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Coffin Mountain Hike

From Oregon Hikers Field Guide

Revision as of 18:13, 24 June 2019 by Justpeachy (Talk | contribs)

Views of Mt. Jefferson and beargrass(Cheryl Hill)
An active lookout sits on the summit of Coffin Mountain (Cheryl Hill)

Contents

Hike Description

Although the views of Mt. Jefferson aren't as good here as they are from nearby Bachelor Mountain, this hike has the bonus of wildflower meadows and a neat lookout at the summit. The trail is steep, but the effort is worth it. This hike is especially rewarding from approximately mid-June to mid-July when the wildflowers are blooming.

The trail climbs steeply up an old rocky Jeep track for the first 0.1 mile, then watch for the trail heading off to your left. The trail climbs through forest and meadows with intermittent views of Three Fingered Jack to your right. Wildflowers include paintbrush, larkspur, and pentsemon.

After 0.6 miles you will emerge into a huge expansive beargrass meadow. Beargrass blooms in cycles, so some years the meadow is full of blooms and other years there are just a few. Even if it's not a banner year for beargrass the views from this meadow are spectacular. On clear days you can see Mt. Jefferson peeking up behind Bachelor Mountain to the east, a view which improves with every step up the trail. You can also see Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Washington, and the Three Sisters.

After a steep climb up through the meadows the trail re-enters the trees at 1.2 miles. Emerging from the forest on the other side you'll get your first glimpse of the Coffin Mountain Lookout. Once you reach the lookout be respectful of the person working there and remember that the lookout is their home and workplace. Only enter if you are invited to do so. The sweeping 360-degree views can be admired from numerous spots on the summit. No camping is allowed on Coffin Mountain.

Return the way you came.

Fees, Regulations, etc.

  • Camping is not allowed on Coffin Mountain.
  • No bathroom, water, or garbage service is available at the lookout.

Maps

Trip Reports

Related Discussions / Q&A

Guidebooks that cover this hike

  • 100 Hikes in the Central Oregon Cascades, 4th edition by William Sullivan

More Links

Contributors

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Oregon Hikers Field Guide is built as a collaborative effort by its user community. While we make every effort to fact-check, information found here should be considered anecdotal. You should cross-check against other references before planning a hike. Trail routing and conditions are subject to change. Please contact us if you notice errors on this page.

Hiking is a potentially risky activity, and the entire risk for users of this field guide is assumed by the user, and in no event shall Trailkeepers of Oregon be liable for any injury or damages suffered as a result of relying on content in this field guide. All content posted on the field guide becomes the property of Trailkeepers of Oregon, and may not be used without permission.