a 3.5 mile stretch between the Newton Creek Crossing and the Umbrella Falls Trail Junction, get drinking water from a small stream just west of Newton Creek, Mitchel Creek just east of the Umbrella Falls Trail junction, or several streams in between <br /> <br /> If you start at a place other than Timberline Lodge, then part way through the hike, you can stop for a bite of real food and/or a drink. <br /> <br /> Several possible hikes:<br /> * Start at Timberline Lodge. Go clockwise. Camp at the Ramona Falls area, Cairn Basin area, and at Gnarl Ridge (bringing water from Cloud Cap Trailhead).<br /> * Start at Cloud Cap Trailhead. Go counter clockwise. Get water at McGee Creek and camp at the viewpoint below McNeil Point. Camp the next nights at Paradise Park and just past the Umbrella Falls Trail junction.<br /> * Start at Ramona Falls Trailhead. Go clockwise. Camp at the far end of Cairn Basin, Newton Creek (12 mile day), and Paradise Park (13 mile day).<br /> * Start at Top Spur Trailhead. Go clockwise. Camp at Cloud Cap Trailhead, just past Umbrella Falls Trail, and Paradise Park.<br /> * 5 day hike to prolong the enjoyment. Start at Cloud Cap. Take the McNeil Point Trail and camp somewhere along it. If you're not too tired take a side trip up from here. Camp near Ramona Falls, then Paradise Park. Take a short side trip above Paradise Park. Camp the last night after the Umbrella Falls Trail junction.<br /> <br /> === Maps ===<br /> {{Hikemaps|latitude=45.3734|longitude=-121.6958}}<br /> * [https://www.oregongeology.org/pubs/ll/LL-MountHoodRecMap.pdf Oregon Department of Geology &amp; Mineral Industries: ''Mount Hood Geologic Guide &amp; Recreation Map'' (14MB PDF)]<br /> * Green Trails Maps: ''Mt. Hood, OR #462''<br /> * Green Trails Maps: ''Mount Hood Climbing Timberline Trail #462S''<br /> * Adventure Maps: ''Mt. Hood Area''<br /> * Geo-Graphics: ''Mount Hood Wilderness Map''<br /> * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Mt. Hood National Forest''<br /> * Discover Your Northwest: ''Mt. Hood National Forest North: Trail Map &amp; Hiking Guide''<br /> * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Hood River Ranger District''<br /> * National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: ''Mount Hood Wilderness''<br /> * National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: ''Mount Hood''<br /> * Adventure Maps: ''Hood River, Oregon, Trail Map''<br /> <br /> === Fees and Regulations ===<br /> * Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) required at some trailheads that access the Timberline Trail. Pass NOT required at the [[Timberline Lodge Trailhead]].<br /> * Camp in designated campsites out of meadows.<br /> * Self-issued wilderness permit<br /> <br /> {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29556 Timberline Trail section hiking: Topspur-Bald Mountain-Cairn Basin-Wyeast Basin-Elk Cove and back 8/4/20]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29221 Timberline Loop (Clockwise). August 27-31, 2020]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29217 Timberline Loop (CCW) 08/28/2020]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29215 Timberline Trail August 2020]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29182 The Timberline Loop Contrarian]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29119 Timberline Trail July 23-26 2020]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29083 Timberline Trail Loop in a day - July 17, 2020]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29058 Annual Trek on the Timberline Trail]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29021 Timberline Trail section hiking: Elk Meadows-Gnarl Ridge-Newton Creek-Timberline Lodge 8/3/19]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29007 Timberline Trail 25-27]<br /> <br /> {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> <br /> === Guidebooks that cover this hike ===<br /> * ''100 Classic Hikes in Oregon'' by Douglas Lorain<br /> * ''Backpacking Oregon'' by Douglas Lorain<br /> * ''Day Hiking Mount Hood: A Year-Round Guide'' by Eli Boschetto<br /> * ''Hiking Oregon's Mount Hood &amp; Badger Creek Wilderness'' by Fred Barstad<br /> * ''Trips &amp; Trails: Oregon'' by William L. Sullivan<br /> * ''Around &amp; About Mount Hood'' by Sonia Buist with Emily Keller<br /> * ''Around Mt. Hood in Easy Stages'' by Sonia Buist &amp; Emily Keller<br /> * ''105 Virtual Hikes of the Mt. Hood National Forest'' by Northwest Hiker<br /> * ''70 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades'' by Don &amp; Roberta Lowe <br /> * ''62 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades'' by Don &amp; Roberta Lowe<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recarea/?recid=53506 Timberline National Historic Trail #600 (USFS)]<br /> * [https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/timberline-trail-loop-backpacking-guide Timberline Trail Backpacking Guide (Clever Hiker)]<br /> * [https://www.halfwayanywhere.com/trails/timberline-trail/timberline-trail-hiking-guide/ Guide to Hiking the Timberline Trail (Halfway Anywhere)]<br /> * [https://www.summitpost.org/page/168166 Timberline Trail (Circumnavigation) (Summit Post)]<br /> * [https://backpackers-review.com/trip-reports/timberline-trail-mount-hood-wilderness/ Timberline Trail - Mount Hood Wilderness, OR (Backpackers Review)]<br /> * [https://www.jauntyeverywhere.com/timberline-trail-plan-backpack/ Timberline Trail, Mt. Hood (Jaunty Everywhere)]<br /> * [https://thetrek.co/how-to-hike-the-timberline-trail/ How to Hike the Timberline Trail (The Trek)]<br /> * [https://www.backpacker.com/trips/hike-the-timberline-trail Hike the New, Improved Timberline Trail (Backpacker)]<br /> * [http://nwhiker.com/MHNFHike32.html Timberline Trail Hike (Northwest Hiker)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/timberline-trail Timberline Trail (Outdoor Project)]<br /> * [https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7025318/timberline-trail-600 Timberline Trail #600 (Hiking Project)]<br /> * [https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/timberline-trail-around-mount-hood Timberline Trail Around Mount Hood (All Trails)]<br /> * [https://wyeastblog.org/2010/11/24/building-the-timberline-trail/ Building the Timberline Trail (WyEast Blog)]<br /> <br /> <br /> === Page Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:Retiredjerry]]<br /> * [[User:Splintercat|Splintercat (Tom Kloster)]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Timberline_Trail_around_Mount_Hood_Hike Timberline Trail around Mount Hood Hike 2021-06-10T14:06:34Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Northwest Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Mt Hood National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Mount Hood Area]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Alpine Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Exposed Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Glacier Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Loop Hikes]] <br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Waterfall Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:ParadiseParkZigzagCanyon.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood and the massive Zigzag Canyon from the [[Zigzag Overlook]] ''(Tom Kloster)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:Zigzag Canyon Falls, Timberline Trail.jpg|thumb|250px|Waterfall in Zigzag Canyon, Timberline Trail ''(bobcat)'']]<br /> [[Image:Ramonafalls.JPG|thumb|250px|Ramona Falls with bridge at base of falls ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:The Citadel from the Muddy Fork, Timberline Trail.jpg|thumb|250px|Rocky ramparts above the Muddy Fork, Timberline Trail ''(bobcat)'']]<br /> [[Image:Harsh paintbrush (Castilleja hispida), Bald Mountain, Timberline Trail.jpg|thumb|250px|Harsh paintbrush ''(Castilleja hispida)'', Bald Mountain, Timberline Trail ''(bobcat)'']]<br /> [[Image:Lower pond, McNeil Ponds.jpg|thumb|250px|One of the &quot;McNeil Ponds&quot; on the Timberline Trail ''(bobcat)'']]<br /> [[Image:CairnBasinShelter2.JPG|thumb|250px|Cairn Basin Shelter ''(Jeff Black)'']]<br /> [[Image:ElkCoveView.jpg|thumb|250px|Mount Hood from Elk Cove in early August ''(Tom Kloster)'']]<br /> [[Image:mthoodtimbhighnorth.JPG|thumb|250px|North of Timberline Trail high point, the trail goes over a vast lava field marked by large rock cairns with posts ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:ClarkCanyonHood.jpg|thumb|250px|Clark Creek Canyon from the Timberline Trail ''(Tom Kloster)'']]<br /> [[Image:Towhead babies, Mt. Hood Meadows, Timberline Trail.jpg|thumb|250px|Towhead babies, Mt. Hood Meadows, Timberline Trail ''(bobcat)'']]<br /> [[Image:PCTTimberline1.jpg|thumb|250px|The Pacific Crest Trail leaves the Timberline Trail to head south from this point on Boy Scout Ridge ''(bobcat)'']]<br /> [[Image:WhiteRiverCanyon4.jpg|thumb|250px|High meadow near the White River Viewpoint ''(bobcat)'']]<br /> [[Image:mthoodmap2017a.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:mthoodmap2017b.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:mthoodmap2017c.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:mthoodmap2017d.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Timberline Lodge Trailhead}}<br /> * Ending Point: [[Timberline Lodge Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail Log: [[Timberline Trail around Mount Hood Hike/Log|Trail Log]]<br /> * Hike Type: Loop<br /> {{Distance|38.3 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|9000 feet}}<br /> * High Point: 7350 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Summer and early Fall<br /> * Family Friendly: No<br /> * Backpackable: Yes <br /> * Crowded: crowded at some places<br /> <br /> &lt;b&gt;&lt;font color=red&gt;As of June 2021 the Timberline Trail between Yocum Ridge and the Muddy Fork is closed because of damage from 2020 wind storm. SAR has had to rescue people. Use the PCT to do the lower crossing of the Muddy Fork instead. <br /> <br /> &lt;b&gt;&lt;font color=red&gt;TAKE CARE OUT THERE: Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, this trail is experiencing extremely heavy use. Be prepared to wear a mask during the many portions of this hike where physical distancing is not an option. <br /> <br /> &lt;br&gt;DO YOUR PART: Services are extremely limited at this time, so please bring a trash bag with you so you can pack out what you pack in, including any dog poop from your four-legged hiking buddy. &lt;/font color&gt;&lt;/b&gt;<br /> <br /> === Hike Description ===<br /> &lt;b&gt;The Labor Day 2020 windstorm knocked down hundreds of trees along parts of this trail. Check with the Forest Service before starting your trip.&lt;/b&gt;<br /> <br /> The hike around [[Mount Hood]] is one of the best hikes in the area. You get great views of Mount Hood, and of the surrounding territory including Cascade volcanoes such as [[Mount Saint Helens]], [[Mount Rainier]], [[Mount Adams]], [[Mount Jefferson]], and the [[Three Sisters]]. You can see the Coast Range to the west. You can see Portland and the Willamette River. You can see the Columbia River. You can see the desert to the east. <br /> <br /> It's really interesting to see how the plants and geology vary as you go as low as 3300' by [[Ramona Falls]] through deep forest to barren lava flows as high as 7300' on the east side of the mountain.<br /> <br /> Most people take 4 days and 3 nights, beginning and ending at [[Timberline Lodge Trailhead|Timberline Lodge]], and go clockwise. A number of other alternatives are mentioned below. The detailed description is the same regardless of how you do it. At a few places there are several choices of route which can make the hike a little shorter or longer.<br /> <br /> Compared to the &quot;Dilbert World&quot; we're used to, it's refreshing to get into the routine of getting up in the morning, eating, packing up, hiking several stretches with rest stops, finding a place to get water and camp, and repeating. Anyone that has the opportunity should do this hike at least once. You might like it so much that you want to try a longer trip such as the trail around the Three Sisters, the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier, or thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.<br /> <br /> === Description ===<br /> As usual, mileages can differ between sources. These mileages are from a GPS track. Sometimes a trail is re-routed which can change mileages. These will at least give you an approximate value. These were updated September 2016.<br /> <br /> Start at the top of the parking area to the East of Timberline Lodge at elevation 5900 feet. Go West, below/in front of Timberline Lodge. If you haven't been there, go check it out.<br /> <br /> Keep going West, at about the same elevation. You go just above a ski lift that comes from below, and cross the bottom of another ski lift that goes up. Eventually it becomes the Mountaineer Trail. Keep going West and a little up until it joins the Timberline Trail (400) which is also the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT 2000) at elevation 6000 feet and mile 0.8 from the start.<br /> <br /> If you don't find the Mountaineer Trail, just go West/up until you find the obvious PCT.<br /> <br /> Keep going West on the PCT.<br /> <br /> At 1.2 miles, the trail makes a brief descent into rocky [[Little Zigzag Canyon]], an easy, bridgeless crossing. For the next mile, the trail descends into forest, passing the [[Pacific Crest-Hidden Lake Trail Junction|Hidden Lake Trail]] (no. 779) on the left. There is a campsite (but no drinking water) below the trail just before this junction. There's another campsite (with no drinking water) below the trail in another 0.1 mile. <br /> <br /> At mile 1.5 is the junction with the Hidden Lake Trail. It's about 4 miles down to the trailhead.<br /> <br /> There's a small campsite below the trail at mile 1.8.<br /> <br /> There is a small stream at mile 2.0. It gets to be a trickle late in the season but I've not seen it dry up. <br /> <br /> The Timberline Trail then curves across a series of sloping meadows before suddenly reaching [[Zigzag Overlook]], the lip of gaping Zigzag Canyon at 2.3 miles, elevation 5500. The view includes the meadows of [[Paradise Park]], across the canyon, and rugged Mississippi Head, the mesa-like formation at the head of the canyon. <br /> <br /> From the Zigzag Overlook, the trail quickly descends a cool, forested slope to the bottom of [[Zigzag River Crossing]] at mile 3.4 and 4800 feet elevation. The stream is generally easy to cross without wet feet, but can occasionally present an obstacle during periods of heavy snow melt and rain. Be sure to look upstream for dramatic [[Zigzag Falls]], which often forms snow caves at its base.<br /> <br /> From the canyon floor, the trail climbs steadily, crossing a side stream, then reaching a junction with the [[Pacific Crest-Paradise Park Loop South Trail Junction|Paradise Park Loop Trail]] at 3.8 miles. Turn right here and continue climbing through switchbacks. You could stay on the PCT/Timberline Trail (through forest, only one signed junction go straight, several nice campsites next to Lost Creek) but going through Paradise Park only adds 400' elevation gain and no additional mileage and is well worth it.<br /> <br /> On the Paradise Loop Trail, at mile 4.8, 5700 feet elevation is the junction with the [[Paradise Park Loop-Paradise Park Trail Junction|Paradise Park Trail]] and the beginning of the sprawling alpine meadows of [[Paradise Park]]. It's 5.5 miles down to the [[Paradise Park Trailhead]] near highway 26.<br /> <br /> Continue on the Paradise Loop Trail. Cross [[South Fork Lost Creek Crossing|Lost Creek]] at the 5.0 mile mark. This is a reliable source of drinking water year-round. A little further are the remains of the Paradise Park shelter in a grove of ancient mountain hemlock. There are a couple campsites here, but better sites are ahead. Inexperienced people are tired from the hike and drop their packs right here, so these sites are often taken.<br /> <br /> The route continues to the right here, curving through exceptionally scenic meadows, punctuated by rocky bluffs and Mount Hood towering above. There are also excellent views of the rugged Zigzag Mountain arm of the Mount Hood Wilderness, to the west, and the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness, to the southwest.<br /> <br /> The trail reaches about 5800 feet elevation in Paradise Park.<br /> <br /> Next, the trail crosses another branch of [[North Fork Lost Creek Crossing|Lost Creek]]. This is another reliable drinking water stream. There are a number of nice campsites here. You can go straight up at the stream. You can go a little further and then down a trail to the site of an old lookout. You can keep going down to another more sheltered site. A little further on the Paradise Loop Trail is another trail going down to a campsite. A little further is a trail going up—in about 0.1 mile is a huge rock, maybe 20 feet high, with a campsite next to it (very exposed in bad weather). There are two plaques on the rock memorializing two former Forest Service employees. <br /> <br /> There are a couple more campsites just below the trail.<br /> <br /> The Paradise Loop Trail comes within a few hundred feet of Paradise Branch canyon, before turning downhill in a switchback. If you have the energy and interest, walk through low alpine scrub and meadows to the edge of the canyon for a sweeping view of Mount Hood, Reid Glacier and several waterfalls on the Paradise Branch. <br /> <br /> After taking in the view, return to the main trail, and begin a gradual decent back to the Timberline Trail/PCT, reaching a well-marked [[Pacific Crest-Paradise Park North Trail Junction|junction]] at 6.1 miles. Turn right (northwest). The trail takes a long stretch steeply down.<br /> <br /> If you had stayed on the PCT rather than the Paradise Loop trail, there's a nice campsite at Lost Creek at mile 5.0.<br /> <br /> At about mile 9.0 the trail gets close to Rushing Water Creek and several campsites off the trail a bit, next to the creek, which is good for drinking water. It's kind of cool here if you have hot weather.<br /> <br /> At mile 9.1 the trail crosses the [[Sandy River Crossing on Pacific Crest Trail|Sandy River]]. This is one of the more difficult stream crossings around Mount Hood. You have to cross on rocks/logs. There's no bridge. See [[Tips for Crossing Streams]].<br /> <br /> In the next mile, up to Ramona Falls, there are maybe a dozen campsites near the trail, explore any side trails you see. Get drinking water from Rushing Water Creek at the Sandy River crossing or at Ramona Falls. There's also a small stream below the trail at about mile 9.4 at a low point of the trail at about 3300 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> The trail now goes along the Sandy River stream bed. At mile 9.5 is the junction with the [[Pacific Crest-Timberline Middle Trail Junction|Ramona Falls Trail]]. <br /> <br /> There are three choices here, about the same distance and elevation gain:<br /> # Go left and along the Sandy River—this is the shortest route—this is the official PCT<br /> # Go right, then left at Ramona Falls along Ramona Creek—this adds 0.1 mile<br /> # Go right, then right at Ramona Falls—this adds 0.4 miles—I think this is more scenic.<br /> <br /> <br /> To do the #1 route, go left and go 1.5 miles to a junction. The Ramona Falls trailhead is left about two miles; we want to go right. In another 0.5 miles is another junction where the #2 route joins from the right. <br /> <br /> To do the #2 and #3 routes, go right 0.4 miles to Ramona Falls and another junction. Route #2 goes left 1.6 miles to the junction with route #1.<br /> <br /> Routes #1 and #2 cross the Muddy Fork on an improvised crossing, at elevation 2300 feet, then 2.2 miles uphill to a 5 way junction at 4300 feet elevation. To the left is the PCT north and the trail down to Top Spur trailhead 0.5 miles away. To the right is the trail around Bald Mountain. We want to go straight following the signs to Cairn Basin. It's 0.4 miles to where we connect up with route #3.<br /> <br /> This all sounds more complicated than it is. Route #1 is the PCT so just follow the PCT markers.<br /> <br /> We want to follow route #3. At the junction just after Ramona Falls go right. This is 3500 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> At mile 10.6 is the junction with the Yocum Ridge Trail which dead ends about 6 miles up the mountain. A great trip for another day.<br /> <br /> For the next 4 miles the trail is sometimes taken out by landslides, so you may have to detour the other way.<br /> <br /> At mile 12.6, elevation 4100 feet, is a nice campsite with a drinking water stream.<br /> <br /> Then, the trail crosses the Muddy Fork. There are several different branches to cross. These can sometimes be difficult.<br /> <br /> At mile 14.4, elevation 4350, is a cutoff trail that goes right up and over the ridge where it joins up with routes #1 and #2. We want to go right. A nice detour is to keep going straight around scenic Bald Mountain.<br /> <br /> At mile 14.5 is the junction with the [[Timberline-McGee Creek Trail Junction|McGee Creek Trail]] which comes in from the left (1.3 miles to the [[McGee Creek Trailhead]]). Stay straight. <br /> <br /> At about mile 15.6 are several viewpoints that look up to Mount Hood and down into the Sandy River Canyon. From the PCT junction to here is pretty crowded summer weekends. There is a place for a tent just above the trail in the brush next to the first viewpoint. There's another place for a tent right at the high point.<br /> <br /> At mile 16.3 is the unmarked junction with the [[Timberline-McNeil Point Scramble Trail Junction|McNeil Point Scramble Trail]]. You could take this loop for 1.1 miles until it rejoins the Timberline Trail. This &quot;scramble trail&quot; up to McNeil Point is very difficult and requires you use your hands a bit. (Beyond the McNeil Point shelter, there is a year-round drinking water stream and a number of nice campsites along the way.)<br /> <br /> At mile 16.6 are the &quot;McNeil Ponds&quot;; the Timberline Trail goes between the ponds, then to the right and uphill into the trees. (The boot path that goes alongside the upper pond, past the &quot;Do Not Camp in Meadows&quot; sign, leads to the upper reaches of the Mazama Trail.)<br /> <br /> At mile 16.8 is the signed junction with the [[Timberline-Mazama Trail Junction|Mazama Trail]] #625 (previously known as the Cathedral Ridge Trail) which comes up from the left. It's 3.1 miles to the [[Mazama Trailhead]].<br /> <br /> A little further is the old McNeil Point Trail, now closed for revegetation. There's a nice campsite. There's a drinking water stream that probably dries up in September.<br /> <br /> At mile 17.1 is the signed junction with the [[Timberline-McNeil Point Trail Junction|McNeil Point Trail]]. This officially maintained trail is a much easier side path to [[McNeil Point]]<br /> <br /> At mile 17.3 is a somewhat difficult stream crossing of Glisan Creek, a branch of Ladd Creek. This is the outflow of the Glisan Glacier above. This stream is too silty to drink out of, but there's another small stream that would be better, right next to the main stream.<br /> <br /> In the next several miles, up to Eliot Creek, are several areas burned by the Dollar Lake fire of 2011. There were fingers of fire that burned up to and across the trail. The trail is totally passable. A few trail signs got burned up but they have mostly been replaced by temporary signs. A few campsites have been burned, mainly in Cairn Basin, but there are unburned campsites nearby. Maybe the biggest risk is that trees have been burned, killed, and weakened, so they might fall over on you. But, this is becoming less of a risk because there have been a couple winters to blow over the weakest ones.<br /> <br /> At mile 17.4 is the junction with the [[Cairn Basin|Eden Park Trail]] which goes left. You could take this trail, and loop around to the Vista Ridge Trail and then back up to the Timberline Trail taking an extra 0.5 miles, and losing and then regaining 300' of elevation. [[Eden Park]] is a very scenic meadow area.<br /> <br /> Right after the Eden Park Trail junction is [[Cairn Basin]] (5,600') which stretches for about 0.2 miles along the Timberline Trail. One of the historic CCC shelters can be found here. There are about six campsites all along here on both sides. If they're all full, try taking the trail up past the shelter and you can find a few more campsites.<br /> <br /> At the far end of Cairn Basin, at mile 17.7 is another somewhat difficult stream crossing, the other branch of [[Ladd Creek Crossing on Timberline Trail|Ladd Creek]]. It's too silty to drink.<br /> <br /> At mile 18.5 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Vista Ridge Trail Junction|Vista Ridge Trail]] #626. This is the return from the loop through Eden Park. It's 2.7 miles from here to the [[Vista Ridge Trailhead]]. <br /> <br /> At mile 18.6 is [[Wy'East Basin]], a scenic alpine meadow. There aren't any good places to camp here but there is a stream for filtering water. Here is where you will find the [[Timberline-Barrett Spur Trail Junction|an unmarked trail]] going up to [[Barrett Spur]].<br /> <br /> At mile 18.9 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Pinnacle Ridge Trail Junction|Pinnacle Ridge Trail]] #630. It's 3.4 miles from here to the [[Pinnacle Ridge Trailhead]].<br /> <br /> At mile 19.2, 5800 feet elevation is an [[Timberline-Dollar Lake Trail Junction|unmarked side trail]] going to the right (up) to [[Dollar Lake]]. It's easy to miss this trail as it is hidden in a thicket of young mountain hemlocks. Dollar Lake is 0.3 miles from the Timberline Trail. There are three established campsites there but they are popular and may be full on summer weekends. From here, there's a one mile side trip up to [[Barrett Spur]]. You can get drinking water from Dollar Lake, but people and animals swim there and there's no inflow or outflow. If you keep going up towards Barrett Spur there are some campsites and a drinking water stream.<br /> <br /> At mile 19.9 cross a creek and reach [[Elk Cove]] and the junction with the Elk Cove Trail #631. There is a nice meadow here with great views towards Barrett Spur and Mount Hood. There are about six campsites along the Elk Cove Trail within 0.5 miles of the Timberline Trail. Elk Cove can get very crowded on weekends.<br /> <br /> At mile 20.7 is the difficult crossing of the [[Coe Branch Crossing on Timberline Trail|Coe Branch]]. Look for a spot to cross upstream of where the trail reaches the shore. Elevation here is about 5100 feet.<br /> <br /> At about mile 21.6 you cross a fork of Compass Creek, good for drinking water. At about mile 21.8 are a couple campsites and some other flat areas you could camp. This area got burned over by the Dollar Lake fire. The nicest spot is about 200 feet west of the trail, and just out of the burn area, a very faint side trail to it. At about mile 22.1 is another campsite. At mile 22.3 is another fork of Compass Creek for drinking water.<br /> <br /> At mile 23.8 is the beginning of the new trail that crosses Eliot, at 6000 feet elevation. This is a really nice trail—dirt/gravel, lots of switchbacks. Nothing like the old unofficial trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.5 is the [[Eliot Branch Crossing]]. This is like other stream crossings around [[Mount Hood]] — sometimes easy, sometimes very difficult, it depends on the amount of rain recently and the amount of snow melt. September 2016 it wasn't nearly as bad as the more difficult crossings like Newton, White River, Coe, and Sandy. A little further is the low point at 5400 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> At mile 25.1 the new trail ends back up at the old trail at 5900 feet elevation. <br /> <br /> At mile 25.2 the trail reaches the [[Cloud Cap Trailhead]] at 5,800', a busy spot on weekends. There is a toilet here. There's a trail from here to the Tilly Jane trailhead and campground about 0.6 miles from there. <br /> <br /> At mile 26.2 is a trail junction. To the left is Tilly Jane Trail #600A; to the right is Cooper Spur Trail #600B. Just 0.1 to the right is the historic [[Cooper Spur Shelter]].<br /> <br /> Continue along the Timberline Trail to mile 27.6 to the [[Timberline High Point]]. This is the highest point (7350') along the enter Timberline Trail. There are a couple of streams before the high point until late August, and there's another drinking water stream just after the high point. In September, this stream may only flow in the late afternoon and you may have to dam it up to form a pool and wait for the silt to settle before you can get water. There are a couple ridges that go east from the trail with some flat areas for a tent, but this is extremely exposed and not good in bad weather.<br /> <br /> In another 0.2 miles, there's a high area above the trail, which is the highest point of [[Gnarl Ridge]], where you can find a flat area for a few tents. This is a little more sheltered than the Timberline High Point. There are a couple streams.<br /> <br /> At about mile 28.2 there's a spring a ways to the east of the trail that may be dry.<br /> <br /> The Timberline Trail descends along Gnarl Ridge with excellent views. At about mile 29.0, the trail leaves the top of the ridge near the remains of the Gnarl Ridge Shelter. On the opposite side of the trail are some flat areas with a lot of room for tents. <br /> <br /> At mile 30.3 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Gnarl Ridge Trail Junction|Gnarl Ridge Trail]] #652 which is 3 miles down to the [[Hood River Meadows Trailhead]].<br /> <br /> At mile 31.1 is the difficult crossing of [[Newton Creek Crossing on Timberline Trail|Newton Creek]]). It's a little hard finding where the trail exits the canyon on the West side. It's pretty much opposite the East side—you don't have to go a long ways upstream or downstream. Look around for a rope or flagging. Just after the crossing are several nice campsites a little off the trail. There's also a small drinking water stream. <br /> <br /> We're down to 5400 feet elevation here, and stay at about that elevation across the Mount Hood Meadows area.<br /> <br /> At mile 31.4 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Newton Creek Trail Junction|Newton Creek Trail]] #646 (3 miles down to the [[Hood River Meadows Trailhead]]). Walk a short distance down here for some excellent views south.<br /> <br /> At mile 32.6 is a somewhat difficult crossing of the [[Clark Creek Crossing|Clark Creek]]. At mile 33.4 is a nice waterfall at Heather Canyon and a somewhat difficult stream crossing.<br /> <br /> Over the next 2.5 miles are a number of beauteous streams and little water falls and several campsites. This is all in the Mount Hood Meadows Ski Area, so you see occasional signs of man, but it's a novelty compared to the wilderness so maybe its okay. You normally see ski areas when they're covered with snow. At least there aren't zillions of people.<br /> <br /> At mile 34.7 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Umbrella Falls Trail Junction|Umbrella Falls Trail]] #667. Just before this is a gravel road, the only one you'll see on the entire Timberline Trail. Just before this is [[Mitchel Creek Crossing|Mitchel Creek]], the last time you'll find drinking water for a while. After the trail leaves the meadow and enters forest, at the next switchback in about 0.1 mile, there's a spot above the trail that's flat enough to sleep. Neither of these are that great.<br /> <br /> Then you go steeply down to the most difficult crossing of the [[White River Crossing]] at mile 36.2, 4900 feet elevation. The White River is too silty to drink out of, but the Eastern fork is clear, and if you go up it (north) about 1/4 mile, there are some nice campsites with fire rings. The trail on the West side is about 0.2 miles upstream from the trail on the East side. Between is a route flagged and/or marked with cairns. The exact route varies from year to year.<br /> <br /> At mile 37.0 is the [[Pacific Crest-Timberline South Trail Junction|junction with the PCT]] which comes up on the left from [[Barlow Pass]], 4 miles away. Stay right on the Timberline Trail/PCT.<br /> <br /> There's a tricky spot at about mile 38, 1/2 mile from the end. The trail leaves a ridge and traverses over to Timberline Lodge. If it's not foggy, you can easily see the lodge, but if you can't see the lodge, it's easy to continue up and miss the trail which is a little indistinct. If you're above 6000 feet you're off the trail. Also, the trees really thin out above 6000 feet. Someone did this and didn't survive.<br /> <br /> At mile 38.3 is the end of your trip, back at the Timberline Lodge parking area.<br /> <br /> === Alternate Trips ===<br /> The most common trip is 4 days/3 nights clockwise from Timberline Lodge. Given the trailheads and campsites listed below you can cobble together your own trip.<br /> <br /> Several trailheads that aren't too far off the Timberline Trail:<br /> * [[Timberline Lodge Trailhead]]—about 1/4 mile off the Timberline Trail, the access road is two lane paved, the only place on the Timberline Trail with a restauraunt and other facilities<br /> * [[Cloud Cap Trailhead]]—mile 25.2, about 1/2 mile off the Timberline Trail, the access road is about 9 miles of gravel a bit rough at some places<br /> * [[Top Spur Trailhead]]—mile 13.7, about 1/2 mile off the Timberline Trail, the access road is about 3 miles of single lane paved and 1.6 miles of fairly good gravel <br /> * [[Ramona Falls Trailhead]]—mile 11.0, about 1.4 miles off the PCT, the access road is about a mile of single lane paved potholed, the parking area has a reputation for vandalism<br /> <br /> Presuming you do the hike in several days, choosing nice places to camp can make the hike better. These tend to be more exposed—another school of thought says you should camp at sheltered places and experience the exposed scenic areas while you're hiking. A number of campsites:<br /> * Paradise Park—mile 5, alpine meadow with great views, at least a dozen campsites spread along about a mile, year-round drinking water<br /> * Ramona Falls area—mile 10, forested area, Ramona Falls is a scenic destination, at least a dozen campsites in the mile south of the falls including the area next to Lost Creek, drinking water from Lost Creek or Ramona Creek<br /> * Cairn Basin area—mile 17.5, alpine meadow with some forested places, at least a dozen campsites at Cairn Basin and within one mile west, drinking water from McGee Creek one mile south, a creek just south, and the creek at Wy'East Basin<br /> * Elk Cove—mile 19.9, alpine meadow, about six campsites within 1/2 mile of Timberline Trail along the Elk Cove Trail in forested area, drinking water stream just west of the Elk Cove Trail junction<br /> * mile 22.2, two campsites between Coe Creek and Compass Creek in forest right next to trail, drinking water from a tributary of Coe Creek at 5700' about 1/2 mile east of main Coe Creek or from the several branches of Compass Creek<br /> * [[Cloud Cap Trailhead]]—mile 25.2, in a forested area, right next to the road, picnic tables, all the sites are taken on the weekend but you could find a place to put your tent, it costs $10, there's a drinking water spigot<br /> * [[Cooper Spur Shelter]]—mile 26.4, alpine area with great views, not too many plants, there are some flat areas for tents near the shelter, drinking water from Cloud Cap Trailhead, the Tilly Jane Creek about 1/2 mile below the shelter, or the streams at the Timberline high point<br /> * [[Timberline High Point]]—mile 27.6, extremely exposed alpine area not good in bad weather, there are two ridges that go east from the high point with flat spots for tents, and another spot about 1/2 mile south maybe 0.1 mile off the trail at the highest point of Gnarl Ridge, drinking water early in the season from a stream just north of the high point, a stream just south of the high point is probably good all year but maybe only in the late afternoon<br /> * Gnarl Ridge Shelter—mile 29.0, spots for a dozen tents on the other side of the trail, you can go a ways off the trail for privacy, closest drinking water is at the high point or Newton Creek Crossing<br /> * above Mount Hood Meadows—mile 31 to 34, alpine meadow area with some forested areas, there are about a dozen campsites over a 3.5 mile stretch between the Newton Creek Crossing and the Umbrella Falls Trail Junction, get drinking water from a small stream just west of Newton Creek, Mitchel Creek just east of the Umbrella Falls Trail junction, or several streams in between <br /> <br /> If you start at a place other than Timberline Lodge, then part way through the hike, you can stop for a bite of real food and/or a drink. <br /> <br /> Several possible hikes:<br /> * Start at Timberline Lodge. Go clockwise. Camp at the Ramona Falls area, Cairn Basin area, and at Gnarl Ridge (bringing water from Cloud Cap Trailhead).<br /> * Start at Cloud Cap Trailhead. Go counter clockwise. Get water at McGee Creek and camp at the viewpoint below McNeil Point. Camp the next nights at Paradise Park and just past the Umbrella Falls Trail junction.<br /> * Start at Ramona Falls Trailhead. Go clockwise. Camp at the far end of Cairn Basin, Newton Creek (12 mile day), and Paradise Park (13 mile day).<br /> * Start at Top Spur Trailhead. Go clockwise. Camp at Cloud Cap Trailhead, just past Umbrella Falls Trail, and Paradise Park.<br /> * 5 day hike to prolong the enjoyment. Start at Cloud Cap. Take the McNeil Point Trail and camp somewhere along it. If you're not too tired take a side trip up from here. Camp near Ramona Falls, then Paradise Park. Take a short side trip above Paradise Park. Camp the last night after the Umbrella Falls Trail junction.<br /> <br /> === Maps ===<br /> {{Hikemaps|latitude=45.3734|longitude=-121.6958}}<br /> * [https://www.oregongeology.org/pubs/ll/LL-MountHoodRecMap.pdf Oregon Department of Geology &amp; Mineral Industries: ''Mount Hood Geologic Guide &amp; Recreation Map'' (14MB PDF)]<br /> * Green Trails Maps: ''Mt. Hood, OR #462''<br /> * Green Trails Maps: ''Mount Hood Climbing Timberline Trail #462S''<br /> * Adventure Maps: ''Mt. Hood Area''<br /> * Geo-Graphics: ''Mount Hood Wilderness Map''<br /> * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Mt. Hood National Forest''<br /> * Discover Your Northwest: ''Mt. Hood National Forest North: Trail Map &amp; Hiking Guide''<br /> * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Hood River Ranger District''<br /> * National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: ''Mount Hood Wilderness''<br /> * National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: ''Mount Hood''<br /> * Adventure Maps: ''Hood River, Oregon, Trail Map''<br /> <br /> === Fees and Regulations ===<br /> * Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) required at some trailheads that access the Timberline Trail. Pass NOT required at the [[Timberline Lodge Trailhead]].