Bird Mountain Loop Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Cultus Creek Campground Trailhead
- End Point: Cultus Lake
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Out and Back
- Distance: 4.8 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 1010 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: Summer-Fall
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: Yes
- Crowded: No
Contents |
Hike Description
The trail starts at the Cultus Creek Campground Trailhead quickly climbing up the side of Bird Mountain paralleling Cultus Creek on the Indian Heaven Trail. You'll see lichen-draped douglas fir trees and lots of beargrass. Parts of the first mile are very steep. After a mile the trail reaches a viewpoint where there are views of Bird Mountain, Mount Adams and other peaks.
The trail re-enters the forest and climbs at a gentler pace. After leveling out the trail passes by a short side trail to Deep Lake before reaching Cultus Lake after about 2.5 miles. There are a few campsites here. If you camp here, please practice Leave No Trace principles and do not camp in the fragile meadows.
A side trip to Deep Lake is worth your time before you head back. The 0.3mi spur trail takes you to the big lake, which is indeed deep. There are more campsites here than at Cultus Lake.
Maps
Fees, Regulations, etc.
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Indian Heaven
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Indian Heaven
Guidebooks
- Day Hiking Mount Adams and Goat Rocks by Tami Asars