Mount Hood from Huckleberry Mountain (Martell)

The rocky high point, which is this hikes' destination (Martell)

Google Earth map of the hike

• Start point: Wildwood Recreation Area Trailhead
• End point: Huckleberry Mountain
• Trail Log: Trail Log
• Hike Type: Out-and-back
• Distance: 11 miles
• Elevation gain: 3300 feet
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Seasons: Trailhead is accessible all seasons, probably free of snow June-October
• Family Friendly: No
• Backpackable: No
• Crowded: Yes, for the difficulty it is more crowded than would be expected

Hike Description

After parking either at the trailhead, or right off highway 26 (which, while free, involves an extra half mile walk to the trailhead), head towards the wetland trail, crossing a large wooden bridge. After the bridge stay on the paved section, continuing towards the wetland trail. This, short, boardwalk section meanders through a wetland, and a few spurs lead off to beautiful wetland views. After leaving the wetland area, a sign points left to the Boulder Ridge Trail, where this hike really begins.

The trail will pass a Boulder Ridge Trailhead sign and then quickly begin climbing up steep switchbacks through a mostly wooded section. Eventually you will pass the first viewpoint of Hood, then a sign signaling that you have entered the Salmon Huckleberry Wilderness, and shortly afterward, a second viewpoint on a rocky outcropping. After this the switchbacks stop, and the grade of the trail is slightly less steep as you climb and then follow the ridge. One mile from the destination, there is a "junction" between the Plaza Trail and the Boulder Ridge Trail. The Plaza trail appears to be abandoned towards the left, so take the obvious right turn towards the high point of Huckleberry Mountain.

At the rocky high point expect expansive views of Hood, Adams and more on clear days. If you explore behind the rocky knob (to the right of it as shown in the picture), you'll find a trail leading past a few open areas to the true summit. It is a mound about 30 yards off the trail (to the left). The path continues down the Bonanza Trail. Return the way you came unless you have a shuttle at the Bonanza Trailhead.

Maps

• Maps: Hike Finder

Trip Reports

• Search Trip Reports for Boulder Ridge

Related Discussions / Q&A

• Search Trail Q&A for Boulder Ridge

Guidebooks that cover this hike

• 100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon - by William Sullivan
• Foghorn Outdoors Oregon Hiking - by Megan McMorris

Contributors

• Martell (creator)