<br /> * Camp in designated campsites out of meadows.<br /> * Self-issued wilderness permit<br /> <br /> {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29556 Timberline Trail section hiking: Topspur-Bald Mountain-Cairn Basin-Wyeast Basin-Elk Cove and back 8/4/20]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29221 Timberline Loop (Clockwise). August 27-31, 2020]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29217 Timberline Loop (CCW) 08/28/2020]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29215 Timberline Trail August 2020]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29182 The Timberline Loop Contrarian]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29119 Timberline Trail July 23-26 2020]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29083 Timberline Trail Loop in a day - July 17, 2020]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29058 Annual Trek on the Timberline Trail]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29021 Timberline Trail section hiking: Elk Meadows-Gnarl Ridge-Newton Creek-Timberline Lodge 8/3/19]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29007 Timberline Trail 25-27]<br /> <br /> {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> <br /> === Guidebooks that cover this hike ===<br /> * ''100 Classic Hikes in Oregon'' by Douglas Lorain<br /> * ''Backpacking Oregon'' by Douglas Lorain<br /> * ''Day Hiking Mount Hood: A Year-Round Guide'' by Eli Boschetto<br /> * ''Hiking Oregon's Mount Hood &amp; Badger Creek Wilderness'' by Fred Barstad<br /> * ''Trips &amp; Trails: Oregon'' by William L. Sullivan<br /> * ''Around &amp; About Mount Hood'' by Sonia Buist with Emily Keller<br /> * ''Around Mt. Hood in Easy Stages'' by Sonia Buist &amp; Emily Keller<br /> * ''105 Virtual Hikes of the Mt. Hood National Forest'' by Northwest Hiker<br /> * ''70 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades'' by Don &amp; Roberta Lowe <br /> * ''62 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades'' by Don &amp; Roberta Lowe<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recarea/?recid=53506 Timberline National Historic Trail #600 (USFS)]<br /> * [https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/timberline-trail-loop-backpacking-guide Timberline Trail Backpacking Guide (Clever Hiker)]<br /> * [https://www.halfwayanywhere.com/trails/timberline-trail/timberline-trail-hiking-guide/ Guide to Hiking the Timberline Trail (Halfway Anywhere)]<br /> * [https://www.summitpost.org/page/168166 Timberline Trail (Circumnavigation) (Summit Post)]<br /> * [https://backpackers-review.com/trip-reports/timberline-trail-mount-hood-wilderness/ Timberline Trail - Mount Hood Wilderness, OR (Backpackers Review)]<br /> * [https://www.jauntyeverywhere.com/timberline-trail-plan-backpack/ Timberline Trail, Mt. Hood (Jaunty Everywhere)]<br /> * [https://thetrek.co/how-to-hike-the-timberline-trail/ How to Hike the Timberline Trail (The Trek)]<br /> * [https://www.backpacker.com/trips/hike-the-timberline-trail Hike the New, Improved Timberline Trail (Backpacker)]<br /> * [http://nwhiker.com/MHNFHike32.html Timberline Trail Hike (Northwest Hiker)]<br /> * [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/oregon/timberline-trail Timberline Trail (Outdoor Project)]<br /> * [https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7025318/timberline-trail-600 Timberline Trail #600 (Hiking Project)]<br /> * [https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/timberline-trail-around-mount-hood Timberline Trail Around Mount Hood (All Trails)]<br /> * [https://wyeastblog.org/2010/11/24/building-the-timberline-trail/ Building the Timberline Trail (WyEast Blog)]<br /> <br /> <br /> === Page Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:Retiredjerry]]<br /> * [[User:Splintercat|Splintercat (Tom Kloster)]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Timberline_Trail_around_Mount_Hood_Hike Timberline Trail around Mount Hood Hike 2020-10-12T14:34:03Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Northwest Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Mt Hood National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Mount Hood Area]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Alpine Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Exposed Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Glacier Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Loop Hikes]] <br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Waterfall Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:ParadiseParkZigzagCanyon.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood and the massive Zigzag Canyon from the [[Zigzag Overlook]] ''(Tom Kloster)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:mthoodmap2017a.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:mthoodmap2017b.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:mthoodmap2017c.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:mthoodmap2017d.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Timberline Lodge Trailhead}}<br /> * Ending Point: [[Timberline Lodge Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail Log: [[Timberline Trail around Mount Hood Hike/Log|Trail Log]]<br /> * Hike Type: Loop<br /> {{Distance|38.3 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|9000 feet}}<br /> * High Point: 7350 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Summer and early Fall<br /> * Family Friendly: No<br /> * Backpackable: Yes <br /> * Crowded: crowded at some places<br /> <br /> <br /> &lt;b&gt;&lt;font color=red&gt;TAKE CARE OUT THERE: Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, this trail is experiencing extremely heavy use. Be prepared to wear a mask during the many portions of this hike where physical distancing is not an option. <br /> <br /> &lt;br&gt;DO YOUR PART: Services are extremely limited at this time, so please bring a trash bag with you so you can pack out what you pack in, including any dog poop from your four-legged hiking buddy. &lt;/font color&gt;&lt;/b&gt;<br /> <br /> === Hike Description ===<br /> &lt;b&gt;The Labor Day 2020 windstorm knocked down hundreds of trees along parts of this trail. Check with the Forest Service before starting your trip.&lt;/b&gt;<br /> <br /> The hike around [[Mount Hood]] is one of the best hikes in the area. You get great views of Mount Hood, and of the surrounding territory including Cascade volcanoes such as [[Mount Saint Helens]], [[Mount Rainier]], [[Mount Adams]], [[Mount Jefferson]], and the [[Three Sisters]]. You can see the Coast Range to the west. You can see Portland and the Willamette River. You can see the Columbia River. You can see the desert to the east. <br /> <br /> It's really interesting to see how the plants and geology vary as you go as low as 3300' by [[Ramona Falls]] through deep forest to barren lava flows as high as 7300' on the east side of the mountain.<br /> <br /> Most people take 4 days and 3 nights, beginning and ending at [[Timberline Lodge Trailhead|Timberline Lodge]], and go clockwise. A number of other alternatives are mentioned below. The detailed description is the same regardless of how you do it. At a few places there are several choices of route which can make the hike a little shorter or longer.<br /> <br /> Compared to the &quot;Dilbert World&quot; we're used to, it's refreshing to get into the routine of getting up in the morning, eating, packing up, hiking several stretches with rest stops, finding a place to get water and camp, and repeating. Anyone that has the opportunity should do this hike at least once. You might like it so much that you want to try a longer trip such as the trail around the Three Sisters, the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier, or thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.<br /> <br /> === Description ===<br /> As usual, mileages can differ between sources. These mileages are from a GPS track. Sometimes a trail is re-routed which can change mileages. These will at least give you an approximate value. These were updated September 2016.<br /> <br /> Start at the top of the parking area to the East of Timberline Lodge at elevation 5900 feet. Go West, below/in front of Timberline Lodge. If you haven't been there, go check it out.<br /> <br /> Keep going West, at about the same elevation. You go just above a ski lift that comes from below, and cross the bottom of another ski lift that goes up. Eventually it becomes the Mountaineer Trail. Keep going West and a little up until it joins the Timberline Trail (400) which is also the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT 2000) at elevation 6000 feet and mile 0.8 from the start.<br /> <br /> If you don't find the Mountaineer Trail, just go West/up until you find the obvious PCT.<br /> <br /> Keep going West on the PCT.<br /> <br /> At 1.2 miles, the trail makes a brief descent into rocky [[Little Zigzag Canyon]], an easy, bridgeless crossing. For the next mile, the trail descends into forest, passing the [[Pacific Crest-Hidden Lake Trail Junction|Hidden Lake Trail]] (no. 779) on the left. There is a campsite (but no drinking water) below the trail just before this junction. There's another campsite (with no drinking water) below the trail in another 0.1 mile. <br /> <br /> At mile 1.5 is the junction with the Hidden Lake Trail. It's about 4 miles down to the trailhead.<br /> <br /> There's a small campsite below the trail at mile 1.8.<br /> <br /> There is a small stream at mile 2.0. It gets to be a trickle late in the season but I've not seen it dry up. <br /> <br /> The Timberline Trail then curves across a series of sloping meadows before suddenly reaching [[Zigzag Overlook]], the lip of gaping Zigzag Canyon at 2.3 miles, elevation 5500. The view includes the meadows of [[Paradise Park]], across the canyon, and rugged Mississippi Head, the mesa-like formation at the head of the canyon. <br /> <br /> From the Zigzag Overlook, the trail quickly descends a cool, forested slope to the bottom of [[Zigzag River Crossing]] at mile 3.4 and 4800 feet elevation. The stream is generally easy to cross without wet feet, but can occasionally present an obstacle during periods of heavy snow melt and rain. Be sure to look upstream for dramatic [[Zigzag Falls]], which often forms snow caves at its base.<br /> <br /> From the canyon floor, the trail climbs steadily, crossing a side stream, then reaching a junction with the [[Pacific Crest-Paradise Park Loop South Trail Junction|Paradise Park Loop Trail]] at 3.8 miles. Turn right here and continue climbing through switchbacks. You could stay on the PCT/Timberline Trail (through forest, only one signed junction go straight, several nice campsites next to Lost Creek) but going through Paradise Park only adds 400' elevation gain and no additional mileage and is well worth it.<br /> <br /> On the Paradise Loop Trail, at mile 4.8, 5700 feet elevation is the junction with the [[Paradise Park Loop-Paradise Park Trail Junction|Paradise Park Trail]] and the beginning of the sprawling alpine meadows of [[Paradise Park]]. It's 5.5 miles down to the [[Paradise Park Trailhead]] near highway 26.<br /> <br /> Continue on the Paradise Loop Trail. Cross [[South Fork Lost Creek Crossing|Lost Creek]] at the 5.0 mile mark. This is a reliable source of drinking water year-round. A little further are the remains of the Paradise Park shelter in a grove of ancient mountain hemlock. There are a couple campsites here, but better sites are ahead. Inexperienced people are tired from the hike and drop their packs right here, so these sites are often taken.<br /> <br /> The route continues to the right here, curving through exceptionally scenic meadows, punctuated by rocky bluffs and Mount Hood towering above. There are also excellent views of the rugged Zigzag Mountain arm of the Mount Hood Wilderness, to the west, and the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness, to the southwest.<br /> <br /> The trail reaches about 5800 feet elevation in Paradise Park.<br /> <br /> Next, the trail crosses another branch of [[North Fork Lost Creek Crossing|Lost Creek]]. This is another reliable drinking water stream. There are a number of nice campsites here. You can go straight up at the stream. You can go a little further and then down a trail to the site of an old lookout. You can keep going down to another more sheltered site. A little further on the Paradise Loop Trail is another trail going down to a campsite. A little further is a trail going up—in about 0.1 mile is a huge rock, maybe 20 feet high, with a campsite next to it (very exposed in bad weather). There are two plaques on the rock memorializing two former Forest Service employees. <br /> <br /> There are a couple more campsites just below the trail.<br /> <br /> The Paradise Loop Trail comes within a few hundred feet of Paradise Branch canyon, before turning downhill in a switchback. If you have the energy and interest, walk through low alpine scrub and meadows to the edge of the canyon for a sweeping view of Mount Hood, Reid Glacier and several waterfalls on the Paradise Branch. <br /> <br /> After taking in the view, return to the main trail, and begin a gradual decent back to the Timberline Trail/PCT, reaching a well-marked [[Pacific Crest-Paradise Park North Trail Junction|junction]] at 6.1 miles. Turn right (northwest). The trail takes a long stretch steeply down.<br /> <br /> If you had stayed on the PCT rather than the Paradise Loop trail, there's a nice campsite at Lost Creek at mile 5.0.<br /> <br /> At about mile 9.0 the trail gets close to Rushing Water Creek and several campsites off the trail a bit, next to the creek, which is good for drinking water. It's kind of cool here if you have hot weather.<br /> <br /> At mile 9.1 the trail crosses the [[Sandy River Crossing on Pacific Crest Trail|Sandy River]]. This is one of the more difficult stream crossings around Mount Hood. You have to cross on rocks/logs. There's no bridge. See [[Tips for Crossing Streams]].<br /> <br /> In the next mile, up to Ramona Falls, there are maybe a dozen campsites near the trail, explore any side trails you see. Get drinking water from Rushing Water Creek at the Sandy River crossing or at Ramona Falls. There's also a small stream below the trail at about mile 9.4 at a low point of the trail at about 3300 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> The trail now goes along the Sandy River stream bed. At mile 9.5 is the junction with the [[Pacific Crest-Timberline Middle Trail Junction|Ramona Falls Trail]]. <br /> <br /> There are three choices here, about the same distance and elevation gain:<br /> # Go left and along the Sandy River—this is the shortest route—this is the official PCT<br /> # Go right, then left at Ramona Falls along Ramona Creek—this adds 0.1 mile<br /> # Go right, then right at Ramona Falls—this adds 0.4 miles—I think this is more scenic.<br /> <br /> <br /> To do the #1 route, go left and go 1.5 miles to a junction. The Ramona Falls trailhead is left 1.4 miles, we want to go right. In another 0.5 miles is another junction where the #2 route joins from the right. <br /> <br /> To do the #2 and #3 routes, go right 0.4 miles to Ramona Falls and another junction. Route #2 goes left 1.6 miles to the junction with route #1.<br /> <br /> Routes #1 and #2 cross the Muddy Fork on an improvised crossing, at elevation 2300 feet, then 2.2 miles uphill to a 5 way junction at 4300 feet elevation. To the left is the PCT north and the trail down to Top Spur trailhead 0.5 miles away. To the right is the trail around Bald Mountain. We want to go straight following the signs to Cairn Basin. It's 0.4 miles to where we connect up with route #3.<br /> <br /> This all sounds more complicated than it is. Route #1 is the PCT so just follow the PCT markers.<br /> <br /> We want to follow route #3. At the junction just after Ramona Falls go right. This is 3500 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> At mile 10.6 is the junction with the Yocum Ridge Trail which dead ends about 6 miles up the mountain. A great trip for another day.<br /> <br /> For the next 4 miles the trail is sometimes taken out by landslides, so you may have to detour the other way.<br /> <br /> At mile 12.6, elevation 4100 feet, is a nice campsite with a drinking water stream.<br /> <br /> Then, the trail crosses the Muddy Fork. There are several different branches to cross. These can sometimes be difficult.<br /> <br /> At mile 14.4, elevation 4350, is a cutoff trail that goes right up and over the ridge where it joins up with routes #1 and #2. We want to go right. A nice detour is to keep going straight around scenic Bald Mountain.<br /> <br /> At mile 14.5 is the junction with the [[Timberline-McGee Creek Trail Junction|McGee Creek Trail]] which comes in from the left (1.3 miles to the [[McGee Creek Trailhead]]). Stay straight. <br /> <br /> At about mile 15.6 are several viewpoints that look up to Mount Hood and down into the Sandy River Canyon. From the PCT junction to here is pretty crowded summer weekends. There is a place for a tent just above the trail in the brush next to the first viewpoint. There's another place for a tent right at the high point.<br /> <br /> At mile 16.3 is the unmarked junction with the [[Timberline-McNeil Point Scramble Trail Junction|McNeil Point Scramble Trail]]. You could take this loop for 1.1 miles until it rejoins the Timberline Trail. This &quot;scramble trail&quot; up to McNeil Point is very difficult and requires you use your hands a bit. (Beyond the McNeil Point shelter, there is a year-round drinking water stream and a number of nice campsites along the way.)<br /> <br /> At mile 16.6 are the &quot;McNeil Ponds&quot;; the Timberline Trail goes between the ponds, then to the right and uphill into the trees. (The boot path that goes alongside the upper pond, past the &quot;Do Not Camp in Meadows&quot; sign, leads to the upper reaches of the Mazama Trail.)<br /> <br /> At mile 16.8 is the signed junction with the [[Timberline-Mazama Trail Junction|Mazama Trail]] #625 (previously known as the Cathedral Ridge Trail) which comes up from the left. It's 3.1 miles to the [[Mazama Trailhead]].<br /> <br /> A little further is the old McNeil Point Trail, now closed for revegetation. There's a nice campsite. There's a drinking water stream that probably dries up in September.<br /> <br /> At mile 17.1 is the signed junction with the [[Timberline-McNeil Point Trail Junction|McNeil Point Trail]]. This officially maintained trail is a much easier side path to [[McNeil Point]]<br /> <br /> At mile 17.3 is a somewhat difficult stream crossing of Glisan Creek, a branch of Ladd Creek. This is the outflow of the Glisan Glacier above. This stream is too silty to drink out of, but there's another small stream that would be better, right next to the main stream.<br /> <br /> In the next several miles, up to Eliot Creek, are several areas burned by the Dollar Lake fire of 2011. There were fingers of fire that burned up to and across the trail. The trail is totally passable. A few trail signs got burned up but they have mostly been replaced by temporary signs. A few campsites have been burned, mainly in Cairn Basin, but there are unburned campsites nearby. Maybe the biggest risk is that trees have been burned, killed, and weakened, so they might fall over on you. But, this is becoming less of a risk because there have been a couple winters to blow over the weakest ones.<br /> <br /> At mile 17.4 is the junction with the [[Cairn Basin|Eden Park Trail]] which goes left. You could take this trail, and loop around to the Vista Ridge Trail and then back up to the Timberline Trail taking an extra 0.5 miles, and losing and then regaining 300' of elevation. [[Eden Park]] is a very scenic meadow area.<br /> <br /> Right after the Eden Park Trail junction is [[Cairn Basin]] (5,600') which stretches for about 0.2 miles along the Timberline Trail. One of the historic CCC shelters can be found here. There are about six campsites all along here on both sides. If they're all full, try taking the trail up past the shelter and you can find a few more campsites.<br /> <br /> At the far end of Cairn Basin, at mile 17.7 is another somewhat difficult stream crossing, the other branch of [[Ladd Creek Crossing on Timberline Trail|Ladd Creek]]. It's too silty to drink.<br /> <br /> At mile 18.5 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Vista Ridge Trail Junction|Vista Ridge Trail]] #626. This is the return from the loop through Eden Park. It's 2.7 miles from here to the [[Vista Ridge Trailhead]]. <br /> <br /> At mile 18.6 is [[Wy'East Basin]], a scenic alpine meadow. There aren't any good places to camp here but there is a stream for filtering water. Here is where you will find the [[Timberline-Barrett Spur Trail Junction|an unmarked trail]] going up to [[Barrett Spur]].<br /> <br /> At mile 18.9 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Pinnacle Ridge Trail Junction|Pinnacle Ridge Trail]] #630. It's 3.4 miles from here to the [[Pinnacle Ridge Trailhead]].<br /> <br /> At mile 19.2, 5800 feet elevation is an [[Timberline-Dollar Lake Trail Junction|unmarked side trail]] going to the right (up) to [[Dollar Lake]]. It's easy to miss this trail as it is hidden in a thicket of young mountain hemlocks. Dollar Lake is 0.3 miles from the Timberline Trail. There are three established campsites there but they are popular and may be full on summer weekends. From here, there's a one mile side trip up to [[Barrett Spur]]. You can get drinking water from Dollar Lake, but people and animals swim there and there's no inflow or outflow. If you keep going up towards Barrett Spur there are some campsites and a drinking water stream.<br /> <br /> At mile 19.9 cross a creek and reach [[Elk Cove]] and the junction with the Elk Cove Trail #631. There is a nice meadow here with great views towards Barrett Spur and Mount Hood. There are about six campsites along the Elk Cove Trail within 0.5 miles of the Timberline Trail. Elk Cove can get very crowded on weekends.<br /> <br /> At mile 20.7 is the difficult crossing of the [[Coe Branch Crossing on Timberline Trail|Coe Branch]]. Look for a spot to cross upstream of where the trail reaches the shore. Elevation here is about 5100 feet.<br /> <br /> At about mile 21.6 you cross a fork of Compass Creek, good for drinking water. At about mile 21.8 are a couple campsites and some other flat areas you could camp. This area got burned over by the Dollar Lake fire. The nicest spot is about 200 feet west of the trail, and just out of the burn area, a very faint side trail to it. At about mile 22.1 is another campsite. At mile 22.3 is another fork of Compass Creek for drinking water.<br /> <br /> At mile 23.8 is the beginning of the new trail that crosses Eliot, at 6000 feet elevation. This is a really nice trail—dirt/gravel, lots of switchbacks. Nothing like the old unofficial trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.5 is the [[Eliot Branch Crossing]]. This is like other stream crossings around [[Mount Hood]] — sometimes easy, sometimes very difficult, it depends on the amount of rain recently and the amount of snow melt. September 2016 it wasn't nearly as bad as the more difficult crossings like Newton, White River, Coe, and Sandy. A little further is the low point at 5400 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> At mile 25.1 the new trail ends back up at the old trail at 5900 feet elevation. <br /> <br /> At mile 25.2 the trail reaches the [[Cloud Cap Trailhead]] at 5,800', a busy spot on weekends. There is a toilet here. There's a trail from here to the Tilly Jane trailhead and campground about 0.6 miles from there. <br /> <br /> At mile 26.2 is a trail junction. To the left is Tilly Jane Trail #600A; to the right is Cooper Spur Trail #600B. Just 0.1 to the right is the historic [[Cooper Spur Shelter]].<br /> <br /> Continue along the Timberline Trail to mile 27.6 to the [[Timberline High Point]]. This is the highest point (7350') along the enter Timberline Trail. There are a couple of streams before the high point until late August, and there's another drinking water stream just after the high point. In September, this stream may only flow in the late afternoon and you may have to dam it up to form a pool and wait for the silt to settle before you can get water. There are a couple ridges that go east from the trail with some flat areas for a tent, but this is extremely exposed and not good in bad weather.<br /> <br /> In another 0.2 miles, there's a high area above the trail, which is the highest point of [[Gnarl Ridge]], where you can find a flat area for a few tents. This is a little more sheltered than the Timberline High Point. There are a couple streams.<br /> <br /> At about mile 28.2 there's a spring a ways to the east of the trail that may be dry.<br /> <br /> The Timberline Trail descends along Gnarl Ridge with excellent views. At about mile 29.0, the trail leaves the top of the ridge near the remains of the Gnarl Ridge Shelter. On the opposite side of the trail are some flat areas with a lot of room for tents. <br /> <br /> At mile 30.3 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Gnarl Ridge Trail Junction|Gnarl Ridge Trail]] #652 which is 3 miles down to the [[Hood River Meadows Trailhead]].<br /> <br /> At mile 31.1 is the difficult crossing of [[Newton Creek Crossing on Timberline Trail|Newton Creek]]). It's a little hard finding where the trail exits the canyon on the West side. It's pretty much opposite the East side—you don't have to go a long ways upstream or downstream. Look around for a rope or flagging. Just after the crossing are several nice campsites a little off the trail. There's also a small drinking water stream. <br /> <br /> We're down to 5400 feet elevation here, and stay at about that elevation across the Mount Hood Meadows area.<br /> <br /> At mile 31.4 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Newton Creek Trail Junction|Newton Creek Trail]] #646 (3 miles down to the [[Hood River Meadows Trailhead]]). Walk a short distance down here for some excellent views south.<br /> <br /> At mile 32.6 is a somewhat difficult crossing of the [[Clark Creek Crossing|Clark Creek]]. At mile 33.4 is a nice waterfall at Heather Canyon and a somewhat difficult stream crossing.<br /> <br /> Over the next 2.5 miles are a number of beauteous streams and little water falls and several campsites. This is all in the Mount Hood Meadows Ski Area, so you see occasional signs of man, but it's a novelty compared to the wilderness so maybe its okay. You normally see ski areas when they're covered with snow. At least there aren't zillions of people.<br /> <br /> At mile 34.7 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Umbrella Falls Trail Junction|Umbrella Falls Trail]] #667. Just before this is a gravel road, the only one you'll see on the entire Timberline Trail. Just before this is [[Mitchel Creek Crossing|Mitchel Creek]], the last time you'll find drinking water for a while. After the trail leaves the meadow and enters forest, at the next switchback in about 0.1 mile, there's a spot above the trail that's flat enough to sleep. Neither of these are that great.<br /> <br /> Then you go steeply down to the most difficult crossing of the [[White River Crossing]] at mile 36.2, 4900 feet elevation. The White River is too silty to drink out of, but the Eastern fork is clear, and if you go up it (north) about 1/4 mile, there are some nice campsites with fire rings. The trail on the West side is about 0.2 miles upstream from the trail on the East side. Between is a route flagged and/or marked with cairns. The exact route varies from year to year.<br /> <br /> At mile 37.0 is the [[Pacific Crest-Timberline South Trail Junction|junction with the PCT]] which comes up on the left from [[Barlow Pass]], 4 miles away. Stay right on the Timberline Trail/PCT.<br /> <br /> There's a tricky spot at about mile 38, 1/2 mile from the end. The trail leaves a ridge and traverses over to Timberline Lodge. If it's not foggy, you can easily see the lodge, but if you can't see the lodge, it's easy to continue up and miss the trail which is a little indistinct. If you're above 6000 feet you're off the trail. Also, the trees really thin out above 6000 feet. Someone did this and didn't survive.<br /> <br /> At mile 38.3 is the end of your trip, back at the Timberline Lodge parking area.<br /> <br /> === Alternate Trips ===<br /> The most common trip is 4 days/3 nights clockwise from Timberline Lodge. Given the trailheads and campsites listed below you can cobble together your own trip.<br /> <br /> Several trailheads that aren't too far off the Timberline Trail:<br /> * [[Timberline Lodge Trailhead]]—about 1/4 mile off the Timberline Trail, the access road is two lane paved, the only place on the Timberline Trail with a restauraunt and other facilities<br /> * [[Cloud Cap Trailhead]]—mile 25.2, about 1/2 mile off the Timberline Trail, the access road is about 9 miles of gravel a bit rough at some places<br /> * [[Top Spur Trailhead]]—mile 13.7, about 1/2 mile off the Timberline Trail, the access road is about 3 miles of single lane paved and 1.6 miles of fairly good gravel <br /> * [[Ramona Falls Trailhead]]—mile 11.0, about 1.4 miles off the PCT, the access road is about a mile of single lane paved potholed, the parking area has a reputation for vandalism<br /> <br /> Presuming you do the hike in several days, choosing nice places to camp can make the hike better. These tend to be more exposed—another school of thought says you should camp at sheltered places and experience the exposed scenic areas while you're hiking. A number of campsites:<br /> * Paradise Park—mile 5, alpine meadow with great views, at least a dozen campsites spread along about a mile, year-round drinking water<br /> * Ramona Falls area—mile 10, forested area, Ramona Falls is a scenic destination, at least a dozen campsites in the mile south of the falls including the area next to Lost Creek, drinking water from Lost Creek or Ramona Creek<br /> * Cairn Basin area—mile 17.5, alpine meadow with some forested places, at least a dozen campsites at Cairn Basin and within one mile west, drinking water from McGee Creek one mile south, a creek just south, and the creek at Wy'East Basin<br /> * Elk Cove—mile 19.9, alpine meadow, about six campsites within 1/2 mile of Timberline Trail along the Elk Cove Trail in forested area, drinking water stream just west of the Elk Cove Trail junction<br /> * mile 22.2, two campsites between Coe Creek and Compass Creek in forest right next to trail, drinking water from a tributary of Coe Creek at 5700' about 1/2 mile east of main Coe Creek or from the several branches of Compass Creek<br /> * [[Cloud Cap Trailhead]]—mile 25.2, in a forested area, right next to the road, picnic tables, all the sites are taken on the weekend but you could find a place to put your tent, it costs $10, there's a drinking water spigot<br /> * [[Cooper Spur Shelter]]—mile 26.4, alpine area with great views, not too many plants, there are some flat areas for tents near the shelter, drinking water from Cloud Cap Trailhead, the Tilly Jane Creek about 1/2 mile below the shelter, or the streams at the Timberline high point<br /> * [[Timberline High Point]]—mile 27.6, extremely exposed alpine area not good in bad weather, there are two ridges that go east from the high point with flat spots for tents, and another spot about 1/2 mile south maybe 0.1 mile off the trail at the highest point of Gnarl Ridge, drinking water early in the season from a stream just north of the high point, a stream just south of the high point is probably good all year but maybe only in the late afternoon<br /> * Gnarl Ridge Shelter—mile 29.0, spots for a dozen tents on the other side of the trail, you can go a ways off the trail for privacy, closest drinking water is at the high point or Newton Creek Crossing<br /> * above Mount Hood Meadows—mile 31 to 34, alpine meadow area with some forested areas, there are about a dozen campsites over a 3.5 mile stretch between the Newton Creek Crossing and the Umbrella Falls Trail Junction, get drinking water from a small stream just west of Newton Creek, Mitchel Creek just east of the Umbrella Falls Trail junction, or several streams in between <br /> <br /> If you start at a place other than Timberline Lodge, then part way through the hike, you can stop for a bite of real food and/or a drink. <br /> <br /> Several possible hikes:<br /> * Start at Timberline Lodge. Go clockwise. Camp at the Ramona Falls area, Cairn Basin area, and at Gnarl Ridge (bringing water from Cloud Cap Trailhead).<br /> * Start at Cloud Cap Trailhead. Go counter clockwise. Get water at McGee Creek and camp at the viewpoint below McNeil Point. Camp the next nights at Paradise Park and just past the Umbrella Falls Trail junction.<br /> * Start at Ramona Falls Trailhead. Go clockwise. Camp at the far end of Cairn Basin, Newton Creek (12 mile day), and Paradise Park (13 mile day).<br /> * Start at Top Spur Trailhead. Go clockwise. Camp at Cloud Cap Trailhead, just past Umbrella Falls Trail, and Paradise Park.<br /> * 5 day hike to prolong the enjoyment. Start at Cloud Cap. Take the McNeil Point Trail and camp somewhere along it. If you're not too tired take a side trip up from here. Camp near Ramona Falls, then Paradise Park. Take a short side trip above Paradise Park. Camp the last night after the Umbrella Falls Trail junction.<br /> <br /> === Maps ===<br /> * [https://www.oregongeology.org/pubs/ll/LL-MountHoodRecMap.pdf Mount Hood Geologic Guide &amp; Recreation Map (14MB PDF)]<br /> <br /> {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29221 Timberline Loop (Clockwise). August 27-31, 2020]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29217 Timberline Loop (CCW) 08/28/2020]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29215 Timberline Trail August 2020]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29182 The Timberline Loop Contrarian]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29119 Timberline Trail July 23-26 2020]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29083 Timberline Trail Loop in a day - July 17, 2020]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29058 Annual Trek on the Timberline Trail]<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=29007 Timberline Trail 25-27]<br /> <br /> {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> <br /> === Page Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:Retiredjerry]]<br /> * [[User:Splintercat|Splintercat (Tom Kloster)]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Three_Sisters_Loop_Hike Three Sisters Loop Hike 2020-08-27T14:56:54Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Central Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Deschutes National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Willamette National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Three Sisters Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Geologic Features]]<br /> [[Category:Alpine Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Exposed Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Loop Hikes]] <br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Waterfall Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:ssistermoraine.jpg|thumb|400px|South Sister above Moraine Lake ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:dilldock.jpg|thumb|250px|Mount Washington and Mount Jefferson from Opie Dilldock Pass ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sisterlog.jpg|thumb|250px|Typical stream crossing ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Lava Lake Trailhead}}<br /> * Ending Point: [[Lava Lake Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail Log: [[Trail around Three Sisters Hike/Log|Trail Log]]<br /> {{Distance|48.1 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|5800 feet}}<br /> * High Point: 7000 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Summer and early Fall<br /> * Family Friendly: No<br /> * Backpackable: Yes <br /> * Crowded: at some places<br /> <br /> <br /> {{Recent Conditions|2014/August|After fire in 2012 there are signs posted saying no camping allowed between The Scott Trail and a little before Park Meadow on the Green Lakes Trail and the Pole Creek Trail from the trailhead up to about 1 mile above the Green Lake Trail. You can still walk through. The streams are fairly unaffected. You might be better to stay on the West side. [[Pole Creek Burn Area]]}}<br /> <br /> The hike around the Three Sisters is one of the nicest in the area, if you have a few days, or in one day if you are a super-looney hiker.<br /> <br /> You get great views of the Three Sisters, other peaks, and surrounding areas. There are some amazing lava fields. There are alpine meadows and streams. There are places that are fairly crowded and other places that are pretty remote.<br /> <br /> Compared to the trail around Mount Hood, the Three Sisters is longer but less elevation gain. There are fewer difficult hikes down into steep canyons and across difficult streams. On Mount Hood there is more fine ash eroded by water with streams flowing on top. On the Three Sisters there is more pumice like material with the water perculating into it rather than forming streams. There is less human impact like Timberline Lodge and Mount Hood Meadows ski area.<br /> <br /> It's a little more difficult to find drinking water on the Three Sisters, especially on the West side, because the soil is more porous so the water flows underneath.<br /> <br /> There is an option for a 35 mile loop by hiking up between the South Sister and the Middle/North Sisters. This trail is un-developed at places. The elevation gain for this loop is about 3900 feet. Look at [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]] for details.<br /> <br /> Another option would be to just loop around the South Sister. For this to really make sense, you have to take the off trail shortcut between Camp Lake and the Green Lakes Pass [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail]].<br /> <br /> There are also options towards Broken Top ([[Trail around Broken Top]]).<br /> <br /> This hike is listed as a loop, but about 1 mile at the beginning is the same. Call it a balloon hike with a very short string.<br /> <br /> This hike starts at the Lava Lake Trailhead which is just East of McKenzie Pass. Another option is to start at the Pole Creek Trailhead which would save about 3 miles from the hike. This requires driving a little further, on forest roads. Another possibility is to start at the Devil's Lake Trailhead on the South side. This would save about 3.2 miles, but is quite a bit further drive from Portland. These options omit the hike up to and down from South Mattieu Lake which is a really scenic leg.<br /> <br /> You need to fill out a self issuing permit at whichever trailhead you enter on. <br /> <br /> You need a special permit that you can get from Detroit Ranger Station to camp in Obsidian Area. There's a quota on the number allowed. I think PCT thru-hikers are exempt from this, but not people just hiking around the Three Sisters according to some ranger I met on the trail.<br /> <br /> There is a plan to have a quota system limiting use and online permits required for the entire wilderness. Also Mount Jefferson and other areas. This is currently on hold because of covid. There's something good about covid?<br /> <br /> === Description ===<br /> <br /> Start at the Lava Lake Trailhead at 5300 feet elevation. The trail goes Southwest from the parking area.<br /> <br /> At mile 0.2 is the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT, #2000). Stay left (South). Right goes to McKenzie Pass about 0.5 miles away.<br /> <br /> At mile 0.9 (5460') is the junction with the Mattieu Lake Trail #4062. You can go either way - it's the same distance, but for this hike, I arbitrarily say to stay right.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.1 (5750') is North Mattieu Lake. There are many nice campsites around the lake. This can be crowded on summer weekends. Somewhat sparse forest of pine trees.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.8 (6030') is the junction back to the PCT. A few hundred feet further is South Mattieu Lake. There are a few campsites around the lake. There is a little alpine vegetation. Quite a few people on summer weekends, but beyond here the crowds thin out.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.9 (6030') is the junction with the Scott Trail #4068. Stay left, on the Scott Trail.<br /> <br /> Somewhere around mile 4.1 (5400') is an unmarked trail to Yapoah Lake, which is about 0.3 miles away. Camping next to the lake. Or, maybe nicer camp spots at this junction and get drinking water from the lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 4.7 (5300') is the junction with the Green Lake Trail #4070. (At Green Lake, the trail number changes to #17.) Go right (South) on the Green Lake Trail. If you stayed on the Scott Trail, it's about 1.7 miles to the Scott Trailhead. <br /> <br /> At mile 6.8 (5600') is Alder Creek. This is a good spot to camp and get drinking water. This is the only drinking water between South Mattieu Lake and the Camp Lake Trail. In September the creek may dry up, but there's still probably water flowing underground - go along the streambed and find a pool, maybe enlarge it a bit and then let the silt settle. Or maybe you're better off going to the Camp Creek Trail stream for better drinking water.<br /> <br /> Between here and the Pole Creek Trail is a really nice area. The trail gets up to 6260'. Many great places to camp, but no drinking water. You could bring water from Alder Creek (or Camp Creek if you're going counter-clockwise). Lot's of wide open area you could go off trail on. You could go a long ways up on the mountain. You could probably cross over to Camp Lake or Yapoah Crater.<br /> <br /> At mile 11.1 (5900') is the junction with the Pole Creek Trail #4072 which goes left (Northeast) 1.4 miles to the Pole Creek trailhead. Stay right (South) on the Green Lakes Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 11.7 (5760') is the junction with the Camp Lake Trail #4074, which goes right (West). There is a drinking water stream (Soap Creek) and a campsite.<br /> <br /> There is an alternate route that saves about 13 miles. It's 7.9 miles to the PCT at Seperation Creek on the other side. High point is 7400'. There's a trail most of the way, but for about a mile it's hard to find the faint route. See [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]] for a more complete description.<br /> <br /> This hike stays straight (South) on the Green Lakes Trail.<br /> <br /> Between here and Park Meadow the trail crosses a number of small streams which provide good drinking water.<br /> <br /> At mile 14.8 (6000') is a lake with campsites.<br /> <br /> At mile 16.5 (6180') is the junction with the Park Meadow Trail #4075, which goes left (see [[Trail around Broken Top]]). There is a good drinking water stream. Nice campsites, but a little crowded. Some nice campsites south along Park Creek. This is the last drinking water for a while. Stay right (Southwest).<br /> <br /> At mile 18.6 is the Green Lakes Pass, the high point of this hike at 7000'. There is some really nice alpine scenery with great views of the Sisters. Many places that you could camp, but no drinking water, and it's pretty exposed if the weather is at all bad. There's a shortcut from here over to Camp Lake [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail]].<br /> <br /> At mile 19.3 (6660') is the junction with an unmarked trail that goes right around the other side of Green Lake. This joins back up at mile 19.4. You can go either way. Camping is only allowed at designated campsites marked with a post. This can be quite crowded. <br /> <br /> At mile 20.6 is the junction with the Broken Top Trail #10. Stay straight (South). It's a little confusing here, there are several junctions within 1/4 mile. There are some nice places to camp down the Broken Top Trail that are not so crowded, see [[Trail around Broken Top]].<br /> <br /> At mile 22.8 (6000') is the junction with the Moraine Lake Trail #17.1. Go right (Northwest). Beyond here, the Green Lake crowds really thin out.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.2 is Moraine Lake (6450'). This is the last opportunity to get drinking water for a while. There are campsites here, and within 1/2 mile to the West. Camping is only allowed at campsites marked with a post.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.5 (6550') is the junction with a trail going left to a campsite, and right to campsites and up to the South Sister. It's about 3 miles to the summit at 10236'. The route is non-technical, but very steep. You have to walk on a lot of loose gravel. There's sort of a trail. This is the easiest route up the South Sister.<br /> <br /> Stay straight on the Moraine Lake Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.9 is the junction with the Devil's Lake Trail #36, which goes left, and another route up the South Sister which goes right. It's 1.3 miles down to the Devil's Lake Trailhead at 5500'.<br /> <br /> Stay straight on the Moraine Lake Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 26.1 (6135') is the junction with an un-named trail that goes right crossing the Wickiup Plain. Take this trail. There are a couple nice places to camp just before this junction, but no drinking water.<br /> <br /> The hike now crosses the Wickiup plain, which is grass with a few islands of trees. Very scenic. Nice views.<br /> <br /> At mile 27.3 (6200') is the junction with the PCT. Stay right (North) on the PCT.<br /> <br /> At mile 28.4 (6100') is a small stream, the first drinking water since Moraine Lake. There are several drinking water streams between here and Separation Creek.<br /> <br /> At mile 29.7 (5900') is the junction with the Linton Meadow Trail #3546. As an alternative, you could go down this trail to see some nice meadows and lakes, and connect back up to the PCT on the Foley Trail or Linton Trail (see below). There is more drinking water than on the PCT, especially late in the season.<br /> <br /> At mile 30.2 (6100') is a lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 32.3 (6400') is Separation Creek. A little further is Reese lake and the junction with an un-marked trail going right (East) up to Chambers Lakes and Camp Lake. This is where you get to if you take the shortcut between the South and Middle/North Sisters. See [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]]. There are some campsites near Reese lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 33.9 (6300') is the junction with the Foley Trail #3511, which goes left (West). There is camping and drinking water down there. Stay straight (North).<br /> <br /> At mile 35.4 (6450') is the junction with Linton Trail #3547, which goes left (West). There is camping and drinking water down there. Stay straight (North).<br /> <br /> At mile 37.4 is the beginning of the Obsidian limited use area. Camping is only allowed with special permit you can get from Detroit Ranger Station. There's a quota on the number allowed. I've never had anyone check this so you might take your chances and camp discretely. Like there's an area about 0.25 mile Northwest of Sisters Spring that is far enough off the trail no one would notice you (maybe).<br /> <br /> At mile 37.6 (6550') is the junction with the Obsidian Trail #3528. Stay straight (North). A little further is the scenic Obsidian Falls, a small and tall waterfall. There isn't really all that much obsidian around. I was expecting huge obsidian cliffs.<br /> <br /> At mile 37.8 (6620') is Sisters Spring, the first drinking water since Separation Creek. It's interesting how the stream just appears at the base of a cliff area.<br /> <br /> At mile 38.7 (6400') is the junction with the Glacier Way Trail #4336. There is a trail going up the North side of Glacier Creek to a number of nice campsites. Look for pockets of trees with broken paths off the main trail. The area is called Sunshine Meadows. Glacier Creek supplies drinking water year-round.<br /> <br /> At mile 39.1 is the end of the Obsidian Limited use area, unrestricted camping beyond here. You could haul water from Glacier Creek and find places to camp just beyond the Obsidian Limited use area.<br /> <br /> At mile 40.2, the trail crosses the White Branch stream, according to the map, but I've never seen any water. Nice places to camp.<br /> <br /> At mile 41.2 (6900') is Opie Dilldock Pass. Very alpine area. Great views.<br /> <br /> At mile 41.7 (6700') is Minnie Scott Spring. First drinking water since Sisters Spring and Glacier Creek. It's easy to miss the spring late in the summer. It appears about 100' East of the trail and forms a stream that may peter out before it even reaches the trail. You have to engineer a dam to form a pool, then let the mud settle before getting water. Very cold water. Seems to be reliable year round. Nice campsites down a side trail to the West. Next drinking water is at South Mattieu Lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 43.7 (6500') the trail traverses Yapoah Crater. There are tracks up to the summit at 6737'. Great views to the North across lava fields to Belknap Crater, Mount Washington, and Mount Jefferson.<br /> <br /> At mile 45.1 (6050') you rejoin your route at the Scott Trail junction.<br /> <br /> On the way back to the trailhead, take the PCT rather than the Mattieu Lake Trail, just for a change of view. <br /> <br /> Back to Lava Lake Trailhead at mile 48.1.<br /> <br /> === Alternate Trips ===<br /> <br /> Three night backpack - camp at Camp Creek Trail junction, Moraine Lake, and a little beyond Sisters Spring. Mileage each day - 10.5, 12.5, 13.6, 10.3<br /> <br /> Four night backpack - camp at Alder Creek, Park Meadows, somewhere after you re-join the PCT, and Minnie Scott Springs. Mileage each day - 5.2, 10.1, 11.9, 12.5, 6.4<br /> <br /> Four night backpack using shortcut - Alder Creek, Camp Lake, Seperation Creek, Minnie Scott Spring. Between Camp Lake and Seperation Lake do some extra exploring. Mileage - 5.2, 8.9, 3.4, 8.9, 6.4<br /> <br /> === Maps ===<br /> [[Image:sistersmap1.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap2.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap3.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap4.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmaptest.jpg|thumb|400px|test map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> <br /> {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=22233 Three Sisters Figure-8 Cross-Country Loop 16/18-Jul-2015]<br /> (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=8 here] to add your own)<br /> <br /> {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=141 here] to ask a question or start a conversation)<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> <br /> === Page Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:Retiredjerry]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Three_Sisters_Loop_Hike Three Sisters Loop Hike 2020-08-27T14:55:45Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Central Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Deschutes National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Willamette National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Three Sisters Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Geologic Features]]<br /> [[Category:Alpine Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Exposed Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Loop Hikes]] <br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Waterfall Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:ssistermoraine.jpg|thumb|400px|South Sister above Moraine Lake ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:dilldock.jpg|thumb|250px|Mount Washington and Mount Jefferson from Opie Dilldock Pass ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sisterlog.jpg|thumb|250px|Typical stream crossing ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Lava Lake Trailhead}}<br /> * Ending Point: [[Lava Lake Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail Log: [[Trail around Three Sisters Hike/Log|Trail Log]]<br /> {{Distance|48.1 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|5800 feet}}<br /> * High Point: 7000 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Summer and early Fall<br /> * Family Friendly: No<br /> * Backpackable: Yes <br /> * Crowded: at some places<br /> <br /> <br /> {{Recent Conditions|2014/August|After fire in 2012 there are signs posted saying no camping allowed between The Scott Trail and a little before Park Meadow on the Green Lakes Trail and the Pole Creek Trail from the trailhead up to about 1 mile above the Green Lake Trail. You can still walk through. The streams are fairly unaffected. You might be better to stay on the West side. [[Pole Creek Burn Area]]}}<br /> <br /> The hike around the Three Sisters is one of the nicest in the area, if you have a few days, or in one day if you are a super-looney hiker.<br /> <br /> You get great views of the Three Sisters, other peaks, and surrounding areas. There are some amazing lava fields. There are alpine meadows and streams. There are places that are fairly crowded and other places that are pretty remote.<br /> <br /> Compared to the trail around Mount Hood, the Three Sisters is longer but less elevation gain. There are fewer difficult hikes down into steep canyons and across difficult streams. On Mount Hood there is more fine ash eroded by water with streams flowing on top. On the Three Sisters there is more pumice like material with the water perculating into it rather than forming streams. There is less human impact like Timberline Lodge and Mount Hood Meadows ski area.<br /> <br /> It's a little more difficult to find drinking water on the Three Sisters, especially on the West side, because the soil is more porous so the water flows underneath.<br /> <br /> There is an option for a 35 mile loop by hiking up between the South Sister and the Middle/North Sisters. This trail is un-developed at places. The elevation gain for this loop is about 3900 feet. Look at [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]] for details.<br /> <br /> Another option would be to just loop around the South Sister. For this to really make sense, you have to take the off trail shortcut between Camp Lake and the Green Lakes Pass [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail]].<br /> <br /> There are also options towards Broken Top ([[Trail around Broken Top]]).<br /> <br /> This hike is listed as a loop, but about 1 mile at the beginning is the same. Call it a balloon hike with a very short string.<br /> <br /> This hike starts at the Lava Lake Trailhead which is just East of McKenzie Pass. Another option is to start at the Pole Creek Trailhead which would save about 3 miles from the hike. This requires driving a little further, on forest roads. Another possibility is to start at the Devil's Lake Trailhead on the South side. This would save about 3.2 miles, but is quite a bit further drive from Portland. These options omit the hike up to and down from South Mattieu Lake which is a really scenic leg.<br /> <br /> You need to fill out a self issuing permit at whichever trailhead you enter on. <br /> <br /> You need a special permit that you can get from Detroit Ranger Station to camp in Obsidian Area. There's a quota on the number allowed. I think PCT thru-hikers are exempt from this, but not people just hiking around the Three Sisters according to some ranger I met on the trail.<br /> <br /> There is a plan to have a quota system limiting use and online permits required for the entire wilderness. Also Mount Jefferson and other areas. This is currently on hold because of covid. There's something good about covid?<br /> <br /> === Description ===<br /> <br /> Start at the Lava Lake Trailhead at 5300 feet elevation. The trail goes Southwest from the parking area.<br /> <br /> At mile 0.2 is the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT, #2000). Stay left (South). Right goes to McKenzie Pass about 0.5 miles away.<br /> <br /> At mile 0.9 (5460') is the junction with the Mattieu Lake Trail #4062. You can go either way - it's the same distance, but for this hike, I arbitrarily say to stay right.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.1 (5750') is North Mattieu Lake. There are many nice campsites around the lake. This can be crowded on summer weekends. Somewhat sparse forest of pine trees.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.8 (6030') is the junction back to the PCT. A few hundred feet further is South Mattieu Lake. There are a few campsites around the lake. There is a little alpine vegetation. Quite a few people on summer weekends, but beyond here the crowds thin out.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.9 (6030') is the junction with the Scott Trail #4068. Stay left, on the Scott Trail.<br /> <br /> Somewhere around mile 4.1 (5400') is an unmarked trail to Yapoah Lake, which is about 0.3 miles away. Camping next to the lake. Or, maybe nicer camp spots at this junction and get drinking water from the lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 4.7 (5300') is the junction with the Green Lake Trail #4070. (At Green Lake, the trail number changes to #17.) Go right (South) on the Green Lake Trail. If you stayed on the Scott Trail, it's about 1.7 miles to the Scott Trailhead. <br /> <br /> At mile 6.8 (5600') is Alder Creek. This is a good spot to camp and get drinking water. This is the only drinking water between South Mattieu Lake and the Camp Lake Trail. In September the creek may dry up, but there's still probably water flowing underground - go along the streambed and find a pool, maybe enlarge it a bit and then let the silt settle. Or maybe you're better off going to the Camp Creek Trail stream for better drinking water.<br /> <br /> Between here and the Pole Creek Trail is a really nice area. The trail gets up to 6260'. Many great places to camp, but no drinking water. You could bring water from Alder Creek (or Camp Creek if you're going counter-clockwise). Lot's of wide open area you could go off trail on. You could go a long ways up on the mountain. You could probably cross over to Camp Lake or Yapoah Crater.<br /> <br /> At mile 11.1 (5900') is the junction with the Pole Creek Trail #4072 which goes left (Northeast) 1.4 miles to the Pole Creek trailhead. Stay right (South) on the Green Lakes Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 11.7 (5760') is the junction with the Camp Lake Trail #4074, which goes right (West). There is a drinking water stream (Soap Creek) and a campsite.<br /> <br /> There is an alternate route that saves about 13 miles. It's 7.9 miles to the PCT at Seperation Creek on the other side. High point is 7400'. There's a trail most of the way, but for about a mile it's hard to find the faint route. See [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]] for a more complete description.<br /> <br /> This hike stays straight (South) on the Green Lakes Trail.<br /> <br /> Between here and Park Meadow the trail crosses a number of small streams which provide good drinking water.<br /> <br /> At mile 14.8 (6000') is a lake with campsites.<br /> <br /> At mile 16.5 (6180') is the junction with the Park Meadow Trail #4075, which goes left (see [[Trail around Broken Top]]). There is a good drinking water stream. Nice campsites, but a little crowded. Some nice campsites south along Park Creek. This is the last drinking water for a while. Stay right (Southwest).<br /> <br /> At mile 18.6 is the Green Lakes Pass, the high point of this hike at 7000'. There is some really nice alpine scenery with great views of the Sisters. Many places that you could camp, but no drinking water, and it's pretty exposed if the weather is at all bad. There's a shortcut from here over to Camp Lake [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail]].<br /> <br /> At mile 19.3 (6660') is the junction with an unmarked trail that goes right around the other side of Green Lake. This joins back up at mile 19.4. You can go either way. Camping is only allowed at designated campsites marked with a post. This can be quite crowded. <br /> <br /> At mile 20.6 is the junction with the Broken Top Trail #10. Stay straight (South). It's a little confusing here, there are several junctions within 1/4 mile. There are some nice places to camp down the Broken Top Trail that are not so crowded, see [[Trail around Broken Top]].<br /> <br /> At mile 22.8 (6000') is the junction with the Moraine Lake Trail #17.1. Go right (Northwest). Beyond here, the Green Lake crowds really thin out.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.2 is Moraine Lake (6450'). This is the last opportunity to get drinking water for a while. There are campsites here, and within 1/2 mile to the West. Camping is only allowed at campsites marked with a post.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.5 (6550') is the junction with a trail going left to a campsite, and right to campsites and up to the South Sister. It's about 3 miles to the summit at 10236'. The route is non-technical, but very steep. You have to walk on a lot of loose gravel. There's sort of a trail. This is the easiest route up the South Sister.<br /> <br /> Stay straight on the Moraine Lake Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.9 is the junction with the Devil's Lake Trail #36, which goes left, and another route up the South Sister which goes right. It's 1.3 miles down to the Devil's Lake Trailhead at 5500'.<br /> <br /> Stay straight on the Moraine Lake Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 26.1 (6135') is the junction with an un-named trail that goes right crossing the Wickiup Plain. Take this trail. There are a couple nice places to camp just before this junction, but no drinking water.<br /> <br /> The hike now crosses the Wickiup plain, which is grass with a few islands of trees. Very scenic. Nice views.<br /> <br /> At mile 27.3 (6200') is the junction with the PCT. Stay right (North) on the PCT.<br /> <br /> At mile 28.4 (6100') is a small stream, the first drinking water since Moraine Lake. There are several drinking water streams between here and Separation Creek.<br /> <br /> At mile 29.7 (5900') is the junction with the Linton Meadow Trail #3546. As an alternative, you could go down this trail to see some nice meadows and lakes, and connect back up to the PCT on the Foley Trail or Linton Trail (see below). There is more drinking water than on the PCT, especially late in the season.<br /> <br /> At mile 30.2 (6100') is a lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 32.3 (6400') is Separation Creek. A little further is Reese lake and the junction with an un-marked trail going right (East) up to Chambers Lakes and Camp Lake. This is where you get to if you take the shortcut between the South and Middle/North Sisters. See [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]]. There are some campsites near Reese lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 33.9 (6300') is the junction with the Foley Trail #3511, which goes left (West). There is camping and drinking water down there. Stay straight (North).<br /> <br /> At mile 35.4 (6450') is the junction with Linton Trail #3547, which goes left (West). There is camping and drinking water down there. Stay straight (North).<br /> <br /> At mile 37.4 is the beginning of the Obsidian limited use area. Camping is only allowed with special permit you can get from Detroit Ranger Station. There's a quota on the number allowed. I've never had anyone check this so you might take your chances and camp discretely. Like there's an area about 0.25 mile Northwest of Sisters Spring that is far enough off the trail no one would notice you (maybe).<br /> <br /> At mile 37.6 (6550') is the junction with the Obsidian Trail #3528. Stay straight (North). A little further is the scenic Obsidian Falls, a small and tall waterfall. There isn't really all that much obsidian around. I was expecting huge obsidian cliffs.<br /> <br /> At mile 37.8 (6620') is Sisters Spring, the first drinking water since Separation Creek. It's interesting how the stream just appears at the base of a cliff area.<br /> <br /> At mile 38.7 (6400') is the junction with the Glacier Way Trail #4336. There is a trail going up the North side of Glacier Creek to a number of nice campsites. Look for pockets of trees with broken paths off the main trail. The area is called Sunshine Meadows. Glacier Creek supplies drinking water year-round.<br /> <br /> At mile 39.1 is the end of the Obsidian Limited use area, unrestricted camping beyond here. You could haul water from Glacier Creek and find places to camp just beyond the Obsidian Limited use area.<br /> <br /> At mile 40.2, the trail crosses the White Branch stream, according to the map, but I've never seen any water. Nice places to camp.<br /> <br /> At mile 41.2 (6900') is Opie Dilldock Pass. Very alpine area. Great views.<br /> <br /> At mile 41.7 (6700') is Minnie Scott Spring. First drinking water since Sisters Spring and Glacier Creek. It's easy to miss the spring late in the summer. It appears about 100' East of the trail and forms a stream that may peter out before it even reaches the trail. You have to engineer a dam to form a pool, then let the mud settle before getting water. Seems to be reliable year round. Nice campsites down a side trail to the West. Next drinking water is at South Mattieu Lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 43.7 (6500') the trail traverses Yapoah Crater. There are tracks up to the summit at 6737'. Great views to the North across lava fields to Belknap Crater, Mount Washington, and Mount Jefferson.<br /> <br /> At mile 45.1 (6050') you rejoin your route at the Scott Trail junction.<br /> <br /> On the way back to the trailhead, take the PCT rather than the Mattieu Lake Trail, just for a change of view. <br /> <br /> Back to Lava Lake Trailhead at mile 48.1.<br /> <br /> === Alternate Trips ===<br /> <br /> Three night backpack - camp at Camp Creek Trail junction, Moraine Lake, and a little beyond Sisters Spring. Mileage each day - 10.5, 12.5, 13.6, 10.3<br /> <br /> Four night backpack - camp at Alder Creek, Park Meadows, somewhere after you re-join the PCT, and Minnie Scott Springs. Mileage each day - 5.2, 10.1, 11.9, 12.5, 6.4<br /> <br /> Four night backpack using shortcut - Alder Creek, Camp Lake, Seperation Creek, Minnie Scott Spring. Between Camp Lake and Seperation Lake do some extra exploring. Mileage - 5.2, 8.9, 3.4, 8.9, 6.4<br /> <br /> === Maps ===<br /> [[Image:sistersmap1.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap2.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap3.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap4.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmaptest.jpg|thumb|400px|test map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> <br /> {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=22233 Three Sisters Figure-8 Cross-Country Loop 16/18-Jul-2015]<br /> (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=8 here] to add your own)<br /> <br /> {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=141 here] to ask a question or start a conversation)<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> <br /> === Page Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:Retiredjerry]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Three_Sisters_Loop_Hike Three Sisters Loop Hike 2020-08-27T14:51:22Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Central Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Deschutes National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Willamette National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Three Sisters Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Geologic Features]]<br /> [[Category:Alpine Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Exposed Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Loop Hikes]] <br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Waterfall Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:ssistermoraine.jpg|thumb|400px|South Sister above Moraine Lake ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:dilldock.jpg|thumb|250px|Mount Washington and Mount Jefferson from Opie Dilldock Pass ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sisterlog.jpg|thumb|250px|Typical stream crossing ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Lava Lake Trailhead}}<br /> * Ending Point: [[Lava Lake Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail Log: [[Trail around Three Sisters Hike/Log|Trail Log]]<br /> {{Distance|48.1 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|5800 feet}}<br /> * High Point: 7000 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Summer and early Fall<br /> * Family Friendly: No<br /> * Backpackable: Yes <br /> * Crowded: at some places<br /> <br /> <br /> {{Recent Conditions|2014/August|After fire in 2012 there are signs posted saying no camping allowed between The Scott Trail and a little before Park Meadow on the Green Lakes Trail and the Pole Creek Trail from the trailhead up to about 1 mile above the Green Lake Trail. You can still walk through. The streams are fairly unaffected. You might be better to stay on the West side. [[Pole Creek Burn Area]]}}<br /> <br /> The hike around the Three Sisters is one of the nicest in the area, if you have a few days, or in one day if you are a super-looney hiker.<br /> <br /> You get great views of the Three Sisters, other peaks, and surrounding areas. There are some amazing lava fields. There are alpine meadows and streams. There are places that are fairly crowded and other places that are pretty remote.<br /> <br /> Compared to the trail around Mount Hood, the Three Sisters is longer but less elevation gain. There are fewer difficult hikes down into steep canyons and across difficult streams. On Mount Hood there is more fine ash eroded by water with streams flowing on top. On the Three Sisters there is more pumice like material with the water perculating into it rather than forming streams. There is less human impact like Timberline Lodge and Mount Hood Meadows ski area.<br /> <br /> It's a little more difficult to find drinking water on the Three Sisters, especially on the West side, because the soil is more porous so the water flows underneath.<br /> <br /> There is an option for a 35 mile loop by hiking up between the South Sister and the Middle/North Sisters. This trail is un-developed at places. The elevation gain for this loop is about 3900 feet. Look at [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]] for details.<br /> <br /> Another option would be to just loop around the South Sister. For this to really make sense, you have to take the off trail shortcut between Camp Lake and the Green Lakes Pass [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail]].<br /> <br /> There are also options towards Broken Top ([[Trail around Broken Top]]).<br /> <br /> This hike is listed as a loop, but about 1 mile at the beginning is the same. Call it a balloon hike with a very short string.<br /> <br /> This hike starts at the Lava Lake Trailhead which is just East of McKenzie Pass. Another option is to start at the Pole Creek Trailhead which would save about 3 miles from the hike. This requires driving a little further, on forest roads. Another possibility is to start at the Devil's Lake Trailhead on the South side. This would save about 3.2 miles, but is quite a bit further drive from Portland. These options omit the hike up to and down from South Mattieu Lake which is a really scenic leg.<br /> <br /> You need to fill out a self issuing permit at whichever trailhead you enter on. <br /> <br /> You need a special permit that you can get from Detroit Ranger Station to camp in Obsidian Area. There's a quota on the number allowed. I think PCT thru-hikers are exempt from this, but not people just hiking around the Three Sisters according to some ranger I met on the trail.<br /> <br /> There is a plan to have a quota system limiting use and online permits required for the entire wilderness. Also Mount Jefferson and other areas. This is currently on hold because of covid. There's something good about covid?<br /> <br /> === Description ===<br /> <br /> Start at the Lava Lake Trailhead at 5300 feet elevation. The trail goes Southwest from the parking area.<br /> <br /> At mile 0.2 is the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT, #2000). Stay left (South). Right goes to McKenzie Pass about 0.5 miles away.<br /> <br /> At mile 0.9 (5460') is the junction with the Mattieu Lake Trail #4062. You can go either way - it's the same distance, but for this hike, I arbitrarily say to stay right.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.1 (5750') is North Mattieu Lake. There are many nice campsites around the lake. This can be crowded on summer weekends. Somewhat sparse forest of pine trees.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.8 (6030') is the junction back to the PCT. A few hundred feet further is South Mattieu Lake. There are a few campsites around the lake. There is a little alpine vegetation. Quite a few people on summer weekends, but beyond here the crowds thin out.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.9 (6030') is the junction with the Scott Trail #4068. Stay left, on the Scott Trail.<br /> <br /> Somewhere around mile 4.1 (5400') is an unmarked trail to Yapoah Lake, which is about 0.3 miles away. Camping next to the lake. Or, maybe nicer camp spots at this junction and get drinking water from the lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 4.7 (5300') is the junction with the Green Lake Trail #4070. (At Green Lake, the trail number changes to #17.) Go right (South) on the Green Lake Trail. If you stayed on the Scott Trail, it's about 1.7 miles to the Scott Trailhead. <br /> <br /> At mile 6.8 (5600') is Alder Creek. This is a good spot to camp and get drinking water. This is the only drinking water between South Mattieu Lake and the Camp Lake Trail. In September the creek may dry up, but there's still probably water flowing underground - go along the streambed and find a pool, maybe enlarge it a bit and then let the silt settle. Or maybe you're better off going to the Camp Creek Trail stream for better drinking water.<br /> <br /> Between here and the Pole Creek Trail is a really nice area. The trail gets up to 6260'. Many great places to camp, but no drinking water. You could bring water from Alder Creek (or Camp Creek if you're going counter-clockwise). Lot's of wide open area you could go off trail on. You could go a long ways up on the mountain. You could probably cross over to Camp Lake or Yapoah Crater.<br /> <br /> At mile 11.1 (5900') is the junction with the Pole Creek Trail #4072 which goes left (Northeast) 1.4 miles to the Pole Creek trailhead. Stay right (South) on the Green Lakes Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 11.7 (5760') is the junction with the Camp Lake Trail #4074, which goes right (West). There is a drinking water stream (Soap Creek) and a campsite.<br /> <br /> There is an alternate route that saves about 13 miles. It's 7.9 miles to the PCT at Seperation Creek on the other side. High point is 7400'. There's a trail most of the way, but for about a mile it's hard to find the faint route. See [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]] for a more complete description.<br /> <br /> This hike stays straight (South) on the Green Lakes Trail.<br /> <br /> Between here and Park Meadow the trail crosses a number of small streams which provide good drinking water.<br /> <br /> At mile 14.8 (6000') is a lake with campsites.<br /> <br /> At mile 16.5 (6180') is the junction with the Park Meadow Trail #4075, which goes left (see [[Trail around Broken Top]]). There is a good drinking water stream. Nice campsites, but a little crowded. Some nice campsites south along Park Creek. This is the last drinking water for a while. Stay right (Southwest).<br /> <br /> At mile 18.6 is the Green Lakes Pass, the high point of this hike at 7000'. There is some really nice alpine scenery with great views of the Sisters. Many places that you could camp, but no drinking water, and it's pretty exposed if the weather is at all bad. There's a shortcut from here over to Camp Lake [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail]].<br /> <br /> At mile 19.3 (6660') is the junction with an unmarked trail that goes right around the other side of Green Lake. This joins back up at mile 19.4. You can go either way. Camping is only allowed at designated campsites marked with a post. This can be quite crowded. <br /> <br /> At mile 20.6 is the junction with the Broken Top Trail #10. Stay straight (South). It's a little confusing here, there are several junctions within 1/4 mile. There are some nice places to camp down the Broken Top Trail that are not so crowded, see [[Trail around Broken Top]].<br /> <br /> At mile 22.8 (6000') is the junction with the Moraine Lake Trail #17.1. Go right (Northwest). Beyond here, the Green Lake crowds really thin out.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.2 is Moraine Lake (6450'). This is the last opportunity to get drinking water for a while. There are campsites here, and within 1/2 mile to the West. Camping is only allowed at campsites marked with a post.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.5 (6550') is the junction with a trail going left to a campsite, and right to campsites and up to the South Sister. It's about 3 miles to the summit at 10236'. The route is non-technical, but very steep. You have to walk on a lot of loose gravel. There's sort of a trail. This is the easiest route up the South Sister.<br /> <br /> Stay straight on the Moraine Lake Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.9 is the junction with the Devil's Lake Trail #36, which goes left, and another route up the South Sister which goes right. It's 1.3 miles down to the Devil's Lake Trailhead at 5500'.<br /> <br /> Stay straight on the Moraine Lake Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 26.1 (6135') is the junction with an un-named trail that goes right crossing the Wickiup Plain. Take this trail. There are a couple nice places to camp just before this junction, but no drinking water.<br /> <br /> The hike now crosses the Wickiup plain, which is grass with a few islands of trees. Very scenic. Nice views.<br /> <br /> At mile 27.3 (6200') is the junction with the PCT. Stay right (North) on the PCT.<br /> <br /> At mile 28.4 (6100') is a small stream, the first drinking water since Moraine Lake. There are several drinking water streams between here and Separation Creek.<br /> <br /> At mile 29.7 (5900') is the junction with the Linton Meadow Trail #3546. As an alternative, you could go down this trail to see some nice meadows and lakes, and connect back up to the PCT on the Foley Trail or Linton Trail (see below). There is more drinking water than on the PCT, especially late in the season.<br /> <br /> At mile 30.2 (6100') is a lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 32.3 (6400') is Separation Creek. A little further is Reese lake and the junction with an un-marked trail going right (East) up to Chambers Lakes and Camp Lake. This is where you get to if you take the shortcut between the South and Middle/North Sisters. See [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]]. There are some campsites near Reese lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 33.9 (6300') is the junction with the Foley Trail #3511, which goes left (West). There is camping and drinking water down there. Stay straight (North).<br /> <br /> At mile 35.4 (6450') is the junction with Linton Trail #3547, which goes left (West). There is camping and drinking water down there. Stay straight (North).<br /> <br /> At mile 37.4 is the beginning of the Obsidian limited use area. Camping is only allowed with special permit you can get from Detroit Ranger Station. There's a quota on the number allowed. I've never had anyone check this so you might take your chances and camp discretely. Like there's an area about 0.25 mile Northwest of Sisters Spring that is far enough off the trail no one would notice you (maybe).<br /> <br /> At mile 37.6 (6550') is the junction with the Obsidian Trail #3528. Stay straight (North). A little further is the scenic Obsidian Falls, a small and tall waterfall. There isn't really all that much obsidian around. I was expecting huge obsidian cliffs.<br /> <br /> At mile 37.8 (6620') is Sisters Spring, the first drinking water since Separation Creek. It's interesting how the stream just appears at the base of a cliff area.<br /> <br /> At mile 38.7 (6400') is the junction with the Glacier Way Trail #4336. There is a trail going up the North side of Glacier Creek to a number of nice campsites. Look for pockets of trees with broken paths off the main trail. The area is called Sunshine Meadows. Glacier Creek supplies drinking water year-round.<br /> <br /> At mile 39.1 is the end of the Obsidian Limited use area.<br /> <br /> At mile 40.2, the trail crosses the White Branch stream, according to the map, but I didn't see any water in August.<br /> <br /> At mile 41.2 (6900') is Opie Dilldock Pass. Very alpine area. Great views.<br /> <br /> At mile 41.7 (6700') is Minnie Scott Spring. First drinking water since Sisters Spring and Glacier Creek. It's easy to miss the spring late in the summer. It appears about 100' East of the trail and forms a stream that may peter out before it even reaches the trail. You have to engineer a dam to form a pool, then let the mud settle before getting water. Seems to be reliable year round. Nice campsites down a side trail to the West. Next drinking water is at South Mattieu Lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 43.7 (6500') the trail traverses Yapoah Crater. There are tracks up to the summit at 6737'. Great views to the North across lava fields to Belknap Crater, Mount Washington, and Mount Jefferson.<br /> <br /> At mile 45.1 (6050') you rejoin your route at the Scott Trail junction.<br /> <br /> On the way back to the trailhead, take the PCT rather than the Mattieu Lake Trail, just for a change of view. <br /> <br /> Back to Lava Lake Trailhead at mile 48.1.<br /> <br /> === Alternate Trips ===<br /> <br /> Three night backpack - camp at Camp Creek Trail junction, Moraine Lake, and a little beyond Sisters Spring. Mileage each day - 10.5, 12.5, 13.6, 10.3<br /> <br /> Four night backpack - camp at Alder Creek, Park Meadows, somewhere after you re-join the PCT, and Minnie Scott Springs. Mileage each day - 5.2, 10.1, 11.9, 12.5, 6.4<br /> <br /> Four night backpack using shortcut - Alder Creek, Camp Lake, Seperation Creek, Minnie Scott Spring. Between Camp Lake and Seperation Lake do some extra exploring. Mileage - 5.2, 8.9, 3.4, 8.9, 6.4<br /> <br /> === Maps ===<br /> [[Image:sistersmap1.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap2.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap3.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap4.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmaptest.jpg|thumb|400px|test map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> <br /> {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=22233 Three Sisters Figure-8 Cross-Country Loop 16/18-Jul-2015]<br /> (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=8 here] to add your own)<br /> <br /> {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=141 here] to ask a question or start a conversation)<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> <br /> === Page Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:Retiredjerry]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Three_Sisters_Loop_Hike Three Sisters Loop Hike 2020-08-27T14:50:20Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Central Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Deschutes National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Willamette National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Three Sisters Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Geologic Features]]<br /> [[Category:Alpine Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Exposed Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Loop Hikes]] <br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Waterfall Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:ssistermoraine.jpg|thumb|400px|South Sister above Moraine Lake ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:dilldock.jpg|thumb|250px|Mount Washington and Mount Jefferson from Opie Dilldock Pass ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sisterlog.jpg|thumb|250px|Typical stream crossing ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Lava Lake Trailhead}}<br /> * Ending Point: [[Lava Lake Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail Log: [[Trail around Three Sisters Hike/Log|Trail Log]]<br /> {{Distance|48.1 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|5800 feet}}<br /> * High Point: 7000 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Summer and early Fall<br /> * Family Friendly: No<br /> * Backpackable: Yes <br /> * Crowded: at some places<br /> <br /> <br /> {{Recent Conditions|2014/August|After fire in 2012 there are signs posted saying no camping allowed between The Scott Trail and a little before Park Meadow on the Green Lakes Trail and the Pole Creek Trail from the trailhead up to about 1 mile above the Green Lake Trail. You can still walk through. The streams are fairly unaffected. You might be better to stay on the West side. [[Pole Creek Burn Area]]}}<br /> <br /> The hike around the Three Sisters is one of the nicest in the area, if you have a few days, or in one day if you are a super-looney hiker.<br /> <br /> You get great views of the Three Sisters, other peaks, and surrounding areas. There are some amazing lava fields. There are alpine meadows and streams. There are places that are fairly crowded and other places that are pretty remote.<br /> <br /> Compared to the trail around Mount Hood, the Three Sisters is longer but less elevation gain. There are fewer difficult hikes down into steep canyons and across difficult streams. On Mount Hood there is more fine ash eroded by water with streams flowing on top. On the Three Sisters there is more pumice like material with the water perculating into it rather than forming streams. There is less human impact like Timberline Lodge and Mount Hood Meadows ski area.<br /> <br /> It's a little more difficult to find drinking water on the Three Sisters, especially on the West side, because the soil is more porous so the water flows underneath.<br /> <br /> There is an option for a 35 mile loop by hiking up between the South Sister and the Middle/North Sisters. This trail is un-developed at places. The elevation gain for this loop is about 3900 feet. Look at [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]] for details.<br /> <br /> Another option would be to just loop around the South Sister. For this to really make sense, you have to take the off trail shortcut between Camp Lake and the Green Lakes Pass [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail]].<br /> <br /> There are also options towards Broken Top ([[Trail around Broken Top]]).<br /> <br /> This hike is listed as a loop, but about 1 mile at the beginning is the same. Call it a balloon hike with a very short string.<br /> <br /> This hike starts at the Lava Lake Trailhead which is just East of McKenzie Pass. Another option is to start at the Pole Creek Trailhead which would save about 3 miles from the hike. This requires driving a little further, on forest roads. Another possibility is to start at the Devil's Lake Trailhead on the South side. This would save about 3.2 miles, but is quite a bit further drive from Portland. These options omit the hike up to and down from South Mattieu Lake which is a really scenic leg.<br /> <br /> You need to fill out a self issuing permit at whichever trailhead you enter on. <br /> <br /> You need a special permit that you can get from Detroit Ranger Station to camp in Obsidian Area. There's a quota on the number allowed. I think PCT thru-hikers are exempt from this, but not people just hiking around the Three Sisters according to some ranger I met on the trail.<br /> <br /> There is a plan to have a quota system limiting use and online permits required for the entire wilderness. Also Mount Jefferson and other areas. This is currently on hold because of covid. There's something good about covid?<br /> <br /> === Description ===<br /> <br /> Start at the Lava Lake Trailhead at 5300 feet elevation. The trail goes Southwest from the parking area.<br /> <br /> At mile 0.2 is the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT, #2000). Stay left (South). Right goes to McKenzie Pass about 0.5 miles away.<br /> <br /> At mile 0.9 (5460') is the junction with the Mattieu Lake Trail #4062. You can go either way - it's the same distance, but for this hike, I arbitrarily say to stay right.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.1 (5750') is North Mattieu Lake. There are many nice campsites around the lake. This can be crowded on summer weekends. Somewhat sparse forest of pine trees.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.8 (6030') is the junction back to the PCT. A few hundred feet further is South Mattieu Lake. There are a few campsites around the lake. There is a little alpine vegetation. Quite a few people on summer weekends, but beyond here the crowds thin out.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.9 (6030') is the junction with the Scott Trail #4068. Stay left, on the Scott Trail.<br /> <br /> Somewhere around mile 4.1 (5400') is an unmarked trail to Yapoah Lake, which is about 0.3 miles away. Camping next to the lake. Or, maybe nicer camp spots at this junction and get drinking water from the lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 4.7 (5300') is the junction with the Green Lake Trail #4070. (At Green Lake, the trail number changes to #17.) Go right (South) on the Green Lake Trail. If you stayed on the Scott Trail, it's about 1.7 miles to the Scott Trailhead. <br /> <br /> At mile 6.8 (5600') is Alder Creek. This is a good spot to camp and get drinking water. This is the only drinking water between South Mattieu Lake and the Camp Lake Trail. In September the creek may dry up, but there's still probably water flowing underground - go along the streambed and find a pool, maybe enlarge it a bit and then let the silt settle. Or maybe you're better off going to the Camp Creek Trail stream for better drinking water.<br /> <br /> Between here and the Pole Creek Trail is a really nice area. The trail gets up to 6260'. Many great places to camp, but no drinking water. You could bring water from Alder Creek (or Camp Creek if you're going counter-clockwise). Lot's of wide open area you could go off trail on. You could go a long ways up on the mountain. You could probably cross over to Camp Lake or Yapoah Crater.<br /> <br /> At mile 11.1 (5900') is the junction with the Pole Creek Trail #4072 which goes left (Northeast) 1.4 miles to the Pole Creek trailhead. Stay right (South) on the Green Lakes Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 11.7 (5760') is the junction with the Camp Lake Trail #4074, which goes right (West). There is a drinking water stream (Soap Creek) and a campsite.<br /> <br /> There is an alternate route that saves about 13 miles. It's 7.9 miles to the PCT at Seperation Creek on the other side. High point is 7400'. There's a trail most of the way, but for about a mile it's hard to find the faint route. See [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]] for a more complete description.<br /> <br /> This hike stays straight (South) on the Green Lakes Trail.<br /> <br /> Between here and Park Meadow the trail crosses a number of small streams which provide good drinking water.<br /> <br /> At mile 14.8 (6000') is a lake with campsites.<br /> <br /> At mile 16.5 (6180') is the junction with the Park Meadow Trail #4075, which goes left (see [[Trail around Broken Top]]). There is a good drinking water stream. Nice campsites, but a little crowded. Some nice campsites south along Park Creek. This is the last drinking water for a while. Stay right (Southwest).<br /> <br /> At mile 18.6 is the Green Lakes Pass, the high point of this hike at 7000'. There is some really nice alpine scenery with great views of the Sisters. Many places that you could camp, but no drinking water, and it's pretty exposed if the weather is at all bad. There's a shortcut from here over to Camp Lake [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail]].<br /> <br /> At mile 19.3 (6660') is the junction with an unmarked trail that goes right around the other side of Green Lake. This joins back up at mile 19.4. You can go either way. Camping is only allowed at designated campsites marked with a post. This can be quite crowded. <br /> <br /> At mile 20.6 is the junction with the Broken Top Trail #10. Stay straight (South). It's a little confusing here, there are several junctions within 1/4 mile. There are some nice places to camp down the Broken Top Trail that are not so crowded, see [[Trail around Broken Top]].<br /> <br /> At mile 22.8 (6000') is the junction with the Moraine Lake Trail #17.1. Go right (Northwest). Beyond here, the Green Lake crowds really thin out.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.2 is Moraine Lake (6450'). This is the last opportunity to get drinking water for a while. There are campsites here, and within 1/2 mile to the West. Camping is only allowed at campsites marked with a post.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.5 (6550') is the junction with a trail going left to a campsite, and right to campsites and up to the South Sister. It's about 3 miles to the summit at 10236'. The route is non-technical, but very steep. You have to walk on a lot of loose gravel. There's sort of a trail. This is the easiest route up the South Sister.<br /> <br /> Stay straight on the Moraine Lake Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.9 is the junction with the Devil's Lake Trail #36, which goes left, and another route up the South Sister which goes right. It's 1.3 miles down to the Devil's Lake Trailhead at 5500'.<br /> <br /> Stay straight on the Moraine Lake Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 26.1 (6135') is the junction with an un-named trail that goes right crossing the Wickiup Plain. Take this trail. There are a couple nice places to camp just before this junction, but no drinking water.<br /> <br /> The hike now crosses the Wickiup plain, which is grass with a few islands of trees. Very scenic. Nice views.<br /> <br /> At mile 27.3 (6200') is the junction with the PCT. Stay right (North) on the PCT.<br /> <br /> At mile 28.4 (6100') is a small stream, the first drinking water since Moraine Lake. There are several drinking water streams between here and Separation Creek.<br /> <br /> At mile 29.7 (5900') is the junction with the Linton Meadow Trail #3546. As an alternative, you could go down this trail to see some nice meadows and lakes, and connect back up to the PCT on the Foley Trail or Linton Trail (see below). There is more drinking water than on the PCT, especially late in the season.<br /> <br /> At mile 30.2 (6100') is a lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 32.3 (6400') is Separation Creek. A little further is Reese lake and the junction with an un-marked trail going right (East) up to Chambers Lakes and Camp Lake. This is where you get to if you take the shortcut between the South and Middle/North Sisters. See [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]]. There are some campsites near Reese lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 33.9 (6300') is the junction with the Foley Trail #3511, which goes left (West). There is camping and drinking water down there. Stay straight (North).<br /> <br /> At mile 35.4 (6450') is the junction with Linton Trail #3547, which goes left (West). There is camping and drinking water down there. Stay straight (North).<br /> <br /> At mile 37.4 is the beginning of the Obsidian limited use area. Camping is only allowed with special permit you can get from Detroit Ranger Station. There's a quota on the number allowed. I've never had anyone check this so you might take your chances and camp discretely. Like there's an area about 0.25 mile Northwest of Sisters Spring that is far enough off the trail no one would notice you (maybe).<br /> <br /> At mile 37.6 (6550') is the junction with the Obsidian Trail #3528. Stay straight (North). A little further is the scenic Obsidian Falls, a small and tall waterfall. There isn't really all that much obsidian around. I was expecting huge obsidian cliffs.<br /> <br /> At mile 37.8 (6620') is Sisters Spring, the first drinking water since Seperation Creek. It's interesting how the stream just appears at the base of a cliff area.<br /> <br /> At mile 38.7 (6400') is the junction with the Glacier Way Trail #4336. There is a trail going up the North side of Glacier Creek to a number of nice campsites. Look for pockets of trees with broken paths off the main trail. The area is called Sunshine Meadows. Glacier Creek supplies drinking water year-round.<br /> <br /> At mile 39.1 is the end of the Obsidian Limited use area.<br /> <br /> At mile 40.2, the trail crosses the White Branch stream, according to the map, but I didn't see any water in August.<br /> <br /> At mile 41.2 (6900') is Opie Dilldock Pass. Very alpine area. Great views.<br /> <br /> At mile 41.7 (6700') is Minnie Scott Spring. First drinking water since Sisters Spring and Glacier Creek. It's easy to miss the spring late in the summer. It appears about 100' East of the trail and forms a stream that may peter out before it even reaches the trail. You have to engineer a dam to form a pool, then let the mud settle before getting water. Seems to be reliable year round. Nice campsites down a side trail to the West. Next drinking water is at South Mattieu Lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 43.7 (6500') the trail traverses Yapoah Crater. There are tracks up to the summit at 6737'. Great views to the North across lava fields to Belknap Crater, Mount Washington, and Mount Jefferson.<br /> <br /> At mile 45.1 (6050') you rejoin your route at the Scott Trail junction.<br /> <br /> On the way back to the trailhead, take the PCT rather than the Mattieu Lake Trail, just for a change of view. <br /> <br /> Back to Lava Lake Trailhead at mile 48.1.<br /> <br /> === Alternate Trips ===<br /> <br /> Three night backpack - camp at Camp Creek Trail junction, Moraine Lake, and a little beyond Sisters Spring. Mileage each day - 10.5, 12.5, 13.6, 10.3<br /> <br /> Four night backpack - camp at Alder Creek, Park Meadows, somewhere after you re-join the PCT, and Minnie Scott Springs. Mileage each day - 5.2, 10.1, 11.9, 12.5, 6.4<br /> <br /> Four night backpack using shortcut - Alder Creek, Camp Lake, Seperation Creek, Minnie Scott Spring. Between Camp Lake and Seperation Lake do some extra exploring. Mileage - 5.2, 8.9, 3.4, 8.9, 6.4<br /> <br /> === Maps ===<br /> [[Image:sistersmap1.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap2.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap3.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap4.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmaptest.jpg|thumb|400px|test map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> <br /> {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=22233 Three Sisters Figure-8 Cross-Country Loop 16/18-Jul-2015]<br /> (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=8 here] to add your own)<br /> <br /> {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=141 here] to ask a question or start a conversation)<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> <br /> === Page Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:Retiredjerry]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Three_Sisters_Loop_Hike Three Sisters Loop Hike 2020-08-27T14:41:50Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Central Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Deschutes National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Willamette National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Three Sisters Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Geologic Features]]<br /> [[Category:Alpine Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Exposed Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Loop Hikes]] <br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Waterfall Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:ssistermoraine.jpg|thumb|400px|South Sister above Moraine Lake ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:dilldock.jpg|thumb|250px|Mount Washington and Mount Jefferson from Opie Dilldock Pass ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sisterlog.jpg|thumb|250px|Typical stream crossing ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Lava Lake Trailhead}}<br /> * Ending Point: [[Lava Lake Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail Log: [[Trail around Three Sisters Hike/Log|Trail Log]]<br /> {{Distance|48.1 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|5800 feet}}<br /> * High Point: 7000 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Summer and early Fall<br /> * Family Friendly: No<br /> * Backpackable: Yes <br /> * Crowded: at some places<br /> <br /> <br /> {{Recent Conditions|2014/August|After fire in 2012 there are signs posted saying no camping allowed between The Scott Trail and a little before Park Meadow on the Green Lakes Trail and the Pole Creek Trail from the trailhead up to about 1 mile above the Green Lake Trail. You can still walk through. The streams are fairly unaffected. You might be better to stay on the West side. [[Pole Creek Burn Area]]}}<br /> <br /> The hike around the Three Sisters is one of the nicest in the area, if you have a few days, or in one day if you are a super-looney hiker.<br /> <br /> You get great views of the Three Sisters, other peaks, and surrounding areas. There are some amazing lava fields. There are alpine meadows and streams. There are places that are fairly crowded and other places that are pretty remote.<br /> <br /> Compared to the trail around Mount Hood, the Three Sisters is longer but less elevation gain. There are fewer difficult hikes down into steep canyons and across difficult streams. On Mount Hood there is more fine ash eroded by water with streams flowing on top. On the Three Sisters there is more pumice like material with the water perculating into it rather than forming streams. There is less human impact like Timberline Lodge and Mount Hood Meadows ski area.<br /> <br /> It's a little more difficult to find drinking water on the Three Sisters, especially on the West side, because the soil is more porous so the water flows underneath.<br /> <br /> There is an option for a 35 mile loop by hiking up between the South Sister and the Middle/North Sisters. This trail is un-developed at places. The elevation gain for this loop is about 3900 feet. Look at [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]] for details.<br /> <br /> Another option would be to just loop around the South Sister. For this to really make sense, you have to take the off trail shortcut between Camp Lake and the Green Lakes Pass [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail]].<br /> <br /> There are also options towards Broken Top ([[Trail around Broken Top]]).<br /> <br /> This hike is listed as a loop, but about 1 mile at the beginning is the same. Call it a balloon hike with a very short string.<br /> <br /> This hike starts at the Lava Lake Trailhead which is just East of McKenzie Pass. Another option is to start at the Pole Creek Trailhead which would save about 3 miles from the hike. This requires driving a little further, on forest roads. Another possibility is to start at the Devil's Lake Trailhead on the South side. This would save about 3.2 miles, but is quite a bit further drive from Portland. These options omit the hike up to and down from South Mattieu Lake which is a really scenic leg.<br /> <br /> You need to fill out a self issuing permit at whichever trailhead you enter on. <br /> <br /> You need a special permit that you can get from Detroit Ranger Station to camp in Obsidian Area. There's a quota on the number allowed. I think PCT thru-hikers are exempt from this, but not people just hiking around the Three Sisters according to some ranger I met on the trail.<br /> <br /> There is a plan to have a quota system limiting use and online permits required for the entire wilderness. Also Mount Jefferson and other areas. This is currently on hold because of covid. There's something good about covid?<br /> <br /> === Description ===<br /> <br /> Start at the Lava Lake Trailhead at 5300 feet elevation. The trail goes Southwest from the parking area.<br /> <br /> At mile 0.2 is the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT, #2000). Stay left (South). Right goes to McKenzie Pass about 0.5 miles away.<br /> <br /> At mile 0.9 (5460') is the junction with the Mattieu Lake Trail #4062. You can go either way - it's the same distance, but for this hike, I arbitrarily say to stay right.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.1 (5750') is North Mattieu Lake. There are many nice campsites around the lake. This can be crowded on summer weekends. Somewhat sparse forest of pine trees.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.8 (6030') is the junction back to the PCT. A few hundred feet further is South Mattieu Lake. There are a few campsites around the lake. There is a little alpine vegetation. Quite a few people on summer weekends, but beyond here the crowds thin out.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.9 (6030') is the junction with the Scott Trail #4068. Stay left, on the Scott Trail.<br /> <br /> Somewhere around mile 4.1 (5400') is an unmarked trail to Yapoah Lake, which is about 0.3 miles away. Camping next to the lake. Or, maybe nicer camp spots at this junction and get drinking water from the lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 4.7 (5300') is the junction with the Green Lake Trail #4070. (At Green Lake, the trail number changes to #17.) Go right (South) on the Green Lake Trail. If you stayed on the Scott Trail, it's about 1.7 miles to the Scott Trailhead. <br /> <br /> At mile 6.8 (5600') is Alder Creek. This is a good spot to camp and get drinking water. This is the only drinking water between South Mattieu Lake and the Camp Lake Trail. In September the creek may dry up, but there's still probably water flowing underground - go along the streambed and find a pool, maybe enlarge it a bit and then let the silt settle. Or maybe you're better off going to the Camp Creek Trail stream for better drinking water.<br /> <br /> Between here and the Pole Creek Trail is a really nice area. The trail gets up to 6260'. Many great places to camp, but no drinking water. You could bring water from Alder Creek (or Camp Creek if you're going counter-clockwise). Lot's of wide open area you could go off trail on. You could go a long ways up on the mountain. You could probably cross over to Camp Lake or Yapoah Crater.<br /> <br /> At mile 11.1 (5900') is the junction with the Pole Creek Trail #4072 which goes left (Northeast) 1.4 miles to the Pole Creek trailhead. Stay right (South) on the Green Lakes Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 11.7 (5760') is the junction with the Camp Lake Trail #4074, which goes right (West). There is a drinking water stream (Soap Creek) and a campsite.<br /> <br /> There is an alternate route that saves about 13 miles. It's 7.9 miles to the PCT at Seperation Creek on the other side. High point is 7400'. There's a trail most of the way, but for about a mile it's hard to find the faint route. See [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]] for a more complete description.<br /> <br /> This hike stays straight (South) on the Green Lakes Trail.<br /> <br /> Between here and Park Meadow the trail crosses a number of small streams which provide good drinking water.<br /> <br /> At mile 14.8 (6000') is a lake with campsites.<br /> <br /> At mile 16.5 (6180') is the junction with the Park Meadow Trail #4075, which goes left (see [[Trail around Broken Top]]). There is a good drinking water stream. Nice campsites, but a little crowded. Some nice campsites south along Park Creek. This is the last drinking water for a while. Stay right (Southwest).<br /> <br /> At mile 18.6 is the Green Lakes Pass, the high point of this hike at 7000'. There is some really nice alpine scenery with great views of the Sisters. Many places that you could camp, but no drinking water, and it's pretty exposed if the weather is at all bad. There's a shortcut from here over to Camp Lake [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail]].<br /> <br /> At mile 19.3 (6660') is the junction with an unmarked trail that goes right around the other side of Green Lake. This joins back up at mile 19.4. You can go either way. Camping is only allowed at designated campsites marked with a post. This can be quite crowded. <br /> <br /> At mile 20.6 is the junction with the Broken Top Trail #10. Stay straight (South). It's a little confusing here, there are several junctions within 1/4 mile. There are some nice places to camp down the Broken Top Trail that are not so crowded, see [[Trail around Broken Top]].<br /> <br /> At mile 22.8 (6000') is the junction with the Moraine Lake Trail #17.1. Go right (Northwest). Beyond here, the Green Lake crowds really thin out.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.2 is Moraine Lake (6450'). This is the last opportunity to get drinking water for a while. There are campsites here, and within 1/2 mile to the West. Camping is only allowed at campsites marked with a post.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.5 (6550') is the junction with a trail going left to a campsite, and right to campsites and up to the South Sister. It's about 3 miles to the summit at 10236'. The route is non-technical, but very steep. You have to walk on a lot of loose gravel. There's sort of a trail. This is the easiest route up the South Sister.<br /> <br /> Stay straight on the Moraine Lake Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.9 is the junction with the Devil's Lake Trail #36, which goes left, and another route up the South Sister which goes right. It's 1.3 miles down to the Devil's Lake Trailhead at 5500'.<br /> <br /> Stay straight on the Moraine Lake Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 26.1 (6135') is the junction with an un-named trail that goes right crossing the Wickiup Plain. Take this trail. There are a couple nice places to camp just before this junction, but no drinking water.<br /> <br /> The hike now crosses the Wickiup plain, which is grass with a few islands of trees. Very scenic. Nice views.<br /> <br /> At mile 27.3 (6200') is the junction with the PCT. Stay right (North) on the PCT.<br /> <br /> At mile 28.4 (6100') is a small stream, the first drinking water since Moraine Lake. There are several drinking water streams between here and Separation Creek.<br /> <br /> At mile 29.7 (5900') is the junction with the Linton Meadow Trail #3546. As an alternative, you could go down this trail to see some nice meadows and lakes, and connect back up to the PCT on the Foley Trail or Linton Trail (see below). There is more drinking water than on the PCT, especially late in the season.<br /> <br /> At mile 30.2 (6100') is a lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 32.3 (6400') is Separation Creek. A little further is Reese lake and the junction with an un-marked trail going right (East) up to Chambers Lakes and Camp Lake. This is where you get to if you take the shortcut between the South and Middle/North Sisters. See [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]]. There are some campsites near Reese lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 33.9 (6300') is the junction with the Foley Trail #3511, which goes left (West). There is camping and drinking water down there. Stay straight (North).<br /> <br /> At mile 35.4 (6450') is the junction with Linton Trail #3547, which goes left (West). There is camping and drinking water down there. Stay straight (North).<br /> <br /> At mile 37.4 is the beginning of the Obsidian limited use area. Camping is only allowed with special permit you can get from Detroit Ranger Station. There's a quota on the number allowed. I've never had anyone check this so you might take your chances and camp discretely. Like there's an area about 0.25 mile Northwest of Sisters Spring that is far enough off the trail no one would notice you (maybe).<br /> <br /> At mile 37.6 (6550') is the junction with the Obsidian Trail #3528. Stay straight (North). A little further is the scenic Obsidian Falls, a small and tall waterfall. There isn't really all that much osidian around. I was expecting huge obsidian cliffs.<br /> <br /> At mile 37.8 (6620') is Sisters Spring, the first drinking water since Seperation Creek. It's interesting how the stream just appears at the base of a cliff area.<br /> <br /> At mile 38.7 (6400') is the junction with the Glacier Way Trail #4336. There is a trail going up the North side of Glacier Creek to a number of nice campsites. Look for pockets of trees with broken paths off the main trail. The area is called Sunshine Meadows. Glacier Creek supplies drinking water year-round.<br /> <br /> At mile 39.1 is the end of the Obsidian Limited use area.<br /> <br /> At mile 40.2, the trail crosses the White Branch stream, according to the map, but I didn't see any water in August.<br /> <br /> At mile 41.2 (6900') is Opie Dilldock Pass. Very alpine area. Great views.<br /> <br /> At mile 41.7 (6700') is Minnie Scott Spring. First drinking water since Sisters Spring and Glacier Creek. It's easy to miss the spring late in the summer. It appears about 100' East of the trail and forms a stream that may peter out before it even reaches the trail. You have to engineer a dam to form a pool, then let the mud settle before getting water. Seems to be reliable year round. Nice campsites down a side trail to the West. Next drinking water is at South Mattieu Lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 43.7 (6500') the trail traverses Yapoah Crater. There are tracks up to the summit at 6737'. Great views to the North across lava fields to Belknap Crater, Mount Washington, and Mount Jefferson.<br /> <br /> At mile 45.1 (6050') you rejoin your route at the Scott Trail junction.<br /> <br /> On the way back to the trailhead, take the PCT rather than the Mattieu Lake Trail, just for a change of view. <br /> <br /> Back to Lava Lake Trailhead at mile 48.1.<br /> <br /> === Alternate Trips ===<br /> <br /> Three night backpack - camp at Camp Creek Trail junction, Moraine Lake, and a little beyond Sisters Spring. Mileage each day - 10.5, 12.5, 13.6, 10.3<br /> <br /> Four night backpack - camp at Alder Creek, Park Meadows, somewhere after you re-join the PCT, and Minnie Scott Springs. Mileage each day - 5.2, 10.1, 11.9, 12.5, 6.4<br /> <br /> Four night backpack using shortcut - Alder Creek, Camp Lake, Seperation Creek, Minnie Scott Spring. Between Camp Lake and Seperation Lake do some extra exploring. Mileage - 5.2, 8.9, 3.4, 8.9, 6.4<br /> <br /> === Maps ===<br /> [[Image:sistersmap1.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap2.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap3.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap4.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmaptest.jpg|thumb|400px|test map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> <br /> {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=22233 Three Sisters Figure-8 Cross-Country Loop 16/18-Jul-2015]<br /> (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=8 here] to add your own)<br /> <br /> {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=141 here] to ask a question or start a conversation)<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> <br /> === Page Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:Retiredjerry]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Three_Sisters_Loop_Hike Three Sisters Loop Hike 2020-08-27T14:36:36Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Central Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Deschutes National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Willamette National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Three Sisters Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Geologic Features]]<br /> [[Category:Alpine Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Exposed Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Loop Hikes]] <br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Waterfall Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:ssistermoraine.jpg|thumb|400px|South Sister above Moraine Lake ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:dilldock.jpg|thumb|250px|Mount Washington and Mount Jefferson from Opie Dilldock Pass ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sisterlog.jpg|thumb|250px|Typical stream crossing ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Lava Lake Trailhead}}<br /> * Ending Point: [[Lava Lake Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail Log: [[Trail around Three Sisters Hike/Log|Trail Log]]<br /> {{Distance|48.1 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|5800 feet}}<br /> * High Point: 7000 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Summer and early Fall<br /> * Family Friendly: No<br /> * Backpackable: Yes <br /> * Crowded: at some places<br /> <br /> <br /> {{Recent Conditions|2014/August|After fire in 2012 there are signs posted saying no camping allowed between The Scott Trail and a little before Park Meadow on the Green Lakes Trail and the Pole Creek Trail from the trailhead up to about 1 mile above the Green Lake Trail. You can still walk through. The streams are fairly unaffected. You might be better to stay on the West side. [[Pole Creek Burn Area]]}}<br /> <br /> The hike around the Three Sisters is one of the nicest in the area, if you have a few days, or in one day if you are a super-looney hiker.<br /> <br /> You get great views of the Three Sisters, other peaks, and surrounding areas. There are some amazing lava fields. There are alpine meadows and streams. There are places that are fairly crowded and other places that are pretty remote.<br /> <br /> Compared to the trail around Mount Hood, the Three Sisters is longer but less elevation gain. There are fewer difficult hikes down into steep canyons and across difficult streams. On Mount Hood there is more fine ash eroded by water with streams flowing on top. On the Three Sisters there is more pumice like material with the water perculating into it rather than forming streams. There is less human impact like Timberline Lodge and Mount Hood Meadows ski area.<br /> <br /> It's a little more difficult to find drinking water on the Three Sisters, especially on the West side, because the soil is more porous so the water flows underneath.<br /> <br /> There is an option for a 35 mile loop by hiking up between the South Sister and the Middle/North Sisters. This trail is un-developed at places. The elevation gain for this loop is about 3900 feet. Look at [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]] for details.<br /> <br /> Another option would be to just loop around the South Sister. For this to really make sense, you have to take the off trail shortcut between Camp Lake and the Green Lakes Pass [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail]].<br /> <br /> There are also options towards Broken Top ([[Trail around Broken Top]]).<br /> <br /> This hike is listed as a loop, but about 1 mile at the beginning is the same. Call it a balloon hike with a very short string.<br /> <br /> This hike starts at the Lava Lake Trailhead which is just East of McKenzie Pass. Another option is to start at the Pole Creek Trailhead which would save about 3 miles from the hike. This requires driving a little further, on forest roads. Another possibility is to start at the Devil's Lake Trailhead on the South side. This would save about 3.2 miles, but is quite a bit further drive from Portland. These options omit the hike up to and down from South Mattieu Lake which is a really scenic leg.<br /> <br /> You need to fill out a self issuing permit at whichever trailhead you enter on. <br /> <br /> You need a special permit that you can get from Detroit Ranger Station to camp in Obsidian Area. There's a quota on the number allowed. I think PCT thru-hikers are exempt from this, but not people just hiking around the Three Sisters according to some ranger I met on the trail.<br /> <br /> There is a plan to have a quota system limiting use and online permits required for the entire wilderness. Also Mount Jefferson and other areas. This is currently on hold because of covid. There's something good about covid?<br /> <br /> === Description ===<br /> <br /> Start at the Lava Lake Trailhead at 5300 feet elevation. The trail goes Southwest from the parking area.<br /> <br /> At mile 0.2 is the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT, #2000). Stay left (South). Right goes to McKenzie Pass about 0.5 miles away.<br /> <br /> At mile 0.9 (5460') is the junction with the Mattieu Lake Trail #4062. You can go either way - it's the same distance, but for this hike, I arbitrarily say to stay right.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.1 (5750') is North Mattieu Lake. There are many nice campsites around the lake. This can be crowded on summer weekends. Somewhat sparse forest of pine trees.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.8 (6030') is the junction back to the PCT. A few hundred feet further is South Mattieu Lake. There are a few campsites around the lake. There is a little alpine vegetation. Quite a few people on summer weekends, but beyond here the crowds thin out.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.9 (6030') is the junction with the Scott Trail #4068. Stay left, on the Scott Trail.<br /> <br /> Somewhere around mile 4.1 (5400') is an unmarked trail to Yapoah Lake, which is about 0.3 miles away. Camping next to the lake. Or, maybe nicer camp spots at this junction and get drinking water from the lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 4.7 (5300') is the junction with the Green Lake Trail #4070. (At Green Lake, the trail number changes to #17.) Go right (South) on the Green Lake Trail. If you stayed on the Scott Trail, it's about 1.7 miles to the Scott Trailhead. <br /> <br /> At mile 6.8 (5600') is Alder Creek. This is a good spot to camp and get drinking water. This is the only drinking water between South Mattieu Lake and the Camp Lake Trail. In September the creek may dry up, but there's still probably water flowing underground - go along the streambed and find a pool, maybe enlarge it a bit and then let the silt settle. Or maybe you're better off going to the Camp Creek Trail stream for better drinking water.<br /> <br /> Between here and the Pole Creek Trail is a really nice area. The trail gets up to 6260'. Many great places to camp, but no drinking water. You could bring water from Alder Creek (or Camp Creek if you're going counter-clockwise). Lot's of wide open area you could go off trail on. You could go a long ways up on the mountain. You could probably cross over to Camp Lake or Yapoah Crater.<br /> <br /> At mile 11.1 (5900') is the junction with the Pole Creek Trail #4072 which goes left (Northeast) 1.4 miles to the Pole Creek trailhead. Stay right (South) on the Green Lakes Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 11.7 (5760') is the junction with the Camp Lake Trail #4074, which goes right (West). There is a drinking water stream (Soap Creek) and a campsite.<br /> <br /> There is an alternate route that saves about 13 miles. It's 7.9 miles to the PCT at Seperation Creek on the other side. High point is 7400'. There's a trail most of the way, but for about a mile it's hard to find the faint route. See [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]] for a more complete description.<br /> <br /> This hike stays straight (South) on the Green Lakes Trail.<br /> <br /> Between here and Park Meadow the trail crosses a number of small streams which provide good drinking water.<br /> <br /> At mile 14.8 (6000') is a lake with campsites.<br /> <br /> At mile 16.5 (6180') is the junction with the Park Meadow Trail #4075, which goes left (see [[Trail around Broken Top]]). There is a good drinking water stream. Nice campsites, but a little crowded. This is the last drinking water for a while. Stay right (Southwest).<br /> <br /> At mile 18.6 is the Green Lakes Pass, the high point of this hike at 7000'. There is some really nice alpine scenery with great views of the Sisters. Many places that you could camp, but no drinking water, and it's pretty exposed if the weather is at all bad. There's a shortcut from here over to Camp Lake [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail]].<br /> <br /> At mile 19.3 (6660') is the junction with an unmarked trail that goes right around the other side of Green Lake. This joins back up at mile 19.4. You can go either way. Camping is only allowed at designated campsites marked with a post. This can be quite crowded. <br /> <br /> At mile 20.6 is the junction with the Broken Top Trail #10. Stay straight (South). It's a little confusing here, there are several junctions within 1/4 mile. There are some nice places to camp down the Broken Top Trail that are not so crowded, see [[Trail around Broken Top]].<br /> <br /> At mile 22.8 (6000') is the junction with the Moraine Lake Trail #17.1. Go right (Northwest). Beyond here, the Green Lake crowds really thin out.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.2 is Moraine Lake (6450'). This is the last opportunity to get drinking water for a while. There are campsites here, and within 1/2 mile to the West. Camping is only allowed at campsites marked with a post.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.5 (6550') is the junction with a trail going left to a campsite, and right to campsites and up to the South Sister. It's about 3 miles to the summit at 10236'. The route is non-technical, but very steep. You have to walk on a lot of loose gravel. There's sort of a trail. This is the easiest route up the South Sister.<br /> <br /> Stay straight on the Moraine Lake Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.9 is the junction with the Devil's Lake Trail #36, which goes left, and another route up the South Sister which goes right. It's 1.3 miles down to the Devil's Lake Trailhead at 5500'.<br /> <br /> Stay straight on the Moraine Lake Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 26.1 (6135') is the junction with an un-named trail that goes right crossing the Wickiup Plain. Take this trail. There are a couple nice places to camp just before this junction, but no drinking water.<br /> <br /> The hike now crosses the Wickiup plain, which is grass with a few islands of trees. Very scenic. Nice views.<br /> <br /> At mile 27.3 (6200') is the junction with the PCT. Stay right (North) on the PCT.<br /> <br /> At mile 28.4 (6100') is a small stream, the first drinking water since Moraine Lake. There are several drinking water streams between here and Separation Creek.<br /> <br /> At mile 29.7 (5900') is the junction with the Linton Meadow Trail #3546. As an alternative, you could go down this trail to see some nice meadows and lakes, and connect back up to the PCT on the Foley Trail or Linton Trail (see below). There is more drinking water than on the PCT, especially late in the season.<br /> <br /> At mile 30.2 (6100') is a lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 32.3 (6400') is Separation Creek. A little further is Reese lake and the junction with an un-marked trail going right (East) up to Chambers Lakes and Camp Lake. This is where you get to if you take the shortcut between the South and Middle/North Sisters. See [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]]. There are some campsites near Reese lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 33.9 (6300') is the junction with the Foley Trail #3511, which goes left (West). There is camping and drinking water down there. Stay straight (North).<br /> <br /> At mile 35.4 (6450') is the junction with Linton Trail #3547, which goes left (West). There is camping and drinking water down there. Stay straight (North).<br /> <br /> At mile 37.4 is the beginning of the Obsidian limited use area. Camping is only allowed with special permit you can get from Detroit Ranger Station. There's a quota on the number allowed. I've never had anyone check this so you might take your chances and camp discretely. Like there's an area about 0.25 mile Northwest of Sisters Spring that is far enough off the trail no one would notice you (maybe).<br /> <br /> At mile 37.6 (6550') is the junction with the Obsidian Trail #3528. Stay straight (North). A little further is the scenic Obsidian Falls, a small and tall waterfall. There isn't really all that much osidian around. I was expecting huge obsidian cliffs.<br /> <br /> At mile 37.8 (6620') is Sisters Spring, the first drinking water since Seperation Creek. It's interesting how the stream just appears at the base of a cliff area.<br /> <br /> At mile 38.7 (6400') is the junction with the Glacier Way Trail #4336. There is a trail going up the North side of Glacier Creek to a number of nice campsites. Look for pockets of trees with broken paths off the main trail. The area is called Sunshine Meadows. Glacier Creek supplies drinking water year-round.<br /> <br /> At mile 39.1 is the end of the Obsidian Limited use area.<br /> <br /> At mile 40.2, the trail crosses the White Branch stream, according to the map, but I didn't see any water in August.<br /> <br /> At mile 41.2 (6900') is Opie Dilldock Pass. Very alpine area. Great views.<br /> <br /> At mile 41.7 (6700') is Minnie Scott Spring. First drinking water since Sisters Spring and Glacier Creek. It's easy to miss the spring late in the summer. It appears about 100' East of the trail and forms a stream that may peter out before it even reaches the trail. You have to engineer a dam to form a pool, then let the mud settle before getting water. Seems to be reliable year round. Nice campsites down a side trail to the West. Next drinking water is at South Mattieu Lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 43.7 (6500') the trail traverses Yapoah Crater. There are tracks up to the summit at 6737'. Great views to the North across lava fields to Belknap Crater, Mount Washington, and Mount Jefferson.<br /> <br /> At mile 45.1 (6050') you rejoin your route at the Scott Trail junction.<br /> <br /> On the way back to the trailhead, take the PCT rather than the Mattieu Lake Trail, just for a change of view. <br /> <br /> Back to Lava Lake Trailhead at mile 48.1.<br /> <br /> === Alternate Trips ===<br /> <br /> Three night backpack - camp at Camp Creek Trail junction, Moraine Lake, and a little beyond Sisters Spring. Mileage each day - 10.5, 12.5, 13.6, 10.3<br /> <br /> Four night backpack - camp at Alder Creek, Park Meadows, somewhere after you re-join the PCT, and Minnie Scott Springs. Mileage each day - 5.2, 10.1, 11.9, 12.5, 6.4<br /> <br /> Four night backpack using shortcut - Alder Creek, Camp Lake, Seperation Creek, Minnie Scott Spring. Between Camp Lake and Seperation Lake do some extra exploring. Mileage - 5.2, 8.9, 3.4, 8.9, 6.4<br /> <br /> === Maps ===<br /> [[Image:sistersmap1.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap2.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap3.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap4.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmaptest.jpg|thumb|400px|test map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> <br /> {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=22233 Three Sisters Figure-8 Cross-Country Loop 16/18-Jul-2015]<br /> (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=8 here] to add your own)<br /> <br /> {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=141 here] to ask a question or start a conversation)<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> <br /> === Page Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:Retiredjerry]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Three_Sisters_Loop_Hike Three Sisters Loop Hike 2020-08-27T14:28:55Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Central Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Deschutes National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Willamette National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Three Sisters Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Geologic Features]]<br /> [[Category:Alpine Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Exposed Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Loop Hikes]] <br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Waterfall Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:ssistermoraine.jpg|thumb|400px|South Sister above Moraine Lake ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:dilldock.jpg|thumb|250px|Mount Washington and Mount Jefferson from Opie Dilldock Pass ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sisterlog.jpg|thumb|250px|Typical stream crossing ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Lava Lake Trailhead}}<br /> * Ending Point: [[Lava Lake Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail Log: [[Trail around Three Sisters Hike/Log|Trail Log]]<br /> {{Distance|48.1 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|5800 feet}}<br /> * High Point: 7000 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Summer and early Fall<br /> * Family Friendly: No<br /> * Backpackable: Yes <br /> * Crowded: at some places<br /> <br /> <br /> {{Recent Conditions|2014/August|After fire in 2012 there are signs posted saying no camping allowed between The Scott Trail and a little before Park Meadow on the Green Lakes Trail and the Pole Creek Trail from the trailhead up to about 1 mile above the Green Lake Trail. You can still walk through. The streams are fairly unaffected. You might be better to stay on the West side. [[Pole Creek Burn Area]]}}<br /> <br /> The hike around the Three Sisters is one of the nicest in the area, if you have a few days, or in one day if you are a super-looney hiker.<br /> <br /> You get great views of the Three Sisters, other peaks, and surrounding areas. There are some amazing lava fields. There are alpine meadows and streams. There are places that are fairly crowded and other places that are pretty remote.<br /> <br /> Compared to the trail around Mount Hood, the Three Sisters is longer but less elevation gain. There are fewer difficult hikes down into steep canyons and across difficult streams. On Mount Hood there is more fine ash eroded by water with streams flowing on top. On the Three Sisters there is more pumice like material with the water perculating into it rather than forming streams. There is less human impact like Timberline Lodge and Mount Hood Meadows ski area.<br /> <br /> It's a little more difficult to find drinking water on the Three Sisters, especially on the West side, because the soil is more porous so the water flows underneath.<br /> <br /> There is an option for a 35 mile loop by hiking up between the South Sister and the Middle/North Sisters. This trail is un-developed at places. The elevation gain for this loop is about 3900 feet. Look at [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]] for details.<br /> <br /> Another option would be to just loop around the South Sister. For this to really make sense, you have to take the off trail shortcut between Camp Lake and the Green Lakes Pass [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail]].<br /> <br /> There are also options towards Broken Top ([[Trail around Broken Top]]).<br /> <br /> This hike is listed as a loop, but about 1 mile at the beginning is the same. Call it a balloon hike with a very short string.<br /> <br /> This hike starts at the Lava Lake Trailhead which is just East of McKenzie Pass. Another option is to start at the Pole Creek Trailhead which would save about 3 miles from the hike. This requires driving a little further, on forest roads. Another possibility is to start at the Devil's Lake Trailhead on the South side. This would save about 3.2 miles, but is quite a bit further drive from Portland. These options omit the hike up to and down from South Mattieu Lake which is a really scenic leg.<br /> <br /> You need to fill out a self issuing permit at whichever trailhead you enter on. <br /> <br /> You need a special permit that you can get from Detroit Ranger Station to camp in Obsidian Area. There's a quota on the number allowed. I think PCT thru-hikers are exempt from this, but not people just hiking around the Three Sisters according to some ranger I met on the trail.<br /> <br /> There is a plan to have a quota system limiting use and online permits required for the entire wilderness. Also Mount Jefferson and other areas. This is currently on hold because of covid. There's something good about covid?<br /> <br /> === Description ===<br /> <br /> Start at the Lava Lake Trailhead at 5300 feet elevation. The trail goes Southwest from the parking area.<br /> <br /> At mile 0.2 is the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT, #2000). Stay left (South). Right goes to McKenzie Pass about 0.5 miles away.<br /> <br /> At mile 0.9 (5460') is the junction with the Mattieu Lake Trail #4062. You can go either way - it's the same distance, but for this hike, I arbitrarily say to stay right.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.1 (5750') is North Mattieu Lake. There are many nice campsites around the lake. This can be crowded on summer weekends. Somewhat sparse forest of pine trees.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.8 (6030') is the junction back to the PCT. A few hundred feet further is South Mattieu Lake. There are a few campsites around the lake. There is a little alpine vegetation. Quite a few people on summer weekends, but beyond here the crowds thin out.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.9 (6030') is the junction with the Scott Trail #4068. Stay left, on the Scott Trail.<br /> <br /> Somewhere around mile 4.1 (5400') is an unmarked trail to Yapoah Lake, which is about 0.3 miles away. Camping next to the lake. Or, maybe nicer camp spots at this junction and get drinking water from the lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 4.7 (5300') is the junction with the Green Lake Trail #4070. (At Green Lake, the trail number changes to #17.) Go right (South) on the Green Lake Trail. If you stayed on the Scott Trail, it's about 1.7 miles to the Scott Trailhead. <br /> <br /> At mile 6.8 (5600') is Alder Creek. This is a good spot to camp and get drinking water. This is the only drinking water between South Mattieu Lake and the Camp Lake Trail. In September the creek may dry up, but there's still probably water flowing underground - go along the streambed and find a pool, maybe enlarge it a bit and then let the silt settle. Or maybe you're better off going to the Camp Creek Trail stream for better drinking water.<br /> <br /> Between here and the Pole Creek Trail is a really nice area. The trail gets up to 6260'. Many great places to camp, but no drinking water. You could bring water from Alder Creek (or Camp Creek if you're going counter-clockwise). Lot's of wide open area you could go off trail on. You could go a long ways up on the mountain. You could probably cross over to Camp Lake or Yapoah Crater.<br /> <br /> At mile 11.1 (5900') is the junction with the Pole Creek Trail #4072 which goes left (Northeast) 1.4 miles to a trailhead. Stay right (South) on the Green Lakes Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 11.7 (5760') is the junction with the Camp Lake Trail #4074, which goes right (West). There is a drinking water stream (Soap Creek) and a campsite.<br /> <br /> There is an alternate route that saves about 13 miles. It's 7.9 miles to the PCT at Seperation Creek on the other side. High point is 7400'. There's a trail most of the way, but for about a mile it's hard to find the faint route. See [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]] for a more complete description.<br /> <br /> This hike stays straight (South) on the Green Lakes Trail.<br /> <br /> Between here and Park Meadow the trail crosses a number of small streams which provide good drinking water.<br /> <br /> At mile 14.8 (6000') is a lake with campsites.<br /> <br /> At mile 16.5 (6180') is the junction with the Park Meadow Trail #4075, which goes left (see [[Trail around Broken Top]]). There is a good drinking water stream. Nice campsites, but a little crowded. This is the last drinking water for a while. Stay right (Southwest).<br /> <br /> At mile 18.6 is the Green Lakes Pass, the high point of this hike at 7000'. There is some really nice alpine scenery with great views of the Sisters. Many places that you could camp, but no drinking water, and it's pretty exposed if the weather is at all bad. There's a shortcut from here over to Camp Lake [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail]].<br /> <br /> At mile 19.3 (6660') is the junction with an unmarked trail that goes right around the other side of Green Lake. This joins back up at mile 19.4. You can go either way. Camping is only allowed at designated campsites marked with a post. This can be quite crowded. <br /> <br /> At mile 20.6 is the junction with the Broken Top Trail #10. Stay straight (South). It's a little confusing here, there are several junctions within 1/4 mile. There are some nice places to camp down the Broken Top Trail that are not so crowded, see [[Trail around Broken Top]].<br /> <br /> At mile 22.8 (6000') is the junction with the Moraine Lake Trail #17.1. Go right (Northwest). Beyond here, the Green Lake crowds really thin out.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.2 is Moraine Lake (6450'). This is the last opportunity to get drinking water for a while. There are campsites here, and within 1/2 mile to the West. Camping is only allowed at campsites marked with a post.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.5 (6550') is the junction with a trail going left to a campsite, and right to campsites and up to the South Sister. It's about 3 miles to the summit at 10236'. The route is non-technical, but very steep. You have to walk on a lot of loose gravel. There's sort of a trail. This is the easiest route up the South Sister.<br /> <br /> Stay straight on the Moraine Lake Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.9 is the junction with the Devil's Lake Trail #36, which goes left, and another route up the South Sister which goes right. It's 1.3 miles down to the Devil's Lake Trailhead at 5500'.<br /> <br /> Stay straight on the Moraine Lake Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 26.1 (6135') is the junction with an un-named trail that goes right crossing the Wickiup Plain. Take this trail. There are a couple nice places to camp just before this junction, but no drinking water.<br /> <br /> The hike now crosses the Wickiup plain, which is grass with a few islands of trees. Very scenic. Nice views.<br /> <br /> At mile 27.3 (6200') is the junction with the PCT. Stay right (North) on the PCT.<br /> <br /> At mile 28.4 (6100') is a small stream, the first drinking water since Moraine Lake. There are several drinking water streams between here and Separation Creek.<br /> <br /> At mile 29.7 (5900') is the junction with the Linton Meadow Trail #3546. As an alternative, you could go down this trail to see some nice meadows and lakes, and connect back up to the PCT on the Foley Trail or Linton Trail (see below). There is more drinking water than on the PCT, especially late in the season.<br /> <br /> At mile 30.2 (6100') is a lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 32.3 (6400') is Separation Creek. A little further is Reese lake and the junction with an un-marked trail going right (East) up to Chambers Lakes and Camp Lake. This is where you get to if you take the shortcut between the South and Middle/North Sisters. See [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]]. There are some campsites near Reese lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 33.9 (6300') is the junction with the Foley Trail #3511, which goes left (West). There is camping and drinking water down there. Stay straight (North).<br /> <br /> At mile 35.4 (6450') is the junction with Linton Trail #3547, which goes left (West). There is camping and drinking water down there. Stay straight (North).<br /> <br /> At mile 37.4 is the beginning of the Obsidian limited use area. Camping is only allowed with special permit you can get from Detroit Ranger Station. There's a quota on the number allowed. I've never had anyone check this so you might take your chances and camp discretely. Like there's an area about 0.25 mile Northwest of Sisters Spring that is far enough off the trail no one would notice you (maybe).<br /> <br /> At mile 37.6 (6550') is the junction with the Obsidian Trail #3528. Stay straight (North). A little further is the scenic Obsidian Falls, a small and tall waterfall. There isn't really all that much osidian around. I was expecting huge obsidian cliffs.<br /> <br /> At mile 37.8 (6620') is Sisters Spring, the first drinking water since Seperation Creek. It's interesting how the stream just appears at the base of a cliff area.<br /> <br /> At mile 38.7 (6400') is the junction with the Glacier Way Trail #4336. There is a trail going up the North side of Glacier Creek to a number of nice campsites. Look for pockets of trees with broken paths off the main trail. The area is called Sunshine Meadows. Glacier Creek supplies drinking water year-round.<br /> <br /> At mile 39.1 is the end of the Obsidian Limited use area.<br /> <br /> At mile 40.2, the trail crosses the White Branch stream, according to the map, but I didn't see any water in August.<br /> <br /> At mile 41.2 (6900') is Opie Dilldock Pass. Very alpine area. Great views.<br /> <br /> At mile 41.7 (6700') is Minnie Scott Spring. First drinking water since Sisters Spring and Glacier Creek. It's easy to miss the spring late in the summer. It appears about 100' East of the trail and forms a stream that may peter out before it even reaches the trail. You have to engineer a dam to form a pool, then let the mud settle before getting water. Seems to be reliable year round. Nice campsites down a side trail to the West. Next drinking water is at South Mattieu Lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 43.7 (6500') the trail traverses Yapoah Crater. There are tracks up to the summit at 6737'. Great views to the North across lava fields to Belknap Crater, Mount Washington, and Mount Jefferson.<br /> <br /> At mile 45.1 (6050') you rejoin your route at the Scott Trail junction.<br /> <br /> On the way back to the trailhead, take the PCT rather than the Mattieu Lake Trail, just for a change of view. <br /> <br /> Back to Lava Lake Trailhead at mile 48.1.<br /> <br /> === Alternate Trips ===<br /> <br /> Three night backpack - camp at Camp Creek Trail junction, Moraine Lake, and a little beyond Sisters Spring. Mileage each day - 10.5, 12.5, 13.6, 10.3<br /> <br /> Four night backpack - camp at Alder Creek, Park Meadows, somewhere after you re-join the PCT, and Minnie Scott Springs. Mileage each day - 5.2, 10.1, 11.9, 12.5, 6.4<br /> <br /> Four night backpack using shortcut - Alder Creek, Camp Lake, Seperation Creek, Minnie Scott Spring. Between Camp Lake and Seperation Lake do some extra exploring. Mileage - 5.2, 8.9, 3.4, 8.9, 6.4<br /> <br /> === Maps ===<br /> [[Image:sistersmap1.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap2.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap3.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap4.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmaptest.jpg|thumb|400px|test map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> <br /> {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=22233 Three Sisters Figure-8 Cross-Country Loop 16/18-Jul-2015]<br /> (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=8 here] to add your own)<br /> <br /> {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=141 here] to ask a question or start a conversation)<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> <br /> === Page Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:Retiredjerry]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Three_Sisters_Loop_Hike Three Sisters Loop Hike 2020-08-27T14:09:36Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Central Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Deschutes National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Willamette National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Three Sisters Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Geologic Features]]<br /> [[Category:Alpine Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Exposed Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Loop Hikes]] <br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Waterfall Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:ssistermoraine.jpg|thumb|400px|South Sister above Moraine Lake ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:dilldock.jpg|thumb|250px|Mount Washington and Mount Jefferson from Opie Dilldock Pass ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sisterlog.jpg|thumb|250px|Typical stream crossing ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Lava Lake Trailhead}}<br /> * Ending Point: [[Lava Lake Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail Log: [[Trail around Three Sisters Hike/Log|Trail Log]]<br /> {{Distance|48.1 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|5800 feet}}<br /> * High Point: 7000 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Summer and early Fall<br /> * Family Friendly: No<br /> * Backpackable: Yes <br /> * Crowded: at some places<br /> <br /> <br /> {{Recent Conditions|2014/August|After fire in 2012 there are signs posted saying no camping allowed between The Scott Trail and a little before Park Meadow on the Green Lakes Trail and the Pole Creek Trail from the trailhead up to about 1 mile above the Green Lake Trail. You can still walk through. The streams are fairly unaffected. You might be better to stay on the West side. [[Pole Creek Burn Area]]}}<br /> <br /> The hike around the Three Sisters is one of the nicest in the area, if you have a few days, or in one day if you are a super-looney hiker.<br /> <br /> You get great views of the Three Sisters, other peaks, and surrounding areas. There are some amazing lava fields. There are alpine meadows and streams. There are places that are fairly crowded and other places that are pretty remote.<br /> <br /> Compared to the trail around Mount Hood, the Three Sisters is longer but less elevation gain. There are fewer difficult hikes down into steep canyons and across difficult streams. On Mount Hood there is more fine ash eroded by water with streams flowing on top. On the Three Sisters there is more pumice like material with the water perculating into it rather than forming streams. There is less human impact like Timberline Lodge and Mount Hood Meadows ski area.<br /> <br /> It's a little more difficult to find drinking water on the Three Sisters, especially on the West side, because the soil is more porous so the water flows underneath.<br /> <br /> There is an option for a 35 mile loop by hiking up between the South Sister and the Middle/North Sisters. This trail is un-developed at places. The elevation gain for this loop is about 3900 feet. Look at [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]] for details.<br /> <br /> Another option would be to just loop around the South Sister. For this to really make sense, you have to take the off trail shortcut between Camp Lake and the Green Lakes Pass [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail]].<br /> <br /> There are also options towards Broken Top ([[Trail around Broken Top]]).<br /> <br /> This hike is listed as a loop, but about 1 mile at the beginning is the same. Call it a balloon hike with a very short string.<br /> <br /> This hike starts at the Lava Lake Trailhead which is just East of McKenzie Pass. Another option is to start at the Pole Creek Trailhead which would save about 3 miles from the hike. This requires driving a little further, on forest roads. Another possibility is to start at the Devil's Lake Trailhead on the South side. This would save about 3.2 miles, but is quite a bit further drive from Portland. These options omit the hike up to and down from South Mattieu Lake which is a really scenic leg.<br /> <br /> You need to fill out a self issuing permit at whichever trailhead you enter on. <br /> <br /> You need a special permit that you can get from Detroit Ranger Station to camp in Obsidian Area. There's a quota on the number allowed. I think PCT thru-hikers are exempt from this, but not people just hiking around the Three Sisters according to some ranger I met on the trail.<br /> <br /> There is a plan to have a quota system limiting use and online permits required for the entire wilderness. Also Mount Jefferson and other areas. This is currently on hold because of covid. There's something good about covid?<br /> <br /> === Description ===<br /> <br /> Start at the Lava Lake Trailhead at 5300 feet elevation. The trail goes Southwest from the parking area.<br /> <br /> At mile 0.2 is the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT, #2000). Stay left (South). Right goes to McKenzie Pass about 0.5 miles away.<br /> <br /> At mile 0.9 (5460') is the junction with the Mattieu Lake Trail #4062. You can go either way - it's the same distance, but for this hike, I arbitrarily say to stay right.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.1 (5750') is North Mattieu Lake. There are many nice campsites around the lake. This can be crowded on summer weekends. Somewhat sparse forest of pine trees.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.8 (6030') is the junction back to the PCT. A few hundred feet further is South Mattieu Lake. There are a few campsites around the lake. There is a little alpine vegetation. Quite a few people on summer weekends, but beyond here the crowds thin out.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.9 (6030') is the junction with the Scott Trail #4068. Stay left, on the Scott Trail.<br /> <br /> Somewhere around mile 4.1 (5400') is an unmarked trail to Yapoah Lake, which is about 0.3 miles away. Camping next to the lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 4.7 (5300') is the junction with the Green Lake Trail #4070. (At Green Lake, the trail number changes to #17.) Go right (South) on the Green Lake Trail. If you stayed on the Scott Trail, it's about 1.7 miles to the Scott Trailhead. <br /> <br /> At mile 6.8 (5600') is Alder Creek. This is a good spot to camp and get drinking water. This is the only drinking water between South Mattieu Lake and the Camp Lake Trail. In September the creek may dry up, but there's still probably water flowing underground - go along the streambed and find a pool, maybe enlarge it a bit and then let the silt settle. Or maybe you're better off going to the Camp Creek Trail stream for better drinking water.<br /> <br /> Between here and the Pole Creek Trail is a really nice area. The trail gets up to 6260'. Many great places to camp, but no drinking water. You could bring water from Alder Creek (or Camp Creek if you're going counter-clockwise). Lot's of wide open area you could go off trail on. You could go a long ways up on the mountain. You could probably cross over to Camp Lake or Yapoah Crater.<br /> <br /> At mile 11.1 (5900') is the junction with the Pole Creek Trail #4072 which goes left (Northeast) 1.4 miles to a trailhead. Stay right (South) on the Green Lakes Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 11.7 (5760') is the junction with the Camp Lake Trail #4074, which goes right (West). There is a drinking water stream (Soap Creek) and a campsite.<br /> <br /> There is an alternate route that saves about 13 miles. It's 7.9 miles to the PCT at Seperation Creek on the other side. High point is 7400'. There's a trail most of the way, but for about a mile it's hard to find the faint route. See [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]] for a more complete description.<br /> <br /> This hike stays straight (South) on the Green Lakes Trail.<br /> <br /> Between here and Park Meadow the trail crosses a number of small streams which provide good drinking water.<br /> <br /> At mile 14.8 (6000') is a lake with campsites.<br /> <br /> At mile 16.5 (6180') is the junction with the Park Meadow Trail #4075, which goes left (see [[Trail around Broken Top]]). There is a good drinking water stream. Nice campsites, but a little crowded. This is the last drinking water for a while. Stay right (Southwest).<br /> <br /> At mile 18.6 is the Green Lakes Pass, the high point of this hike at 7000'. There is some really nice alpine scenery with great views of the Sisters. Many places that you could camp, but no drinking water, and it's pretty exposed if the weather is at all bad. There's a shortcut from here over to Camp Lake [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail]].<br /> <br /> At mile 19.3 (6660') is the junction with an unmarked trail that goes right around the other side of Green Lake. This joins back up at mile 19.4. You can go either way. Camping is only allowed at designated campsites marked with a post. This can be quite crowded. <br /> <br /> At mile 20.6 is the junction with the Broken Top Trail #10. Stay straight (South). It's a little confusing here, there are several junctions within 1/4 mile. There are some nice places to camp down the Broken Top Trail that are not so crowded, see [[Trail around Broken Top]].<br /> <br /> At mile 22.8 (6000') is the junction with the Moraine Lake Trail #17.1. Go right (Northwest). Beyond here, the Green Lake crowds really thin out.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.2 is Moraine Lake (6450'). This is the last opportunity to get drinking water for a while. There are campsites here, and within 1/2 mile to the West. Camping is only allowed at campsites marked with a post.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.5 (6550') is the junction with a trail going left to a campsite, and right to campsites and up to the South Sister. It's about 3 miles to the summit at 10236'. The route is non-technical, but very steep. You have to walk on a lot of loose gravel. There's sort of a trail. This is the easiest route up the South Sister.<br /> <br /> Stay straight on the Moraine Lake Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.9 is the junction with the Devil's Lake Trail #36, which goes left, and another route up the South Sister which goes right. It's 1.3 miles down to the Devil's Lake Trailhead at 5500'.<br /> <br /> Stay straight on the Moraine Lake Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 26.1 (6135') is the junction with an un-named trail that goes right crossing the Wickiup Plain. Take this trail. There are a couple nice places to camp just before this junction, but no drinking water.<br /> <br /> The hike now crosses the Wickiup plain, which is grass with a few islands of trees. Very scenic. Nice views.<br /> <br /> At mile 27.3 (6200') is the junction with the PCT. Stay right (North) on the PCT.<br /> <br /> At mile 28.4 (6100') is a small stream, the first drinking water since Moraine Lake. There are several drinking water streams between here and Separation Creek.<br /> <br /> At mile 29.7 (5900') is the junction with the Linton Meadow Trail #3546. As an alternative, you could go down this trail to see some nice meadows and lakes, and connect back up to the PCT on the Foley Trail or Linton Trail (see below). There is more drinking water than on the PCT, especially late in the season.<br /> <br /> At mile 30.2 (6100') is a lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 32.3 (6400') is Separation Creek. A little further is Reese lake and the junction with an un-marked trail going right (East) up to Chambers Lakes and Camp Lake. This is where you get to if you take the shortcut between the South and Middle/North Sisters. See [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]]. There are some campsites near Reese lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 33.9 (6300') is the junction with the Foley Trail #3511, which goes left (West). There is camping and drinking water down there. Stay straight (North).<br /> <br /> At mile 35.4 (6450') is the junction with Linton Trail #3547, which goes left (West). There is camping and drinking water down there. Stay straight (North).<br /> <br /> At mile 37.4 is the beginning of the Obsidian limited use area. Camping is only allowed with special permit you can get from Detroit Ranger Station. There's a quota on the number allowed. I've never had anyone check this so you might take your chances and camp discretely. Like there's an area about 0.25 mile Northwest of Sisters Spring that is far enough off the trail no one would notice you (maybe).<br /> <br /> At mile 37.6 (6550') is the junction with the Obsidian Trail #3528. Stay straight (North). A little further is the scenic Obsidian Falls, a small and tall waterfall. There isn't really all that much osidian around. I was expecting huge obsidian cliffs.<br /> <br /> At mile 37.8 (6620') is Sisters Spring, the first drinking water since Seperation Creek. It's interesting how the stream just appears at the base of a cliff area.<br /> <br /> At mile 38.7 (6400') is the junction with the Glacier Way Trail #4336. There is a trail going up the North side of Glacier Creek to a number of nice campsites. Look for pockets of trees with broken paths off the main trail. The area is called Sunshine Meadows. Glacier Creek supplies drinking water year-round.<br /> <br /> At mile 39.1 is the end of the Obsidian Limited use area.<br /> <br /> At mile 40.2, the trail crosses the White Branch stream, according to the map, but I didn't see any water in August.<br /> <br /> At mile 41.2 (6900') is Opie Dilldock Pass. Very alpine area. Great views.<br /> <br /> At mile 41.7 (6700') is Minnie Scott Spring. First drinking water since Sisters Spring and Glacier Creek. It's easy to miss the spring late in the summer. It appears about 100' East of the trail and forms a stream that may peter out before it even reaches the trail. You have to engineer a dam to form a pool, then let the mud settle before getting water. Seems to be reliable year round. Nice campsites down a side trail to the West. Next drinking water is at South Mattieu Lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 43.7 (6500') the trail traverses Yapoah Crater. There are tracks up to the summit at 6737'. Great views to the North across lava fields to Belknap Crater, Mount Washington, and Mount Jefferson.<br /> <br /> At mile 45.1 (6050') you rejoin your route at the Scott Trail junction.<br /> <br /> On the way back to the trailhead, take the PCT rather than the Mattieu Lake Trail, just for a change of view. <br /> <br /> Back to Lava Lake Trailhead at mile 48.1.<br /> <br /> === Alternate Trips ===<br /> <br /> Three night backpack - camp at Camp Creek Trail junction, Moraine Lake, and a little beyond Sisters Spring. Mileage each day - 10.5, 12.5, 13.6, 10.3<br /> <br /> Four night backpack - camp at Alder Creek, Park Meadows, somewhere after you re-join the PCT, and Minnie Scott Springs. Mileage each day - 5.2, 10.1, 11.9, 12.5, 6.4<br /> <br /> Four night backpack using shortcut - Alder Creek, Camp Lake, Seperation Creek, Minnie Scott Spring. Between Camp Lake and Seperation Lake do some extra exploring. Mileage - 5.2, 8.9, 3.4, 8.9, 6.4<br /> <br /> === Maps ===<br /> [[Image:sistersmap1.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap2.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap3.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap4.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmaptest.jpg|thumb|400px|test map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> <br /> {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=22233 Three Sisters Figure-8 Cross-Country Loop 16/18-Jul-2015]<br /> (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=8 here] to add your own)<br /> <br /> {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=141 here] to ask a question or start a conversation)<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> <br /> === Page Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:Retiredjerry]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Three_Sisters_Loop_Hike Three Sisters Loop Hike 2020-08-27T14:07:28Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Central Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Deschutes National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Willamette National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Three Sisters Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Geologic Features]]<br /> [[Category:Alpine Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Exposed Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Loop Hikes]] <br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Waterfall Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:ssistermoraine.jpg|thumb|400px|South Sister above Moraine Lake ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:dilldock.jpg|thumb|250px|Mount Washington and Mount Jefferson from Opie Dilldock Pass ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sisterlog.jpg|thumb|250px|Typical stream crossing ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Lava Lake Trailhead}}<br /> * Ending Point: [[Lava Lake Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail Log: [[Trail around Three Sisters Hike/Log|Trail Log]]<br /> {{Distance|48.1 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|5800 feet}}<br /> * High Point: 7000 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Summer and early Fall<br /> * Family Friendly: No<br /> * Backpackable: Yes <br /> * Crowded: at some places<br /> <br /> <br /> {{Recent Conditions|2014/August|After fire in 2012 there are signs posted saying no camping allowed between The Scott Trail and a little before Park Meadow on the Green Lakes Trail and the Pole Creek Trail from the trailhead up to about 1 mile above the Green Lake Trail. You can still walk through. The streams are fairly unaffected. You might be better to stay on the West side. [[Pole Creek Burn Area]]}}<br /> <br /> The hike around the Three Sisters is one of the nicest in the area, if you have a few days, or in one day if you are a super-looney hiker.<br /> <br /> You get great views of the Three Sisters, other peaks, and surrounding areas. There are some amazing lava fields. There are alpine meadows and streams. There are places that are fairly crowded and other places that are pretty remote.<br /> <br /> Compared to the trail around Mount Hood, the Three Sisters is longer but less elevation gain. There are fewer difficult hikes down into steep canyons and across difficult streams. On Mount Hood there is more fine ash eroded by water with streams flowing on top. On the Three Sisters there is more pumice like material with the water perculating into it rather than forming streams. There is less human impact like Timberline Lodge and Mount Hood Meadows ski area.<br /> <br /> It's a little more difficult to find drinking water on the Three Sisters, especially on the West side, because the soil is more porous so the water flows underneath.<br /> <br /> There is an option for a 35 mile loop by hiking up between the South Sister and the Middle/North Sisters. This trail is un-developed at places. The elevation gain for this loop is about 3900 feet. Look at [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]] for details.<br /> <br /> Another option would be to just loop around the South Sister. For this to really make sense, you have to take the off trail shortcut between Camp Lake and the Green Lakes Pass [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail]].<br /> <br /> There are also options towards Broken Top ([[Trail around Broken Top]]).<br /> <br /> This hike is listed as a loop, but about 1 mile at the beginning is the same. Call it a balloon hike with a very short string.<br /> <br /> This hike starts at the Lava Lake Trailhead which is just East of McKenzie Pass. Another option is to start at the Pole Creek Trailhead which would save about 3 miles from the hike. This requires driving a little further, on forest roads. Another possibility is to start at the Devil's Lake Trailhead on the South side. This would save about 3.2 miles, but is quite a bit further drive from Portland. These options omit the hike up to and down from South Mattieu Lake which is a really scenic leg.<br /> <br /> You need to fill out a self issuing permit at whichever trailhead you enter on. <br /> <br /> You need a special permit that you can get from Detroit Ranger Station to camp in Obsidian Area. There's a quota on the number allowed. I think PCT thru-hikers are exempt from this, but not people just hiking around the Three Sisters according to some ranger I met on the trail.<br /> <br /> There is a plan to have a quota system limiting use and online permits required for the entire wilderness. Also Mount Jefferson and other areas. This is currently on hold because of covid. There's something good about covid?<br /> <br /> === Description ===<br /> <br /> Start at the Lava Lake Trailhead at 5300 feet elevation. The trail goes Southwest from the parking area.<br /> <br /> At mile 0.2 is the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT, #2000). Stay left (South). Right goes to McKenzie Pass<br /> <br /> At mile 0.9 (5460') is the junction with the Mattieu Lake Trail #4062. You can go either way - it's the same distance, but for this hike, I arbitrarily say to stay right.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.1 (5750') is North Mattieu Lake. There are many nice campsites around the lake. This can be crowded on summer weekends. Somewhat sparse forest of pine trees.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.8 (6030') is the junction back to the PCT. A few hundred feet further is South Mattieu Lake. There are a few campsites around the lake. There is a little alpine vegetation. Quite a few people on summer weekends, but beyond here the crowds thin out.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.9 (6030') is the junction with the Scott Trail #4068. Stay left, on the Scott Trail.<br /> <br /> Somewhere around mile 4.1 (5400') is an unmarked trail to Yapoah Lake, which is about 0.3 miles away. Camping next to the lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 4.7 (5300') is the junction with the Green Lake Trail #4070. (At Green Lake, the trail number changes to #17.) Go right (South) on the Green Lake Trail. If you stayed on the Scott Trail, it's about 1.7 miles to the Scott Trailhead. <br /> <br /> At mile 6.8 (5600') is Alder Creek. This is a good spot to camp and get drinking water. This is the only drinking water between South Mattieu Lake and the Camp Lake Trail. In September the creek may dry up, but there's still probably water flowing underground - go along the streambed and find a pool, maybe enlarge it a bit and then let the silt settle. Or maybe you're better off going to the Camp Creek Trail stream for better drinking water.<br /> <br /> Between here and the Pole Creek Trail is a really nice area. The trail gets up to 6260'. Many great places to camp, but no drinking water. You could bring water from Alder Creek (or Camp Creek if you're going counter-clockwise). Lot's of wide open area you could go off trail on. You could go a long ways up on the mountain. You could probably cross over to Camp Lake or Yapoah Crater.<br /> <br /> At mile 11.1 (5900') is the junction with the Pole Creek Trail #4072 which goes left (Northeast) 1.4 miles to a trailhead. Stay right (South) on the Green Lakes Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 11.7 (5760') is the junction with the Camp Lake Trail #4074, which goes right (West). There is a drinking water stream (Soap Creek) and a campsite.<br /> <br /> There is an alternate route that saves about 13 miles. It's 7.9 miles to the PCT at Seperation Creek on the other side. High point is 7400'. There's a trail most of the way, but for about a mile it's hard to find the faint route. See [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]] for a more complete description.<br /> <br /> This hike stays straight (South) on the Green Lakes Trail.<br /> <br /> Between here and Park Meadow the trail crosses a number of small streams which provide good drinking water.<br /> <br /> At mile 14.8 (6000') is a lake with campsites.<br /> <br /> At mile 16.5 (6180') is the junction with the Park Meadow Trail #4075, which goes left (see [[Trail around Broken Top]]). There is a good drinking water stream. Nice campsites, but a little crowded. This is the last drinking water for a while. Stay right (Southwest).<br /> <br /> At mile 18.6 is the Green Lakes Pass, the high point of this hike at 7000'. There is some really nice alpine scenery with great views of the Sisters. Many places that you could camp, but no drinking water, and it's pretty exposed if the weather is at all bad. There's a shortcut from here over to Camp Lake [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail]].<br /> <br /> At mile 19.3 (6660') is the junction with an unmarked trail that goes right around the other side of Green Lake. This joins back up at mile 19.4. You can go either way. Camping is only allowed at designated campsites marked with a post. This can be quite crowded. <br /> <br /> At mile 20.6 is the junction with the Broken Top Trail #10. Stay straight (South). It's a little confusing here, there are several junctions within 1/4 mile. There are some nice places to camp down the Broken Top Trail that are not so crowded, see [[Trail around Broken Top]].<br /> <br /> At mile 22.8 (6000') is the junction with the Moraine Lake Trail #17.1. Go right (Northwest). Beyond here, the Green Lake crowds really thin out.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.2 is Moraine Lake (6450'). This is the last opportunity to get drinking water for a while. There are campsites here, and within 1/2 mile to the West. Camping is only allowed at campsites marked with a post.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.5 (6550') is the junction with a trail going left to a campsite, and right to campsites and up to the South Sister. It's about 3 miles to the summit at 10236'. The route is non-technical, but very steep. You have to walk on a lot of loose gravel. There's sort of a trail. This is the easiest route up the South Sister.<br /> <br /> Stay straight on the Moraine Lake Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.9 is the junction with the Devil's Lake Trail #36, which goes left, and another route up the South Sister which goes right. It's 1.3 miles down to the Devil's Lake Trailhead at 5500'.<br /> <br /> Stay straight on the Moraine Lake Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 26.1 (6135') is the junction with an un-named trail that goes right crossing the Wickiup Plain. Take this trail. There are a couple nice places to camp just before this junction, but no drinking water.<br /> <br /> The hike now crosses the Wickiup plain, which is grass with a few islands of trees. Very scenic. Nice views.<br /> <br /> At mile 27.3 (6200') is the junction with the PCT. Stay right (North) on the PCT.<br /> <br /> At mile 28.4 (6100') is a small stream, the first drinking water since Moraine Lake. There are several drinking water streams between here and Separation Creek.<br /> <br /> At mile 29.7 (5900') is the junction with the Linton Meadow Trail #3546. As an alternative, you could go down this trail to see some nice meadows and lakes, and connect back up to the PCT on the Foley Trail or Linton Trail (see below). There is more drinking water than on the PCT, especially late in the season.<br /> <br /> At mile 30.2 (6100') is a lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 32.3 (6400') is Separation Creek. A little further is Reese lake and the junction with an un-marked trail going right (East) up to Chambers Lakes and Camp Lake. This is where you get to if you take the shortcut between the South and Middle/North Sisters. See [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]]. There are some campsites near Reese lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 33.9 (6300') is the junction with the Foley Trail #3511, which goes left (West). There is camping and drinking water down there. Stay straight (North).<br /> <br /> At mile 35.4 (6450') is the junction with Linton Trail #3547, which goes left (West). There is camping and drinking water down there. Stay straight (North).<br /> <br /> At mile 37.4 is the beginning of the Obsidian limited use area. Camping is only allowed with special permit you can get from Detroit Ranger Station. There's a quota on the number allowed. I've never had anyone check this so you might take your chances and camp discretely. Like there's an area about 0.25 mile Northwest of Sisters Spring that is far enough off the trail no one would notice you (maybe).<br /> <br /> At mile 37.6 (6550') is the junction with the Obsidian Trail #3528. Stay straight (North). A little further is the scenic Obsidian Falls, a small and tall waterfall. There isn't really all that much osidian around. I was expecting huge obsidian cliffs.<br /> <br /> At mile 37.8 (6620') is Sisters Spring, the first drinking water since Seperation Creek. It's interesting how the stream just appears at the base of a cliff area.<br /> <br /> At mile 38.7 (6400') is the junction with the Glacier Way Trail #4336. There is a trail going up the North side of Glacier Creek to a number of nice campsites. Look for pockets of trees with broken paths off the main trail. The area is called Sunshine Meadows. Glacier Creek supplies drinking water year-round.<br /> <br /> At mile 39.1 is the end of the Obsidian Limited use area.<br /> <br /> At mile 40.2, the trail crosses the White Branch stream, according to the map, but I didn't see any water in August.<br /> <br /> At mile 41.2 (6900') is Opie Dilldock Pass. Very alpine area. Great views.<br /> <br /> At mile 41.7 (6700') is Minnie Scott Spring. First drinking water since Sisters Spring and Glacier Creek. It's easy to miss the spring late in the summer. It appears about 100' East of the trail and forms a stream that may peter out before it even reaches the trail. You have to engineer a dam to form a pool, then let the mud settle before getting water. Seems to be reliable year round. Nice campsites down a side trail to the West. Next drinking water is at South Mattieu Lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 43.7 (6500') the trail traverses Yapoah Crater. There are tracks up to the summit at 6737'. Great views to the North across lava fields to Belknap Crater, Mount Washington, and Mount Jefferson.<br /> <br /> At mile 45.1 (6050') you rejoin your route at the Scott Trail junction.<br /> <br /> On the way back to the trailhead, take the PCT rather than the Mattieu Lake Trail, just for a change of view. <br /> <br /> Back to Lava Lake Trailhead at mile 48.1.<br /> <br /> === Alternate Trips ===<br /> <br /> Three night backpack - camp at Camp Creek Trail junction, Moraine Lake, and a little beyond Sisters Spring. Mileage each day - 10.5, 12.5, 13.6, 10.3<br /> <br /> Four night backpack - camp at Alder Creek, Park Meadows, somewhere after you re-join the PCT, and Minnie Scott Springs. Mileage each day - 5.2, 10.1, 11.9, 12.5, 6.4<br /> <br /> Four night backpack using shortcut - Alder Creek, Camp Lake, Seperation Creek, Minnie Scott Spring. Between Camp Lake and Seperation Lake do some extra exploring. Mileage - 5.2, 8.9, 3.4, 8.9, 6.4<br /> <br /> === Maps ===<br /> [[Image:sistersmap1.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap2.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap3.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap4.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmaptest.jpg|thumb|400px|test map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> <br /> {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=22233 Three Sisters Figure-8 Cross-Country Loop 16/18-Jul-2015]<br /> (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=8 here] to add your own)<br /> <br /> {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=141 here] to ask a question or start a conversation)<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> <br /> === Page Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:Retiredjerry]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Three_Sisters_Loop_Hike Three Sisters Loop Hike 2020-08-26T16:11:00Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Central Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Deschutes National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Willamette National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Three Sisters Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Geologic Features]]<br /> [[Category:Alpine Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Exposed Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Loop Hikes]] <br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Waterfall Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:ssistermoraine.jpg|thumb|400px|South Sister above Moraine Lake ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:dilldock.jpg|thumb|250px|Mount Washington and Mount Jefferson from Opie Dilldock Pass ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sisterlog.jpg|thumb|250px|Typical stream crossing ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Lava Lake Trailhead}}<br /> * Ending Point: [[Lava Lake Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail Log: [[Trail around Three Sisters Hike/Log|Trail Log]]<br /> {{Distance|48.1 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|5800 feet}}<br /> * High Point: 7000 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Summer and early Fall<br /> * Family Friendly: No<br /> * Backpackable: Yes <br /> * Crowded: at some places<br /> <br /> <br /> {{Recent Conditions|2014/August|After fire in 2012 there are signs posted saying no camping allowed between The Scott Trail and a little before Park Meadow on the Green Lakes Trail and the Pole Creek Trail from the trailhead up to about 1 mile above the Green Lake Trail. You can still walk through. The streams are fairly unaffected. You might be better to stay on the West side. [[Pole Creek Burn Area]]}}<br /> <br /> The hike around the Three Sisters is one of the nicest in the area, if you have a few days, or in one day if you are a super-looney hiker.<br /> <br /> You get great views of the Three Sisters, other peaks, and surrounding areas. There are some amazing lava fields. There are alpine meadows and streams. There are places that are fairly crowded and other places that are pretty remote.<br /> <br /> Compared to the trail around Mount Hood, the Three Sisters is longer but less elevation gain. There are fewer difficult hikes down into steep canyons and across difficult streams. On Mount Hood there is more fine ash eroded by water with streams flowing on top. On the Three Sisters there is more pumice like material with the water perculating into it rather than forming streams. There is less human impact like Timberline Lodge and Mount Hood Meadows ski area.<br /> <br /> It's a little more difficult to find drinking water on the Three Sisters, especially on the West side, because the soil is more porous so the water flows underneath.<br /> <br /> There is an option for a 35 mile loop by hiking up between the South Sister and the Middle/North Sisters. This trail is un-developed at places. The elevation gain for this loop is about 3900 feet. Look at [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]] for details.<br /> <br /> Another option would be to just loop around the South Sister. For this to really make sense, you have to take the off trail shortcut between Camp Lake and the Green Lakes Pass [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail]].<br /> <br /> There are also options towards Broken Top ([[Trail around Broken Top]]).<br /> <br /> This hike is listed as a loop, but about 1 mile at the beginning is the same. Call it a balloon hike with a very short string.<br /> <br /> This hike starts at the Lava Lake Trailhead which is just East of McKenzie Pass. Another option is to start at the Pole Creek Trailhead which would save about 3 miles from the hike. This requires driving a little further, on forest roads. Another possibility is to start at the Devil's Lake Trailhead on the South side. This would save about 3.2 miles, but is quite a bit further drive from Portland. These options omit the hike up to and down from South Mattieu Lake which is a really scenic leg.<br /> <br /> You need to fill out a self issuing permit at whichever trailhead you enter on. <br /> <br /> You need a special permit that you can get from Detroit Ranger Station to camp in Obsidian Area. There's a quota on the number allowed. I think PCT thru-hikers are exempt from this, but not people just hiking around the Three Sisters according to some ranger I met on the trail.<br /> <br /> === Description ===<br /> <br /> Start at the Lava Lake Trailhead at 5300 feet elevation. The trail goes Southwest from the parking area.<br /> <br /> At mile 0.2 is the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT, #2000). Stay left (South). Right goes to McKenzie Pass<br /> <br /> At mile 0.9 (5460') is the junction with the Mattieu Lake Trail #4062. You can go either way - it's the same distance, but for this hike, I arbitrarily say to stay right.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.1 (5750') is North Mattieu Lake. There are many nice campsites around the lake. This can be crowded on summer weekends. Somewhat sparse forest of pine trees.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.8 (6030') is the junction back to the PCT. A few hundred feet further is South Mattieu Lake. There are a few campsites around the lake. There is a little alpine vegetation. Quite a few people on summer weekends, but beyond here the crowds thin out.<br /> <br /> At mile 2.9 (6030') is the junction with the Scott Trail #4068. Stay left, on the Scott Trail.<br /> <br /> Somewhere around mile 4.1 (5400') is an unmarked trail to Yapoah Lake, which is about 0.3 miles away. Camping next to the lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 4.7 (5300') is the junction with the Green Lake Trail #4070. (At Green Lake, the trail number changes to #17.) Go right (South) on the Green Lake Trail. If you stayed on the Scott Trail, it's about 1.7 miles to the Scott Trailhead. <br /> <br /> At mile 6.8 (5600') is Alder Creek. This is a good spot to camp and get drinking water. This is the only drinking water between South Mattieu Lake and the Camp Lake Trail. In September the creek may dry up, but there's still probably water flowing underground - go along the streambed and find a pool, maybe enlarge it a bit and then let the silt settle. Or maybe you're better off going to the Camp Creek Trail stream for better drinking water.<br /> <br /> Between here and the Pole Creek Trail is a really nice area. The trail gets up to 6260'. Many great places to camp, but no drinking water. You could bring water from Alder Creek (or Camp Creek if you're going counter-clockwise). Lot's of wide open area you could go off trail on. You could go a long ways up on the mountain. You could probably cross over to Camp Lake or Yapoah Crater.<br /> <br /> At mile 11.1 (5900') is the junction with the Pole Creek Trail #4072 which goes left (Northeast) 1.4 miles to a trailhead. Stay right (South) on the Green Lakes Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 11.7 (5760') is the junction with the Camp Lake Trail #4074, which goes right (West). There is a drinking water stream (Soap Creek) and a campsite.<br /> <br /> There is an alternate route that saves about 13 miles. It's 7.9 miles to the PCT at Seperation Creek on the other side. High point is 7400'. There's a trail most of the way, but for about a mile it's hard to find the faint route. See [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]] for a more complete description.<br /> <br /> This hike stays straight (South) on the Green Lakes Trail.<br /> <br /> Between here and Park Meadow the trail crosses a number of small streams which provide good drinking water.<br /> <br /> At mile 14.8 (6000') is a lake with campsites.<br /> <br /> At mile 16.5 (6180') is the junction with the Park Meadow Trail #4075, which goes left (see [[Trail around Broken Top]]). There is a good drinking water stream. Nice campsites, but a little crowded. This is the last drinking water for a while. Stay right (Southwest).<br /> <br /> At mile 18.6 is the Green Lakes Pass, the high point of this hike at 7000'. There is some really nice alpine scenery with great views of the Sisters. Many places that you could camp, but no drinking water, and it's pretty exposed if the weather is at all bad. There's a shortcut from here over to Camp Lake [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail]].<br /> <br /> At mile 19.3 (6660') is the junction with an unmarked trail that goes right around the other side of Green Lake. This joins back up at mile 19.4. You can go either way. Camping is only allowed at designated campsites marked with a post. This can be quite crowded. <br /> <br /> At mile 20.6 is the junction with the Broken Top Trail #10. Stay straight (South). It's a little confusing here, there are several junctions within 1/4 mile. There are some nice places to camp down the Broken Top Trail that are not so crowded, see [[Trail around Broken Top]].<br /> <br /> At mile 22.8 (6000') is the junction with the Moraine Lake Trail #17.1. Go right (Northwest). Beyond here, the Green Lake crowds really thin out.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.2 is Moraine Lake (6450'). This is the last opportunity to get drinking water for a while. There are campsites here, and within 1/2 mile to the West. Camping is only allowed at campsites marked with a post.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.5 (6550') is the junction with a trail going left to a campsite, and right to campsites and up to the South Sister. It's about 3 miles to the summit at 10236'. The route is non-technical, but very steep. You have to walk on a lot of loose gravel. There's sort of a trail. This is the easiest route up the South Sister.<br /> <br /> Stay straight on the Moraine Lake Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.9 is the junction with the Devil's Lake Trail #36, which goes left, and another route up the South Sister which goes right. It's 1.3 miles down to the Devil's Lake Trailhead at 5500'.<br /> <br /> Stay straight on the Moraine Lake Trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 26.1 (6135') is the junction with an un-named trail that goes right crossing the Wickiup Plain. Take this trail. There are a couple nice places to camp just before this junction, but no drinking water.<br /> <br /> The hike now crosses the Wickiup plain, which is grass with a few islands of trees. Very scenic. Nice views.<br /> <br /> At mile 27.3 (6200') is the junction with the PCT. Stay right (North) on the PCT.<br /> <br /> At mile 28.4 (6100') is a small stream, the first drinking water since Moraine Lake. There are several drinking water streams between here and Separation Creek.<br /> <br /> At mile 29.7 (5900') is the junction with the Linton Meadow Trail #3546. As an alternative, you could go down this trail to see some nice meadows and lakes, and connect back up to the PCT on the Foley Trail or Linton Trail (see below). There is more drinking water than on the PCT, especially late in the season.<br /> <br /> At mile 30.2 (6100') is a lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 32.3 (6400') is Separation Creek. A little further is Reese lake and the junction with an un-marked trail going right (East) up to Chambers Lakes and Camp Lake. This is where you get to if you take the shortcut between the South and Middle/North Sisters. See [[Camp Lake from Pole Creek Hike]]. There are some campsites near Reese lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 33.9 (6300') is the junction with the Foley Trail #3511, which goes left (West). There is camping and drinking water down there. Stay straight (North).<br /> <br /> At mile 35.4 (6450') is the junction with Linton Trail #3547, which goes left (West). There is camping and drinking water down there. Stay straight (North).<br /> <br /> At mile 37.4 is the beginning of the Obsidian limited use area. Camping is only allowed with special permit you can get from Detroit Ranger Station. There's a quota on the number allowed. I've never had anyone check this so you might take your chances and camp discretely. Like there's an area about 0.25 mile Northwest of Sisters Spring that is far enough off the trail no one would notice you (maybe).<br /> <br /> At mile 37.6 (6550') is the junction with the Obsidian Trail #3528. Stay straight (North). A little further is the scenic Obsidian Falls, a small and tall waterfall. There isn't really all that much osidian around. I was expecting huge obsidian cliffs.<br /> <br /> At mile 37.8 (6620') is Sisters Spring, the first drinking water since Seperation Creek. It's interesting how the stream just appears at the base of a cliff area.<br /> <br /> At mile 38.7 (6400') is the junction with the Glacier Way Trail #4336. There is a trail going up the North side of Glacier Creek to a number of nice campsites. Look for pockets of trees with broken paths off the main trail. The area is called Sunshine Meadows. Glacier Creek supplies drinking water year-round.<br /> <br /> At mile 39.1 is the end of the Obsidian Limited use area.<br /> <br /> At mile 40.2, the trail crosses the White Branch stream, according to the map, but I didn't see any water in August.<br /> <br /> At mile 41.2 (6900') is Opie Dilldock Pass. Very alpine area. Great views.<br /> <br /> At mile 41.7 (6700') is Minnie Scott Spring. First drinking water since Sisters Spring and Glacier Creek. It's easy to miss the spring late in the summer. It appears about 100' East of the trail and forms a stream that may peter out before it even reaches the trail. You have to engineer a dam to form a pool, then let the mud settle before getting water. Seems to be reliable year round. Nice campsites down a side trail to the West. Next drinking water is at South Mattieu Lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 43.7 (6500') the trail traverses Yapoah Crater. There are tracks up to the summit at 6737'. Great views to the North across lava fields to Belknap Crater, Mount Washington, and Mount Jefferson.<br /> <br /> At mile 45.1 (6050') you rejoin your route at the Scott Trail junction.<br /> <br /> On the way back to the trailhead, take the PCT rather than the Mattieu Lake Trail, just for a change of view. <br /> <br /> Back to Lava Lake Trailhead at mile 48.1.<br /> <br /> === Alternate Trips ===<br /> <br /> Three night backpack - camp at Camp Creek Trail junction, Moraine Lake, and a little beyond Sisters Spring. Mileage each day - 10.5, 12.5, 13.6, 10.3<br /> <br /> Four night backpack - camp at Alder Creek, Park Meadows, somewhere after you re-join the PCT, and Minnie Scott Springs. Mileage each day - 5.2, 10.1, 11.9, 12.5, 6.4<br /> <br /> Four night backpack using shortcut - Alder Creek, Camp Lake, Seperation Creek, Minnie Scott Spring. Between Camp Lake and Seperation Lake do some extra exploring. Mileage - 5.2, 8.9, 3.4, 8.9, 6.4<br /> <br /> === Maps ===<br /> [[Image:sistersmap1.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap2.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap3.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmap4.jpg|thumb|400px|Map from GPS tracks ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmaptest.jpg|thumb|400px|test map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> <br /> {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=22233 Three Sisters Figure-8 Cross-Country Loop 16/18-Jul-2015]<br /> (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=8 here] to add your own)<br /> <br /> {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=141 here] to ask a question or start a conversation)<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> <br /> === Page Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:Retiredjerry]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Camp_Lake_to_Green_Lakes_Pass_Add-on_Hike Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Add-on Hike 2020-08-26T16:00:46Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Central Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Deschutes National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Three Sisters Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Geologic Features]]<br /> [[Category:Alpine Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Exposed Hikes]] <br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Off Trail]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:carverlake.jpg|thumb|400px|Upper route - don't go here. Carver Lake from the West. That lake is the brownest from glacial silt lake I've ever seen. You can get an idea how unconsolidated the soil is. Recently deposited from the glacier. Sort of like quicksand to walk on. ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:carverglacier.jpg|thumb|400px|Upper route - don't go here. Glacier melts right before it gets to Carver Lake. This view is from West of the lake. There's a narrow strip of land you can walk on between glacier and lake. I had to walk in the water up to my calf a couple times. Walking above on the glacier would probably be better, but if you started sliding, you'de end up in the lake. ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:camptogreenmap.jpg|thumb|400px|Map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Camp Lake}}<br /> * Ending Point: [[Green Lakes Pass]]<br /> * Trail Log: [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail/Log|Trail Log]]<br /> {{Distance|3.5 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|700 feet}}<br /> * High Point: 7700 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Summer and early fall<br /> * Family Friendly: No<br /> * Backpackable: Yes <br /> * Crowded: No<br /> <br /> <br /> This is not a recommended hike. It would be easy to get lost or injured and there are few people that walk by to help. Better to just take the long trail down and back up. The Forest Service and SAR hate it when people do this...<br /> <br /> Updated August 2020<br /> <br /> This is an add-on to [[Trail around Three Sisters Hike]]<br /> <br /> I have done this several times, now a favorite of mine. Very few other people. There is a trail at spots. Other places just cross country. There are some cliffs you have to negotiate around. Good luck...<br /> <br /> History: Don Nelson did this many years ago and gave some hints. TheProfessor did this [[http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=16868]]. Then I did it [[http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=17085]]. Then I did a lower route several times - definitely better, don't do the high route. I left it on the map for people that don't follow recommendations.<br /> <br /> From Camp Lake - start at the south end of Camp Lake. Go about 0.2 miles east, staying at about 7000 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> Then there's a trail going up a forested steep slope. If you can find this trail, that's the key to this route. Go about 1/2 mile, southeast, to a pass at 7600 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> Then you have to get down that steep slope of loose slate. Maybe it's easier to go a little southwest along the ridge to an easier way down the slope.<br /> <br /> Now you're at about 7400 feet elevation. Go about 1.6 miles, generally south, staying at about 7400 feet elevation. There's some up and down and some cliffs. There are spots with a trail. There are a few cairns.<br /> <br /> Now go southeast about 1/2 mile down to the pass above Green Lakes at 7000 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> Oh, this is some of the nicest alpine scenery you'll see anywhere - better than any of the other Three Sisters hikes. In my opinion.<br /> <br /> [[http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/download/file.php?id=52241 gpx file]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmaptest.jpg|thumb|400px| map - don't do the upper route, do the lower route ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> === Page Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:Retiredjerry]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Camp_Lake_to_Green_Lakes_Pass_Add-on_Hike Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Add-on Hike 2020-08-26T15:55:15Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Central Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Deschutes National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Three Sisters Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Geologic Features]]<br /> [[Category:Alpine Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Exposed Hikes]] <br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Off Trail]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:carverlake.jpg|thumb|400px|Upper route - don't go here. Carver Lake from the West. That lake is the brownest from glacial silt lake I've ever seen. You can get an idea how unconsolidated the soil is. Recently deposited from the glacier. Sort of like quicksand to walk on. ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:carverglacier.jpg|thumb|400px|Upper route - don't go here. Glacier melts right before it gets to Carver Lake. This view is from West of the lake. There's a narrow strip of land you can walk on between glacier and lake. I had to walk in the water up to my calf a couple times. Walking above on the glacier would probably be better, but if you started sliding, you'de end up in the lake. ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:camptogreenmap.jpg|thumb|400px|Map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Camp Lake}}<br /> * Ending Point: [[Green Lakes Pass]]<br /> * Trail Log: [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail/Log|Trail Log]]<br /> {{Distance|3.5 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|700 feet}}<br /> * High Point: 7700 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Summer and early fall<br /> * Family Friendly: No<br /> * Backpackable: Yes <br /> * Crowded: No<br /> <br /> <br /> This is not a recommended hike. It would be easy to get lost or injured and there are few people that walk by to help. Better to just take the long trail down and back up. The Forest Service and SAR hate it when people do this...<br /> <br /> Updated August 2020<br /> <br /> I have done this several times, now a favorite of mine. Very few other people. There is a trail at spots. Other places just cross country. There are some cliffs you have to negotiate around. Good luck...<br /> <br /> History: Don Nelson did this many years ago and gave some hints. TheProfessor did this [[http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=16868]]. Then I did it [[http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=17085]]. Then I did a lower route several times - definitely better, don't do the high route. I left it on the map for people that don't follow recommendations.<br /> <br /> From Camp Lake - start at the south end of Camp Lake. Go about 0.2 miles east, staying at about 7000 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> Then there's a trail going up a forested steep slope. If you can find this trail, that's the key to this route. Go about 1/2 mile, southeast, to a pass at 7600 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> Then you have to get down that steep slope of loose slate. Maybe it's easier to go a little southwest along the ridge to an easier way down the slope.<br /> <br /> Now you're at about 7400 feet elevation. Go about 1.6 miles, generally south, staying at about 7400 feet elevation. There's some up and down and some cliffs. There are spots with a trail. There are a few cairns.<br /> <br /> Now go southeast about 1/2 mile down to the pass above Green Lakes at 7000 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> Oh, this is some of the nicest alpine scenery you'll see anywhere - better than any of the other Three Sisters hikes. In my opinion.<br /> <br /> [[http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/download/file.php?id=52241 gpx file]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmaptest.jpg|thumb|400px| map - don't do the upper route, do the lower route ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> === Page Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:Retiredjerry]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Camp_Lake_to_Green_Lakes_Pass_Add-on_Hike Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Add-on Hike 2020-08-26T15:52:58Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Central Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Deschutes National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Three Sisters Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Geologic Features]]<br /> [[Category:Alpine Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Exposed Hikes]] <br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Off Trail]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:carverlake.jpg|thumb|400px|Upper route - don't go here. Carver Lake from the West. That lake is the brownest from glacial silt lake I've ever seen. You can get an idea how unconsolidated the soil is. Recently deposited from the glacier. Sort of like quicksand to walk on. ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:carverglacier.jpg|thumb|400px|Upper route - don't go here. Glacier melts right before it gets to Carver Lake. This view is from West of the lake. There's a narrow strip of land you can walk on between glacier and lake. I had to walk in the water up to my calf a couple times. Walking above on the glacier would probably be better, but if you started sliding, you'de end up in the lake. ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:camptogreenmap.jpg|thumb|400px|Map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Camp Lake}}<br /> * Ending Point: [[Green Lakes Pass]]<br /> * Trail Log: [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail/Log|Trail Log]]<br /> {{Distance|3.5 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|700 feet}}<br /> * High Point: 7700 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Summer and early fall<br /> * Family Friendly: No<br /> * Backpackable: Yes <br /> * Crowded: No<br /> <br /> <br /> This is not a recommended hike. It would be easy to get lost or injured and there are few people that walk by to help. Better to just take the long trail down and back up. The Forest Service and SAR hate it when people do this...<br /> <br /> Updated August 2020<br /> <br /> I have done this several times, now a favorite of mine. Very few other people. There is a trail at spots. Other places just cross country. There are some cliffs you have to negotiate around. Good luck...<br /> <br /> History: Don Nelson did this many years ago and gave some hints. TheProfessor did this [[http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=16868]]. Then I did it [[http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=17085]]. Then I did a lower route several times - definitely better, don't do the high route.<br /> <br /> From Camp Lake - start at the south end of Camp Lake. Go about 0.2 miles east, staying at about 7000 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> Then there's a trail going up a forested steep slope. If you can find this trail, that's the key to this route. Go about 1/2 mile, southeast, to a pass at 7600 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> Then you have to get down that steep slope of loose slate. Maybe it's easier to go a little southwest along the ridge to an easier way down the slope.<br /> <br /> Now you're at about 7400 feet elevation. Go about 1.6 miles, generally south, staying at about 7400 feet elevation. There's some up and down and some cliffs. There are spots with a trail. There are a few cairns.<br /> <br /> Now go southeast about 1/2 mile down to the pass above Green Lakes at 7000 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> Oh, this is some of the nicest alpine scenery you'll see anywhere - better than any of the other Three Sisters hikes. In my opinion.<br /> <br /> [[http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/download/file.php?id=52241 gpx file]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmaptest.jpg|thumb|400px|test map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> === Page Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:Retiredjerry]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Camp_Lake_to_Green_Lakes_Pass_Add-on_Hike Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Add-on Hike 2020-08-26T15:52:03Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Central Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Deschutes National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Three Sisters Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Geologic Features]]<br /> [[Category:Alpine Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Exposed Hikes]] <br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Off Trail]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:carverlake.jpg|thumb|400px|Carver Lake from the West. That lake is the brownest from glacial silt lake I've ever seen. You can get an idea how unconsolidated the soil is. Recently deposited from the glacier. Sort of like quicksand to walk on. ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:carverglacier.jpg|thumb|400px|Glacier melts right before it gets to Carver Lake. This view is from West of the lake. There's a narrow strip of land you can walk on between glacier and lake. I had to walk in the water up to my calf a couple times. Walking above on the glacier would probably be better, but if you started sliding, you'de end up in the lake. ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:camptogreenmap.jpg|thumb|400px|Map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Camp Lake}}<br /> * Ending Point: [[Green Lakes Pass]]<br /> * Trail Log: [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail/Log|Trail Log]]<br /> {{Distance|3.5 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|700 feet}}<br /> * High Point: 7700 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Summer and early fall<br /> * Family Friendly: No<br /> * Backpackable: Yes <br /> * Crowded: No<br /> <br /> <br /> This is not a recommended hike. It would be easy to get lost or injured and there are few people that walk by to help. Better to just take the long trail down and back up. The Forest Service and SAR hate it when people do this...<br /> <br /> Updated August 2020<br /> <br /> I have done this several times, now a favorite of mine. Very few other people. There is a trail at spots. Other places just cross country. There are some cliffs you have to negotiate around. Good luck...<br /> <br /> History: Don Nelson did this many years ago and gave some hints. TheProfessor did this [[http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=16868]]. Then I did it [[http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=17085]]. Then I did a lower route several times - definitely better, don't do the high route.<br /> <br /> From Camp Lake - start at the south end of Camp Lake. Go about 0.2 miles east, staying at about 7000 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> Then there's a trail going up a forested steep slope. If you can find this trail, that's the key to this route. Go about 1/2 mile, southeast, to a pass at 7600 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> Then you have to get down that steep slope of loose slate. Maybe it's easier to go a little southwest along the ridge to an easier way down the slope.<br /> <br /> Now you're at about 7400 feet elevation. Go about 1.6 miles, generally south, staying at about 7400 feet elevation. There's some up and down and some cliffs. There are spots with a trail. There are a few cairns.<br /> <br /> Now go southeast about 1/2 mile down to the pass above Green Lakes at 7000 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> Oh, this is some of the nicest alpine scenery you'll see anywhere - better than any of the other Three Sisters hikes. In my opinion.<br /> <br /> [[http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/download/file.php?id=52241 gpx file]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmaptest.jpg|thumb|400px|test map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> === Page Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:Retiredjerry]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Camp_Lake_to_Green_Lakes_Pass_Add-on_Hike Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Add-on Hike 2020-08-26T15:50:27Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Central Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Deschutes National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Three Sisters Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Geologic Features]]<br /> [[Category:Alpine Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Exposed Hikes]] <br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Off Trail]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:carverlake.jpg|thumb|400px|Carver Lake from the West. That lake is the brownest from glacial silt lake I've ever seen. You can get an idea how unconsolidated the soil is. Recently deposited from the glacier. Sort of like quicksand to walk on. ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:carverglacier.jpg|thumb|400px|Glacier melts right before it gets to Carver Lake. This view is from West of the lake. There's a narrow strip of land you can walk on between glacier and lake. I had to walk in the water up to my calf a couple times. Walking above on the glacier would probably be better, but if you started sliding, you'de end up in the lake. ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:camptogreenmap.jpg|thumb|400px|Map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Camp Lake}}<br /> * Ending Point: [[Green Lakes Pass]]<br /> * Trail Log: [[Camp Lake to Green Lakes Pass Off Trail/Log|Trail Log]]<br /> {{Distance|3.5 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|700 feet}}<br /> * High Point: 7700 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Summer and early fall<br /> * Family Friendly: Nos<br /> * Backpackable: Yes <br /> * Crowded: No<br /> <br /> <br /> This is not a recommended hike. It would be easy to get lost or injured and there are few people that walk by to help. Better to just take the long trail down and back up. The Forest Service and SAR hate it when people do this...<br /> <br /> Updated August 2020<br /> <br /> I have done this several times, now a favorite of mine. Very few other people. There is a trail at spots. Other places just cross country. There are some cliffs you have to negotiate around. Good luck...<br /> <br /> History: Don Nelson did this many years ago and gave some hints. TheProfessor did this [[http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=16868]]. Then I did it [[http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=17085]]. Then I did a lower route several times - definitely better, don't do the high route.<br /> <br /> From Camp Lake - start at the south end of Camp Lake. Go about 0.2 miles east, staying at about 7000 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> Then there's a trail going up a forested steep slope. If you can find this trail, that's the key to this route. Go about 1/2 mile, southeast, to a pass at 7600 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> Then you have to get down that steep slope of loose slate. Maybe it's easier to go a little southwest along the ridge to an easier way down the slope.<br /> <br /> Now you're at about 7400 feet elevation. Go about 1.6 miles, generally south, staying at about 7400 feet elevation. There's some up and down and some cliffs. There are spots with a trail. There are a few cairns.<br /> <br /> Now go southeast about 1/2 mile down to the pass above Green Lakes at 7000 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> Oh, this is some of the nicest alpine scenery you'll see anywhere - better than any of the other Three Sisters hikes. In my opinion.<br /> <br /> [[http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/download/file.php?id=52241 gpx file]]<br /> [[Image:sistersmaptest.jpg|thumb|400px|test map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> === Page Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:Retiredjerry]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Strawberry_Mountain_Wilderness_Loop_Hike Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Loop Hike 2019-04-08T19:05:12Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Eastern Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Malheur National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Strawberry Mountain Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Lake Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Loop Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:Strawberrylake.jpg|thumb|400px|Strawberry Lake with Indian Spring Butte in the background ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Strawberryridge.jpg|thumb|250px|Expect last bit up to the Strawberry Mountain ridge to be snow covered into July ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> [[Image:Highlake.jpg|thumb|250px|High Lake ''(Jerry Adams)'']]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Strawberry Basin Trailhead}}<br /> * End point: [[Strawberry Basin Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail log: <br /> {{Distance|17 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|4500 feet}} <br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: July to October<br /> * Family Friendly: No<br /> * Backpackable: Yes<br /> * Crowded: No<br /> <br /> === Hike Description ===<br /> The Strawberry Mountain Wilderness is a fairly small, fairly uncrowded wilderness area in Eastern Oregon, a few miles South of John Day and Prairie City. <br /> <br /> I am not all that impressed with the Strawberry Mountains. The main thing it has going for it is that it is far East so it doesn't get so much snow so it becomes accessible earlier in the season than the Cascades. Maybe I'm prejudiced because it was hot and mosquito infested when I was there. It's far away from Portland. It's not alpine like the Wallowas or Elkhorn Crest which are about the same distance away and may be better destinations. The Strawberries sort of remind me of lakes around [[Mount Hood]] like [[Burnt Lake]] or lakes in the Salmon Huckleberry area, except the Strawberries are a lot drier and thus sparser growth. Large areas have been burned off in recent years.<br /> <br /> If I lived in John Day or Prairie City I'de be going up there all the time.<br /> <br /> The Strawberry Mountain Loop Hike includes the best of the Strawberries. It goes up to a number of high passes, then down to scenic lakes. Early in the season, like July 1, there are plenty of streams for drinking water but I think later in the season drinking water would become hard to find.<br /> <br /> [[Strawberry Lake]] is the one large lake. It's about one mile from the trailhead, so don't expect solitude. The lake is large enough so you should be able to find a semi private campsite even if there are many people around, just keep going a ways past where the trail first reaches the lake. The lake is large enough to provide some coolth if the temperatures are hot.<br /> <br /> There are a number of trailheads, some of which are on rough roads. I think the Strawberry Trailhead is the most common.<br /> <br /> There are many other trails in the Strawberries. This loop I think is the most traveled and best maintained. I also went west a ways and the trail was difficult to follow at times because it was so faint. I just had to go where I thought the trail was and eventually the trail got better defined. Also there were a lot of trees across the trail, exacerbated by the fact there have been a number of fires recently. Also there was a lot of brush that at times I just had to plow through - long pants were good.<br /> <br /> === Detailed Description ===<br /> Start at the [[Strawberry Basin Trailhead]]. The trail is well marked. Elevation is 5750 feet.<br /> <br /> Mostly, the trail is fairly easy to follow, with switchbacks. Stream crossings are fairly easy with bridges at a few places.<br /> <br /> After 0.8 mile, there is a junction for the trail from Slide Lake, the return for this loop hike. There are actually several cut-offs between Slide Creek Trail and Strawberry Trail.<br /> <br /> About 1.2 mile from the trailhead you reach [[Strawberry Lake]] at 6300 feet elevation. The trail goes on the South side of the lake for about 0.5 mile. There are a number of nice campsites and streams that have colder water for drinking. There's also a primitive trail on the other side of the lake with campsites. Expect a few people that have carried boats up to the lake.<br /> <br /> One thing that was confusing is there's a sign to a trail that says &quot;Little Strawberry Lake&quot;. This is just a bypass that goes a little off the main trail, away from the lake, and rejoins the main trail after a while. The main trail goes right next to the lake, so if horses use this, then horse poop effluent will wash into the lake, so it's better for them to use the bypass. Just use the main trail even if you're going up to [[Little Strawberry Lake]].<br /> <br /> At 2.3 miles from the trailhead is the base of [[Strawberry Falls]]. This is a really nice waterfall, about 100 feet high. Quite a bit of water.<br /> <br /> At 2.5 miles from the trailhead is the top of [[Strawberry Falls]] and a little further, the junction for the trail to [[Little Strawberry Lake]]. This is at 6600 feet elevation. It's about 0.5 miles and 150 feet of elevation gain to Little Strawberry Lake. There are a number of campsites there. The lake is pretty small, so if there's a noisy group there, there's no way to get away from them. Keep your eyes on the cliffs above. If you hear rockfall, then look carefully and you may see mountain goats.<br /> <br /> At 4.5 miles from trailhead and 8000 feet elevation is Strawberry Spring. There is probably drinking water here year-round. Expect to see snow here even in July. There are a number of nice campsites.<br /> <br /> At 4.8 miles from the trailhead and 8300 feet elevation you reach the Strawberry Mountain ridge. The last few hundred feet are steep and if there's any snow left, this is where it'd be. The heat and elevation really got to me here so I went really slow.<br /> <br /> The last bit up to the ridge is over a cornice. This may be difficult. If you go cross country north, in the direction of Strawberry Mountain, it gets less steep, so you can get up to the ridge top. Then take the (Onion Creek) trail back south to where it connects to the Strawberry Basin trail.<br /> <br /> Up to here it's steadily uphill with no significant downs.<br /> <br /> Once you get to the ridge, you traverse below and to the east of [[Strawberry Mountain]] and then up its northeast side, about one mile, to it's 9038 foot elevation summit. Then go back the way you came to the ridge top. <br /> <br /> I sort of lost the trail here. I just went over the ridge until I found a faint trail. It went south, gradually losing a little elevation. At mile 6 from trailhead I reached [[Pine Creek-Roads End-Onion Creek Trail Junction|the old trailhead]] at 8000 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> I explored off the Strawberry Loop Hike, Southwest, to [[Wildcat Basin]] and then on to Canyon Creek, but I wouldn't really recommend it. There was a campsite and spring at [[Wildcat Basin]] but they weren't very nice. Instead I camped a little before where I found a cold stream crossing the trail. Finding the trail down to Canyon Creek was difficult, I just sort of took off and eventually found a trail. I was thinking of following the ridge on the Joaquin Miller trail, but it was so hot, and I think there were long sections without any drinking water.<br /> <br /> Anyway, continuing on the hike, from mile 6 from the trailhead, just follow the old road. Cars could drive on this, except it's blocked ahead.<br /> <br /> At mile 7.2 and 7900 feet elevation is the [[Roads End Trailhead (Strawberry Mountain Wilderness)|Roads End Trailhead]]. It looked like a pretty good gravel road and several regular vehicles. Just follow the road for 0.5 miles to the [[High Lake Rim Trailhead]] at 8000 feet elevation. The road goes pretty much straight from the [[Roads End Trailhead (Strawberry Mountain Wilderness)|Roads End Trailhead]] to [[High Lake Rim Trailhead]], which is different than what the USGS map says.<br /> <br /> From here the trail goes down to [[High Lake (Strawberry Mountain Wilderness)|High Lake]] at mile 8.7 and 7500 feet elevation. [[High Lake (Strawberry Mountain Wilderness)|High Lake]] is a pretty small lake. There are a couple campsites. It's only a mile from the trailhead so there were some dayhiker fishermen when I was there. Nice cliffs above lake. We're on the opposite side of Rabbit Ears from [[Little Strawberry Lake]]. 0.7 miles away as crow flies, 6.7 miles away on trail.<br /> <br /> From here, follow the signs to Slide Lake, not down along the creek or around [[High Lake (Strawberry Mountain Wilderness)|High Lake]].<br /> <br /> The trail goes up to a high point at 10 miles from the trailhead and 8150 feet. Nice views.<br /> <br /> From here the trail gets difficult. First, go down a ways to mile 10.3 and 7950 feet elevation. There's a trail with a sign down to Mud Lake - don't take that. Interesting how that whole basin is burned over.<br /> <br /> Instead, you want to go generally north on the unsigned trail. It was snow covered at places, and there were some trees covering the trail. The trail was faint. I just continued along where I thought the trail should be. GPS was handy, actual trail was pretty close to where the USGS map said it was.<br /> <br /> At mile 11.1, 7300 feet elevation, the trail nears Slide Lake. I missed it. No obvious trail. I never did see Slide Lake.<br /> <br /> At mile 12.1, 6800 feet elevation, the trail hits a low point and a junction with the trail over to Slide Mountain. There's also a trail here that parallels the main trail above it. You can take either.<br /> <br /> At mile 12.9, elevation 7000 feet is a high point. Really nice views. There are places you could camp if you wanted, but no water nearby.<br /> <br /> At mile 13.8 we're back to the Strawberry Trail at 6300 feet elevation. It's 0.8 miles back to the trailhead. <br /> <br /> For current info call:<br /> Malheur National Forest John Day 541-575-3000<br /> <br /> === Fees, Regulations, etc. ===<br /> * none<br /> <br /> === Map ===<br /> [[Image:Strawberrymap.jpg|thumb|400px|map]]<br /> {{-}}<br /> <br /> === Trip Reports ===<br /> * [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=26724 Strawberry Mt loop]<br /> * [http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=15994 Strawberry Mountain Loop]<br /> * [http://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&amp;t=3304 Slide Mountain Trip]<br /> * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=5787 Strawberry Mountain 07-Aug-2010]<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> * [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/malheur/recreation/natureviewing/recarea/?recid=39906&amp;actid=62 Malheur National Forest website]<br /> <br /> <br /> === Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:retiredjerry|retiredjerry]] (creator)</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Timberline_Trail_around_Mount_Hood_Hike Timberline Trail around Mount Hood Hike 2019-02-17T21:48:25Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Forest Road Access]]<br /> [[Category:Paved Access]]<br /> [[Category:Geologic Features]]<br /> [[Category:Alpine Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Creek Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Difficult Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Exposed Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Glacier Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Mount Hood Area]]<br /> [[Category:Northwest Oregon]]<br /> [[Category:Loop Hikes]] <br /> [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Volcanic Feature Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Waterfall Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]<br /> [[Category:Hikes]]<br /> [[Image:ParadiseParkZigzagCanyon.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood and the massive Zigzag Canyon from the [[Zigzag Overlook]] ''(Tom Kloster)'' ]]<br /> <br /> {{Start point|Timberline Lodge Trailhead}}<br /> * Ending Point: [[Timberline Lodge Trailhead]]<br /> * Trail Log: [[Timberline Trail around Mount Hood Hike/Log|Trail Log]]<br /> {{Distance|38.3 miles}} <br /> {{Elevation gain|9000 feet}}<br /> * High Point: 7350 feet<br /> {{Difficulty|Difficult}}<br /> * Seasons: Summer and early Fall<br /> * Family Friendly: No<br /> * Backpackable: Yes <br /> * Crowded: crowded at some places<br /> <br /> {{Recent Conditions|2016/10/2|The Forest Service has just finished the new Eliot Branch crossing. This was previously closed after being washed out}}<br /> <br /> The hike around [[Mount Hood]] is one of the best hikes in the area. You get great views of Mount Hood, and of the surrounding territory including Cascade volcanoes such as [[Mount Saint Helens]], [[Mount Rainier]], [[Mount Adams]], [[Mount Jefferson]], and the [[Three Sisters]]. You can see the Coast Range to the west. You can see Portland and the Willamette River. You can see the Columbia River. You can see the desert to the east. <br /> <br /> It's really interesting to see how the plants and geology vary as you go as low as 3300' by [[Ramona Falls]] through deep forest to barren lava flows as high as 7300' on the east side of the mountain.<br /> <br /> Most people take 4 days and 3 nights, beginning and ending at [[Timberline Lodge Trailhead|Timberline Lodge]], and go clockwise. A number of other alternatives are mentioned below. The detailed description is the same regardless of how you do it. At a few places there are several choices of route which can make the hike a little shorter or longer.<br /> <br /> Compared to the &quot;Dilbert World&quot; we're used to, it's refreshing to get into the routine of getting up in the morning, eating, packing up, hiking several stretches with rest stops, finding a place to get water and camp, and repeating. Anyone that has the opportunity should do this hike at least once. You might like it so much that you want to try a longer trip such as the trail around the Three Sisters, the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier, or thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.<br /> <br /> === Description ===<br /> As usual, mileages can differ between sources. These mileages are from a GPS track. Sometimes a trail is re-routed which can change mileages. These will at least give you an approximate value. These were updated September 2016.<br /> <br /> Start at the top of the parking area to the East of Timberline Lodge at elevation 5900 feet. Go West, below/in front of Timberline Lodge. If you haven't been there, go check it out.<br /> <br /> Keep going West, at about the same elevation. You go just above a ski lift that comes from below, and cross the bottom of another ski lift that goes up. Eventually it becomes the Mountaineer Trail. Keep going West and a little up until it joins the Timberline Trail (400) which is also the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT 2000) at elevation 6000 feet and mile 0.8 from the start.<br /> <br /> If you don't find the Mountaineer Trail, just go West/up until you find the obvious PCT.<br /> <br /> Keep going West on the PCT.<br /> <br /> At 1.2 miles, the trail makes a brief descent into rocky [[Little Zigzag Canyon]], an easy, bridgeless crossing. For the next mile, the trail descends into forest, passing the [[Pacific Crest-Hidden Lake Trail Junction|Hidden Lake Trail]] (no. 779) on the left. There is a campsite (but no drinking water) below the trail just before this junction. There's another campsite (with no drinking water) below the trail in another 0.1 mile. <br /> <br /> At mile 1.5 is the junction with the Hidden Lake Trail. It's about 4 miles down to the trailhead.<br /> <br /> There's a small campsite below the trail at mile 1.8.<br /> <br /> There is a small stream at mile 2.0. It gets to be a trickle late in the season but I've not seen it dry up. <br /> <br /> The Timberline Trail then curves across a series of sloping meadows before suddenly reaching [[Zigzag Overlook]], the lip of gaping Zigzag Canyon at 2.3 miles, elevation 5500. The view includes the meadows of [[Paradise Park]], across the canyon, and rugged Mississippi Head, the mesa-like formation at the head of the canyon. <br /> <br /> From the Zigzag Overlook, the trail quickly descends a cool, forested slope to the bottom of [[Zigzag River Crossing]] at mile 3.4 and 4800 feet elevation. The stream is generally easy to cross without wet feet, but can occasionally present an obstacle during periods of heavy snow melt and rain. Be sure to look upstream for dramatic [[Zigzag Falls]], which often forms snow caves at its base.<br /> <br /> From the canyon floor, the trail climbs steadily, crossing a side stream, then reaching a junction with the [[Pacific Crest-Paradise Park Loop South Trail Junction|Paradise Park Loop Trail]] at 3.8 miles. Turn right here and continue climbing through switchbacks. You could stay on the PCT/Timberline Trail (through forest, only one signed junction go straight, several nice campsites next to Lost Creek) but going through Paradise Park only adds 400' elevation gain and no additional mileage and is well worth it.<br /> <br /> On the Paradise Loop Trail, at mile 4.8, 5700 feet elevation is the junction with the [[Paradise Park Loop-Paradise Park Trail Junction|Paradise Park Trail]] and the beginning of the sprawling alpine meadows of [[Paradise Park]]. It's 5.5 miles down to the [[Paradise Park Trailhead]] near highway 26.<br /> <br /> Continue on the Paradise Loop Trail. Cross [[South Fork Lost Creek Crossing|Lost Creek]] at the 5.0 mile mark. This is a reliable source of drinking water year-round. A little further are the remains of the Paradise Park shelter in a grove of ancient mountain hemlock. There are a couple campsites here, but better sites are ahead. Inexperienced people are tired from the hike and drop their packs right here, so these sites are often taken.<br /> <br /> The route continues to the right here, curving through exceptionally scenic meadows, punctuated by rocky bluffs and Mount Hood towering above. There are also excellent views of the rugged Zigzag Mountain arm of the Mount Hood Wilderness, to the west, and the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness, to the southwest.<br /> <br /> The trail reaches about 5800 feet elevation in Paradise Park.<br /> <br /> Next, the trail crosses another branch of [[North Fork Lost Creek Crossing|Lost Creek]]. This is another reliable drinking water stream. There are a number of nice campsites here. You can go straight up at the stream. You can go a little further and then down a trail to the site of an old lookout. You can keep going down to another more sheltered site. A little further on the Paradise Loop Trail is another trail going down to a campsite. A little further is a trail going up—in about 0.1 mile is a huge rock, maybe 20 feet high, with a campsite next to it (very exposed in bad weather). There are two plaques on the rock memorializing two former Forest Service employees. <br /> <br /> There are a couple more campsites just below the trail.<br /> <br /> The Paradise Loop Trail comes within a few hundred feet of Paradise Branch canyon, before turning downhill in a switchback. If you have the energy and interest, walk through low alpine scrub and meadows to the edge of the canyon for a sweeping view of Mount Hood, Reid Glacier and several waterfalls on the Paradise Branch. <br /> <br /> After taking in the view, return to the main trail, and begin a gradual decent back to the Timberline Trail/PCT, reaching a well-marked [[Pacific Crest-Paradise Park North Trail Junction|junction]] at 6.1 miles. Turn right (northwest). The trail takes a long stretch steeply down.<br /> <br /> If you had stayed on the PCT rather than the Paradise Loop trail, there's a nice campsite at Lost Creek at mile 5.0.<br /> <br /> At about mile 9.0 the trail gets close to Rushing Water Creek and several campsites off the trail a bit, next to the creek, which is good for drinking water. It's kind of cool here if you have hot weather.<br /> <br /> At mile 9.1 the trail crosses the [[Sandy River Crossing on Pacific Crest Trail|Sandy River]]. This is one of the more difficult stream crossings around Mount Hood. You have to cross on rocks/logs. There's no bridge. See [[Tips for Crossing Streams]].<br /> <br /> In the next mile, up to Ramona Falls, there are maybe a dozen campsites near the trail, explore any side trails you see. Get drinking water from Rushing Water Creek at the Sandy River crossing or at Ramona Falls. There's also a small stream below the trail at about mile 9.4 at a low point of the trail at about 3300 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> The trail now goes along the Sandy River stream bed. At mile 9.5 is the junction with the [[Pacific Crest-Timberline Middle Trail Junction|Ramona Falls Trail]]. <br /> <br /> There are three choices here, about the same distance and elevation gain:<br /> # Go left and along the Sandy River—this is the shortest route—this is the official PCT<br /> # Go right, then left at Ramona Falls along Ramona Creek—this adds 0.1 mile<br /> # Go right, then right at Ramona Falls—this adds 0.4 miles—I think this is more scenic.<br /> <br /> <br /> To do the #1 route, go left and go 1.5 miles to a junction. The Ramona Falls trailhead is left 1.4 miles, we want to go right. In another 0.5 miles is another junction where the #2 route joins from the right. <br /> <br /> To do the #2 and #3 routes, go right 0.4 miles to Ramona Falls and another junction. Route #2 goes left 1.6 miles to the junction with route #1.<br /> <br /> Routes #1 and #2 cross the Muddy Fork on an improvised crossing, at elevation 2300 feet, then 2.2 miles uphill to a 5 way junction at 4300 feet elevation. To the left is the PCT north and the trail down to Top Spur trailhead 0.5 miles away. To the right is the trail around Bald Mountain. We want to go straight following the signs to Cairn Basin. It's 0.4 miles to where we connect up with route #3.<br /> <br /> This all sounds more complicated than it is. Route #1 is the PCT so just follow the PCT markers.<br /> <br /> We want to follow route #3. At the junction just after Ramona Falls go right. This is 3500 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> At mile 10.6 is the junction with the Yocum Ridge Trail which dead ends about 6 miles up the mpuntain. A great trip for another day.<br /> <br /> For the next 4 miles the trail is sometimes taken out by landslides, so you may have to detour the other way.<br /> <br /> At mile 12.6, elevation 4100 feet, is a nice campsite with a drinking water stream.<br /> <br /> Then, the trail crosses the Muddy Fork. There are several different branches to cross. These can sometimes be difficult.<br /> <br /> At mile 14.4, elevation 4350, is a cutoff trail that goes right up and over the ridge where it joins up with routes #1 and #2. We want to go right. A nice detour is to keep going straight around scenic Bald Mountain.<br /> <br /> At mile 14.5 is the junction with the [[Timberline-McGee Creek Trail Junction|McGee Creek Trail]] which comes in from the left (1.3 miles to the [[McGee Creek Trailhead]]). Stay straight. <br /> <br /> At about mile 15.6 are several viewpoints that look up to Mount Hood and down into the Sandy River Canyon. From the PCT junction to here is pretty crowded summer weekends. There is a place for a tent just above the trail in the brush next to the first viewpoint. There's another place for a tent right at the high point.<br /> <br /> At mile 16.3 is the unmarked junction with the [[Timberline-McNeil Point Scramble Trail Junction|McNeil Point Scramble Trail]]. You could take this loop for 1.1 miles until it rejoins the Timberline Trail. The first part of the trail up to McNeil Point is very difficult—requires you use your hands a bit. There is a year-round drinking water stream and a number of nice campsites along the way.<br /> <br /> At mile 16.8 is the signed junction with the [[Timberline-Mazama Trail Junction|Mazama Trail]] #625 (previously known as the Cathedral Ridge Trail) which comes up from the left. It's 3.1 miles to the [[Mazama Trailhead]].<br /> <br /> A little further is the old McNeil Point Trail, now closed for revegetation. There's a nice campsite. There's a drinking water stream that probably dries up in September.<br /> <br /> At mile 17.1 is the signed junction with the [[Timberline-McNeil Point Trail Junction|McNeil Point Trail]]. This officially maintained trail is a much easier side path to [[McNeil Point]]<br /> <br /> At mile 17.3 is a somewhat difficult stream crossing of one branch of Ladd Creek. This is the outflow of the Glisan Glacier above. This stream is too silty to drink out of, but there's another small stream that would be better, right next to the main stream.<br /> <br /> In the next several miles, up to Eliot Creek, are several areas burned by the Dollar Lake fire of 2011. There were fingers of fire that burned up to and across the trail. The trail is totally passable. A few trail signs got burned up but they have mostly been replaced by temporary signs. A few campsites have been burned, mainly in Cairn Basin, but there are unburned campsites nearby. Maybe the biggest risk is that trees have been burned, killed, and weakened, so they might fall over on you. But, this is becoming less of a risk because there have been a couple winters to blow over the weakest ones.<br /> <br /> At mile 17.4 is the junction with the [[Cairn Basin|Eden Park Trail]] which goes left. You could take this trail, and loop around to the Vista Ridge Trail and then back up to the Timberline Trail taking an extra 0.5 miles, and losing and then regaining 300' of elevation. [[Eden Park]] is a very scenic meadow area.<br /> <br /> Right after the Eden Park Trail junction is [[Cairn Basin]] which goes for about 0.2 miles along the Timberline Trail. There's one of those stone shelters, which could be a life saver in a storm. There are about 6 campsites all along here on both sides. If they're all busy, try taking the trail up past the shelter and you can find a few more campsites.<br /> <br /> The trail is at about 5800 feet elevation here.<br /> <br /> At the far end of Cairn Basin, at mile 17.7 is another somewhat difficult stream crossing, the other branch of [[Ladd Creek Crossing on Timberline Trail|Ladd Creek]]. It's too silty to drink.<br /> <br /> At mile 18.5 is the junction with the [[Wy'East Basin|Vista Ridge Trail]] #626. This is the return from the loop through Eden Park. It's 2.7 miles to the [[Vista Ridge Trailhead]]. <br /> <br /> At mile 18.6 is [[Wy'East Basin]], a scenic alpine meadow. There aren't any good places to camp here. There's a nice drinking water stream. There is an unmarked trail going up to Barrett Spur.<br /> <br /> At mile 18.9 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Pinnacle Ridge Trail Junction|Pinnacle Ridge Trail]] #630. It's 3.4 miles to the [[Pinnacle Ridge Trailhead]].<br /> <br /> At mile 19.2, 5800 feet elevation is an [[Timberline-Dollar Lake Trail Junction|unmarked side trail]] going to the right (up) to [[Dollar Lake]]. It's easy to miss this trail. There are usually some cairns to mark it. Dollar Lake is 0.3 miles from the Timberline Trail. There are three established campsites there. They may be full on summer weekends, this is a popular place summer weekends, surprisingly because it's so far from any trailhead. From here, there's a one mile side trip up to [[Barrett Spur]]. You can get drinking water from Dollar Lake, but people and animals swim there and there's no inflow or outflow so not the best water. If you keep going up towards Barrett Spur there are some campsites and a drinking water stream.<br /> <br /> At mile 19.9 is [[Elk Cove]] and the junction with the Elk Cove Trail #631. This is a nice meadow area with great views towards Barrett Spur and Mount Hood. There are about six campsites along the Elk Cove Trail within 0.5 miles of the Timberline Trail. These are in the forest and usually aren't that busy. You can get drinking water from the stream going through Elk Cove.<br /> <br /> At mile 20.7 is the difficult crossing of [[Coe Creek Crossing on Timberline Trail|Coe Creek]]. Elevation here is about 5100 feet.<br /> <br /> At about mile 21.6 you cross a fork of Compass Creek, good for drinking water. At about mile 21.8 are a couple campsites and some other flat areas you could camp. This area got burned over by the Dollar Lake fire. The nicest spot is about 200 feet west of the trail, and just out of the burn area, a very faint side trail to it. At about mile 22.1 is another campsite. At mile 22.3 is another fork of Compass Creek for drinking water.<br /> <br /> At mile 23.8 is the beginning of the new trail that crosses Eliot, at 6000 feet elevation. This is a really nice trail—dirt/gravel, lots of switchbacks. Nothing like the old unofficial trail.<br /> <br /> At mile 24.5 is the Eliot crossing. This is like other stream crossing around Mt Hood—sometimes easy, sometimes very difficult, it depends on the amount of rain recently and the amount of snow melt. September 2016 it wasn't nearly as bad as the more difficult crossings like Newton, White River, Coe, and Sandy. A little further is the low point at 5400 feet elevation.<br /> <br /> A good description of several routes across Eliot [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&amp;t=25867 topic]<br /> <br /> At mile 25.1 the new trail ends back up at the old trail at 5900 feet elevation. <br /> <br /> At mile 25.2 the trail reaches Cloud Cap. Its about 200 feet down to the trailhead and campground. There's a trail from there to Tilly Jane trailhead and campground about 0.6 miles from there. The elevation is about 5800 feet.<br /> <br /> At mile 26.2 is the junction with another trail down to Tilly Jane about 1.2 miles away.<br /> <br /> At mile 26.4 is the Cooper Spur Shelter.<br /> <br /> Continue up the Timberline Trail to mile 27.6 to the [[Timberline High Point]]. This is the highest point (7350') of the Timberline Trail. There are a couple streams before the high point until late August, and there's another drinking water stream just after the high point. In September, this stream may only flow in the late afternoon and you may have to dam it up to form a pool and wait for the silt to settle before you can get water. There are a couple ridges that go east from the trail with some flat areas for a tent, but this is extremely exposed and not good in bad weather.<br /> <br /> In another 0.2 miles, there's a high area above the trail, which is the highest point of [[Gnarl Ridge]], where you can find a flat area for a few tents. This is a little more sheltered than the Timberline High Point. There are a couple streams.<br /> <br /> At about mile 28.2 there's a spring a ways to the East of the trail. This was dry in early September. Maybe if you went downhill there would be a place where there was water.<br /> <br /> After a while, the Timberline Trail follows the top of Gnarl Ridge with excellent views. At about mile 29.0, the trail leaves the top of Gnarl Ridge and there's the remains of one of those stone shelters and on the opposite side of the trail are some flat areas that could hold an army of tents. <br /> <br /> At mile 30.3 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Gnarl Ridge Trail Junction|Gnarl Ridge Trail]] #652 which is 3 miles down to the [[Hood River Meadows Trailhead]].<br /> <br /> At mile 31.1 is the difficult crossing of [[Newton Creek Crossing on Timberline Trail|Newton Creek]]). It's a little hard finding where the trail exits the canyon on the West side. It's pretty much opposite the East side—you don't have to go a long ways upstream or downstream. Look around for a rope or flagging. Just after the crossing are several nice campsites a little off the trail. There's also a small drinking water stream. <br /> <br /> We're down to 5400 feet elevation here, and stay at about that elevation across the Mount Hood Meadows area.<br /> <br /> At mile 31.4 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Newton Creek Trail Junction|Newton Creek Trail]] #646 (3 miles down to the [[Hood River Meadows Trailhead]]). Walk a short distance down here for some excellent views south.<br /> <br /> At mile 32.6 is a somewhat difficult crossing of the [[Clark Creek Crossing|Clark Creek]]. At mile 33.4 is a nice waterfall at Heather Canyon and a somewhat difficult stream crossing.<br /> <br /> Over the next 2.5 miles are a number of beauteous streams and little water falls and several campsites. This is all in the Mount Hood Meadows Ski Area, so you see occasional signs of man, but it's a novelty compared to the wilderness so maybe its okay. You normally see ski areas when they're covered with snow. At least there aren't zillions of people.<br /> <br /> At mile 34.7 is the junction with the [[Timberline-Umbrella Falls Trail Junction|Umbrella Falls Trail]] #667. Just before this is a gravel road, the only one you'll see on the entire Timberline Trail. Just before this is [[Mitchel Creek Crossing|Mitchel Creek]], the last time you'll find drinking water for a while. After the trail leaves the meadow and enters forest, at the next switchback in about 0.1 mile, there's a spot above the trail that's flat enough to sleep. Neither of these are that great.<br /> <br /> Then you go steeply down to the most difficult crossing of the [[White River Crossing]] at mile 36.2, 4900 feet elevation. The White River is too silty to drink out of, but the Eastern fork is clear, and if you go up it (north) about 1/4 mile, there are some nice campsites with fire rings. The trail on the West side is about 0.2 miles upstream from the trail on the East side. Between is a route flagged and/or marked with cairns. The exact route varies from year to year.<br /> <br /> At mile 37.0 is the [[Pacific Crest-Timberline South Trail Junction|junction with the PCT]] which comes up on the left from [[Barlow Pass]], 4 miles away. Stay right on the Timberline Trail/PCT.<br /> <br /> There's a tricky spot at about mile 38, 1/2 mile from the end. The trail leaves a ridge and traverses over to Timberline Lodge. If it's not foggy, you can easily see the lodge, but if you can't see the lodge, it's easy to continue up and miss the trail which is a little indistinct. If you're above 6000 feet you're off the trail. Also, the trees really thin out above 6000 feet. Someone did this and didn't survive.<br /> <br /> At mile 38.3 is the end of your trip, back at the Timberline Lodge parking area.<br /> <br /> === Alternate Trips ===<br /> The most common trip is 4 days/3 nights clockwise from Timberline Lodge. Given the trailheads and campsites listed below you can cobble together your own trip.<br /> <br /> Several trailheads that aren't too far off the Timberline Trail:<br /> * [[Timberline Lodge Trailhead]]—about 1/4 mile off the Timberline Trail, the access road is two lane paved, the only place on the Timberline Trail with a restauraunt and other facilities<br /> * [[Cloud Cap Trailhead]]—mile 25.2, about 1/2 mile off the Timberline Trail, the access road is about 9 miles of gravel a bit rough at some places<br /> * [[Top Spur Trailhead]]—mile 13.7, about 1/2 mile off the Timberline Trail, the access road is about 3 miles of single lane paved and 1.6 miles of fairly good gravel <br /> * [[Ramona Falls Trailhead]]—mile 11.0, about 1.4 miles off the PCT, the access road is about a mile of single lane paved potholed, the parking area has a reputation for vandalism<br /> <br /> Presuming you do the hike in several days, choosing nice places to camp can make the hike better. These tend to be more exposed—another school of thought says you should camp at sheltered places and experience the exposed scenic areas while you're hiking. A number of campsites:<br /> * Paradise Park—mile 5, alpine meadow with great views, at least a dozen campsites spread along about a mile, year-round drinking water<br /> * Ramona Falls area—mile 10, forested area, Ramona Falls is a scenic destination, at least a dozen campsites in the mile south of the falls including the area next to Lost Creek, drinking water from Lost Creek or Ramona Creek<br /> * Cairn Basin area—mile 17.5, alpine meadow with some forested places, at least a dozen campsites at Cairn Basin and within one mile west, drinking water from McGee Creek one mile south, a creek just south, and the creek at Wy'East Basin<br /> * Elk Cove—mile 19.9, alpine meadow, about six campsites within 1/2 mile of Timberline Trail along the Elk Cove Trail in forested area, drinking water stream just west of the Elk Cove Trail junction<br /> * mile 22.2, two campsites between Coe Creek and Compass Creek in forest right next to trail, drinking water from a tributary of Coe Creek at 5700' about 1/2 mile east of main Coe Creek or from the several branches of Compass Creek<br /> * [[Cloud Cap Trailhead]]—mile 25.2, in a forested area, right next to the road, picnic tables, all the sites are taken on the weekend but you could find a place to put your tent, it costs $10, there's a drinking water spigot<br /> * [[Cooper Spur Shelter]]—mile 26.4, alpine area with great views, not too many plants, there are some flat areas for tents near the shelter, drinking water from Cloud Cap Trailhead, the Tilly Jane Creek about 1/2 mile below the shelter, or the streams at the Timberline high point<br /> * [[Timberline High Point]]—mile 27.6, extremely exposed alpine area not good in bad weather, there are two ridges that go east from the high point with flat spots for tents, and another spot about 1/2 mile south maybe 0.1 mile off the trail at the highest point of Gnarl Ridge, drinking water early in the season from a stream just north of the high point, a stream just south of the high point is probably good all year but maybe only in the late afternoon<br /> * Gnarl Ridge Shelter—mile 29.0, spots for a dozen tents on the other side of the trail, you can go a ways off the trail for privacy, closest drinking water is at the high point or Newton Creek Crossing<br /> * above Mount Hood Meadows—mile 31 to 34, alpine meadow area with some forested areas, there are about a dozen campsites over a 3.5 mile stretch between the Newton Creek Crossing and the Umbrella Falls Trail Junction, get drinking water from a small stream just west of Newton Creek, Mitchel Creek just east of the Umbrella Falls Trail junction, or several streams in between <br /> <br /> If you start at a place other than Timberline Lodge, then part way through the hike, you can stop for a bite of real food and/or a drink. <br /> <br /> Several possible hikes:<br /> * Start at Timberline Lodge. Go clockwise. Camp at the Ramona Falls area, Cairn Basin area, and at Gnarl Ridge (bringing water from Cloud Cap Trailhead).<br /> * Start at Cloud Cap Trailhead. Go counter clockwise. Get water at McGee Creek and camp at the viewpoint below McNeil Point. Camp the next nights at Paradise Park and just past the Umbrella Falls Trail junction.<br /> * Start at Ramona Falls Trailhead. Go clockwise. Camp at the far end of Cairn Basin, Newton Creek (12 mile day), and Paradise Park (13 mile day).<br /> * Start at Top Spur Trailhead. Go clockwise. Camp at Cloud Cap Trailhead, just past Umbrella Falls Trail, and Paradise Park.<br /> * 5 day hike to prolong the enjoyment. Start at Cloud Cap. Take the McNeil Point Trail and camp somewhere along it. If you're not too tired take a side trip up from here. Camp near Ramona Falls, then Paradise Park. Take a short side trip above Paradise Park. Camp the last night after the Umbrella Falls Trail junction.<br /> <br /> === Maps ===<br /> <br /> [[Image:mthoodmap2017a.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:mthoodmap2017b.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:mthoodmap2017c.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> [[Image:mthoodmap2017d.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood map ''(Jerry Adams)'' ]]<br /> <br /> {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=8 here] to add your own)<br /> <br /> {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}<br /> (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=141 here] to ask a question or start a conversation)<br /> <br /> === More Links ===<br /> <br /> === Page Contributors ===<br /> * [[User:Retiredjerry]]<br /> * [[User:Splintercat|Splintercat (Tom Kloster)]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Bears_and_Cougars Bears and Cougars 2018-09-14T17:19:50Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>A couple links to what you should do against bear and cougar attack:<br /> <br /> [http://outdoorend.com/wildlife-safety-lions-tigers-bears-oh-my/# outdoorend]<br /> <br /> [http://www.discovervancouverisland.com/blog/bear-wolf-cougar-safety/ discover Vancouver Island]<br /> <br /> List of bear attacks in North America with some details about them. Bear and Cougar attacks are very rare so mostly you don't need to worry. Maybe in Grizzly bear country like the north Rocky Mountains you should carry bear spray:<br /> <br /> &quot;Bear Attacks Their Causes and Avoidances&quot; by Stephen Herrero [https://www.bearbiology.org/fileadmin/tpl/Downloads/URSUS/Vol_8/Herrero_Fleck_8.pdf bearbiology.org]<br /> <br /> [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fatal_bear_attacks_in_North_America wikipedia list of bear attacks]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Bears_and_Cougars Bears and Cougars 2018-09-14T17:19:18Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>A couple links to what you should do against bear and cougar attack:<br /> <br /> [http://outdoorend.com/wildlife-safety-lions-tigers-bears-oh-my/# outdoorend]<br /> <br /> [http://www.discovervancouverisland.com/blog/bear-wolf-cougar-safety/ discover Vancouver Island]<br /> <br /> List of bear attacks in North America with some details about them. Bear and Cougar attacks are very rare so mostly you don't need to worry. Maybe in Grizzly bear country like the north Rocky Mountains you should carry bear spray:<br /> <br /> &quot;Bear Attacks Their Causes and Avoidances&quot; by Stephen Herrero [https://www.bearbiology.org/fileadmin/tpl/Downloads/URSUS/Vol_8/Herrero_Fleck_8.pdf]<br /> <br /> [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fatal_bear_attacks_in_North_America wikipedia list of bear attacks]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Bears_and_Cougars Bears and Cougars 2018-09-14T16:43:20Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>A couple links to what you should do against bear and cougar attack:<br /> <br /> [http://outdoorend.com/wildlife-safety-lions-tigers-bears-oh-my/# outdoorend]<br /> <br /> [http://www.discovervancouverisland.com/blog/bear-wolf-cougar-safety/ discover Vancouver Island]<br /> <br /> List of bear attacks in North America with some details about them. Bear and Cougar attacks are very rare so mostly you don't need to worry. Maybe in Grizzly bear country like the north Rocky Mountains you should carry bear spray:<br /> <br /> [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fatal_bear_attacks_in_North_America wikipedia list of bear attacks]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Bears_and_Cougars Bears and Cougars 2018-09-14T16:42:22Z <p>Retiredjerry: Created page with &quot;A couple links to what you should do against bear and cougar attack: [http://outdoorend.com/wildlife-safety-lions-tigers-bears-oh-my/#] [http://www.discovervancouverisland.c...&quot;</p> <hr /> <div>A couple links to what you should do against bear and cougar attack:<br /> <br /> [http://outdoorend.com/wildlife-safety-lions-tigers-bears-oh-my/#]<br /> <br /> [http://www.discovervancouverisland.com/blog/bear-wolf-cougar-safety/]<br /> <br /> List of bear attacks in North America with some details about them. Bear and Cougar attacks are very rare so mostly you don't need to worry. Maybe in Grizzly bear country like the north Rocky Mountains you should carry bear spray:<br /> <br /> [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fatal_bear_attacks_in_North_America]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/About_Hiking About Hiking 2018-09-14T16:38:14Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>Here are some articles about hiking in general. We have attempted to focus on things that are pertinent to hiking in our area.<br /> <br /> * [[Tips for Crossing Streams|Crossing Streams]]<br /> * [[Falling|Falling Hazards]]<br /> * [[Heat Safety for Humans|Heat Safety]]<br /> * [[Poison Oak]]<br /> * [[Snakes]]<br /> * [[Stinging Nettles]]<br /> * [[Ticks]]<br /> * [[Mosquitoes]]<br /> * [[Lightweight Backpacking]]<br /> * [[Leave No Trace and Etiquette ]]<br /> * [[Lightning Precautions]]<br /> * [[Drinking Water Treatment]]<br /> * [http://wildflowersearch.org/ Flower ID]<br /> * [[Bears and Cougars]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Public_Transportation Public Transportation 2018-07-05T19:02:35Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div><br /> There is very little public transportation to common trailheads outside of urban areas, but here are some options:<br /> <br /> * [http://www.ifly.com/portland-international-airport/PDX-airport-shuttles Portland International Airport ground transportation] Shuttles that will transport you to/from Cascade Locks, Timberline Lodge, and other locations.<br /> * [http://columbiagorgeexpress.com/schedule-tickets Columbia Gorge Express] 2018 update. It may be seasonal so check ahead. Shuttle from Gateway Transit Center to Rooster Rock, Multnomah Falls, Cascade Locks, and Hood River.<br /> * [http://www.skamaniacounty.org/TRANSPORTATION/WKND_TRNS.pdf Gorge WET bus] from Vancouver to North Bonneville, Stevenson, Carson, and Dog Mountain.<br /> * [http://www.ci.sandy.or.us/Transit/ Sandy Area Metro] Goes from Portland Gresham Max station to Timberline Lodge. Stop at Zigzag and you could walk over to the West Zigzag Trail or up Hunchback Mountain. Stop at Mt Hood Village and hike over to the Wildwood Recreation Site and up the Boulder Ridge Trail into the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness.<br /> <br /> <br /> * [http://www.tillamookbus.com/ NW Connector] lists public transport in Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln, Columbia, and Benton counties. <br /> * [http://www.oregon-point.com/nw_point.html Point] Transit has several long routes, including Portland to Astoria via Cannon Beach and Portland to Eugene.<br /> <br /> <br /> * [http://www.eugene-or.gov/index.aspx?nid=1075 Eugene Airport Ground Transportation] Several possibilities.<br /> * [http://www.ltd.org/ Lane Transit District] Transit goes from Eugene as far East as McKenzie Bridge which is about 21 miles from the PCT and the Three Sisters. <br /> * [https://www.horse-creek.com/horse-creek/mckenzie-river-trail-shuttle/ Horse Creek Lodge shuttle] from one end of McKenzie trail to the other.<br /> <br /> * [http://cobreeze.com/ Central Oregon Breeze] Goes between Portland and Bend. They will make stops at Government Camp if you pre-arrange.<br /> * [http://pacificcrestbuslines.com/eugene-to-bend/ Pacific Crest Bus Lines] runs from Eugene to Bend, crossing the PCT.<br /> * [http://cascadeseasttransit.com/ Cascades East Transit] connects Central Oregon cities like Bend, Prineville, Redmond, and Madras.<br /> <br /> <br /> * [http://clallamtransit.com/ Clallam Transit] runs on the north side of Olympic National Park: Forks, Neah Bay, Lake Crescent, Port Angeles, Sequim, Port Townsend, Bainbridge Island Ferry.<br /> * [http://www.backpackingbybus.com/ Backpacking by Bus] Website about places you can backpack by bus. Seattle-centric.<br /> <br /> <br /> * Make a request on [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=12 oregonhikers.org] and maybe you can get someone to give you a ride, especially from Portland to closer locations like Cascade Locks or Timberline Lodge.<br /> <br /> <br /> * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/wiki/Category:Public_Transit Public Transit Hikes] Hikes in the Oregon Hikers Field Guide accessible by public transportation, usually in urban areas.</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Thomas_Lake_Trailhead Thomas Lake Trailhead 2018-07-05T16:34:32Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Southwest Washington]]<br /> [[Category:Gifford Pinchot National Forest]]<br /> [[Category:Indian Heaven Wilderness]]<br /> [[Category:Forest Road Access]]<br /> [[Category:Trailheads]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:ThomasLakeTH1.jpg|thumb|400px|The Thomas Lake Trailhead ''(Steve Hart)'']]<br /> <br /> {{Maplinkinfo|latitude=46.00577|longitude=-121.83923}}<br /> {{Elevation|4050 feet}}<br /> {{Driving time|2 hours}}<br /> <br /> === Hikes starting here ===<br /> * {{Hike ring|trailhead=Thomas Lake Trailhead|hike=Blue Lake Hike|log=Blue Lake Hike/Log|previous=Thomas Lake Trailhead|next=Dee Lake}}<br /> * {{Hike ring|trailhead=Thomas Lake Trailhead|hike=Thomas Lake Hike|log=Thomas Lake Hike/Log|previous=Thomas Lake Trailhead|next=Dee Lake}}<br /> <br /> === Fees and Regulations ===<br /> * Northwest Forest Pass required to park. There is a dropbox here.<br /> * Wilderness permit required on the trail. Available free here.<br /> * $2 toll each way at the [[Bridge of the Gods]]<br /> <br /> === Driving Directions ===<br /> Drive I-84 east to Exit 44 for Cascade Locks and Stevenson. <br /> <br /> From the freeway, drive for 0.4 miles and bear right for the Bridge of the Gods toll bridge and Stevenson. <br /> <br /> Drive 0.8 miles, paying the $2 toll and crossing the Columbia River, to the junction with Highway 14. <br /> <br /> Go right here for Stevenson and Kennewick. Drive 5.9 miles, passing through Stevenson, and make a left for Carson and the Wind River Recreation Area. <br /> <br /> Keep on the Wind River Road for 5.8 miles and then turn right onto Old State Road for Panther Creek Campground. <br /> <br /> Make a left in 0.1 miles onto Panther Creek Road. <br /> <br /> Keep to this road for 11.1 miles as it rises through national forest lands (after 0.9 miles, it becomes FR 65). <br /> <br /> Keep straight at Four Corner Junction, and after 1.9 miles come to a junction where FR 65 bears right. <br /> <br /> The road becomes gravel here and rises another 6.8 miles to the Thomas Lake Trailhead parking area on the right.<br /> <br /> July 2018 - FR 65 washed out 2.5 miles from trailhead. You can park your car there and walk the rest of the way.<br /> <br /> <br /> === Contributors ===<br /> * [[stevefromdodge]]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/About_Hiking About Hiking 2018-06-13T13:44:17Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>Here are some articles about hiking in general. We have attempted to focus on things that are pertinent to hiking in our area.<br /> <br /> * [[Tips for Crossing Streams|Crossing Streams]]<br /> * [[Falling|Falling Hazards]]<br /> * [[Heat Safety for Humans|Heat Safety]]<br /> * [[Poison Oak]]<br /> * [[Snakes]]<br /> * [[Stinging Nettles]]<br /> * [[Ticks]]<br /> * [[Mosquitoes]]<br /> * [[Lightweight Backpacking]]<br /> * [[Leave No Trace and Etiquette ]]<br /> * [[Lightning Precautions]]<br /> * [[Drinking Water Treatment]]<br /> * [http://wildflowersearch.org/ Flower ID]</div> Retiredjerry https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/About_Hiking About Hiking 2018-06-13T13:43:48Z <p>Retiredjerry: </p> <hr /> <div>Here are some articles about hiking in general. We have attempted to focus on things that are pertinent to hiking in our area.<br /> <br /> * [[Tips for Crossing Streams|Crossing Streams]]<br /> * [[Falling|Falling Hazards]]<br /> * [[Heat Safety for Humans|Heat Safety]]<br /> * [[Poison Oak]]<br /> * [[Snakes]]<br /> * [[Stinging Nettles]]<br /> * [[Ticks]]<br /> * [[Mosquitoes]]<br /> * [[Lightweight Backpacking]]<br /> * [[Leave No Trace and Etiquette ]]<br /> * [[Lightning Precautions]]<br /> * [[Drinking Water Treatment]]<br /> * [http:/wildflowersearch.org/ Flower ID]</div> Retiredjerry