Difference between revisions of "Marys Peak Summit Loop Hike"
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
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| + | [[Category:Northwest Oregon]] | ||
[[Category:Coast Range]] | [[Category:Coast Range]] | ||
[[Category:Siuslaw National Forest]] | [[Category:Siuslaw National Forest]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Accessibility Information]] | ||
[[Category:Family Hikes]] | [[Category:Family Hikes]] | ||
[[Category:Easy Hikes]] | [[Category:Easy Hikes]] | ||
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[[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]] | [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]] | ||
[[Category:Wildflower Hikes]] | [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]] | ||
[[Category:Wildlife Viewing Hikes]] | [[Category:Wildlife Viewing Hikes]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Loop Hikes]] | ||
[[Category:Hikes]] | [[Category:Hikes]] | ||
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[[Image:Maryspeakrockgarden.JPG|thumb|400px|Rock garden on the summit of Marys Peak ''(cfm)'']] | [[Image:Maryspeakrockgarden.JPG|thumb|400px|Rock garden on the summit of Marys Peak ''(cfm)'']] | ||
| − | [[Image:'s Peak | + | [[Image:Summit, looking south, Mary's Peak.jpg|thumb|250px|Looking south from the summit of Marys Peak ''(bobcat)'']] |
| + | [[Image:Traildownfromsummit.JPG|thumb|250px|Take this trail down from the summit ''(cfm)'']] | ||
| + | [[Image:Glacier lily.jpg|thumb|250px|Glacier lilies ''(Erythronium grandiflorum)'' ''(cfm)'']] | ||
| + | [[Image:MarysPeakMap.png|thumb|250px|The summit loop hike at Marys Peak ''(bobcat)'' Courtesy: ''Caltopo/USFS'']] | ||
| − | {{Start point|Marys Peak | + | {{Start point|Marys Peak Trailhead}} |
* End point: [[Marys Peak]] | * End point: [[Marys Peak]] | ||
| − | * Trail | + | * Trail log: [[Marys Peak Summit Hike/Log|Trail Log]] |
| − | * Hike | + | * Hike type: Two short loops |
| − | {{Distance|1. | + | {{Distance|1.3 miles}} |
| − | {{Elevation gain| | + | {{Elevation gain|345 feet}} |
| + | * High point: 4,097 feet | ||
{{Difficulty|Easy}} | {{Difficulty|Easy}} | ||
* Seasons: April through October | * Seasons: April through October | ||
* Family Friendly: Yes | * Family Friendly: Yes | ||
* Backpackable: No | * Backpackable: No | ||
| − | * Crowded: | + | * Crowded: Sometimes - on sunny weekends |
| + | * [[Marys Peak Summit Loop Hike Accessibility Information]] | ||
=== Hike Description === | === Hike Description === | ||
| − | + | [[Marys Peak]] is a familiar landmark in the central Willamette Valley. At 4,097 feet, it is the highest peak in the Coast Range, and its distinctive summit dominates the western horizon from Corvallis. From the summit meadow, there are 360-degree views up and down the Coast Range, west to the Pacific Ocean, and east across the Willamette Valley. Views of the Cascade Range extend from [[Mount Rainier]] to [[Diamond Peak]]. Although there is a relay station here with antennae, the meadows make a perfect spot for a picnic on a warm dry day. Numerous species of colorful wildflowers bloom here in late spring and early summer. You can drive almost to the summit, and this loop describes the short loop between the parking area, which is usually open between April 1st and October 31st, and the top of [[Marys Peak]]. | |
| − | + | Take the gravel service road leading up towards the summit. Sixty yards south of the restrooms, a trail leads left up a grassy knoll that offers views east to Philomath and then the Cascades, where you can make out [[Mount Jefferson]] and [[Three Fingered Jack]]. Join the summit road track, and bear left. The road curves around to the summit giving expansive views to the east and the south. When you reach the top of [[Marys Peak]], enjoy the 360-degree views up and down the Coast Range, west to the Pacific Ocean, and east across the Willamette Valley to [[Mount Jefferson]] and the [[Three Sisters]]. Far to the south, you may be able to make out [[Diamond Peak]]. [[Mount Hood]], [[Mount Saint Helens]], and even [[Mount Rainier]] are visible to the north. Yes, there's a communications array here, but on a sunny day the meadows offer a balmy and lofty platform for soaking in the landscape. Phlox, larkspur, paintbrush, and desert-parsley bloom here in late spring, with peak displays arriving in late June/early July. | |
| − | + | The summit descent begins on a trail heading down the meadow. You may feel like you are on the set of "The Sound of Music". A posted arrow tells hikers to veer left, and the trail drops in the meadow and then swings right. Glacier lilies and violets are early bloomers in this grassy expanse. After entering noble fir woods, you'll reach a junction. You can go left here to complete the [[Marys Peak Meadow Edge Loop Hike|Meadow Edge Loop]] to the [[Marys Peak Campground Trailhead|Marys Peak Campground]]; otherwise, stay right to emerge from the woods reach a multi-trail junction at the summit road. This is where your ascent trail over the grassy knoll joined the road. This time, just turn left on the service road and walk back down to the parking area. | |
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=== Maps === | === Maps === | ||
| − | * Sky Island Graphics: '' | + | {{Hikemaps|latitude=44.50442|longitude=-123.5525}} |
| + | * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5426590.pdf Marys Peak Area Trails (USFS)] | ||
| + | * Sky Island Graphics: ''Marys Peak - McDonald Forest Recreation Guide'' | ||
* U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Siuslaw National Forest'' | * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Siuslaw National Forest'' | ||
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=== Regulations or Restrictions, etc. === | === Regulations or Restrictions, etc. === | ||
| − | * A Northwest Forest Pass is needed to park at the | + | * A Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) is needed to park at the summit parking area. You can purchase it on site. |
| + | * Restrooms, picnic area, information kiosk, interpretive signs | ||
| + | * This parking area is normally accessible from April 1st through November 30th. During the winter, the Marys Peak Road is gated just past [[Conner's Camp Trailhead]]. In years of heavy snow, opening of the gate in the spring may be delayed past April. | ||
| − | {{TripReports|Marys Peak}} | + | {{TripReports|Marys Peak Summit}} |
| − | {{RelatedDiscussions|Marys Peak}} | + | {{RelatedDiscussions|Marys Peak Summit}} |
=== Guidebooks that cover this hike === | === Guidebooks that cover this hike === | ||
| − | * '' | + | * ''Oregon's Best Wildflower Hikes: Northwest Region'' by George Wuerthner |
| − | * '' | + | * ''The Disabled Hiker's Guide to Western Washington and Oregon'' by Syren Nagakyrie |
| − | * ''100 Hikes | + | * ''Extraordinary Oregon!'' by Matt Reeder |
| + | * ''Best Hikes With Kids: Oregon'' by Bonnie Henderson & Zach Urness | ||
| + | * ''Best Hikes with Children: Western & Central Oregon'' by Bonnie Henderson | ||
| + | * ''Wine Hiking Oregon'' by Jack Costa | ||
| + | * ''100 Hikes: Oregon Coast'' by William L. Sullivan | ||
| + | * ''Hiking Oregon's History'' by William L. Sullivan | ||
| + | * ''Hiking Oregon's Geology'' by Ellen Morris Bishop | ||
| + | * ''Corvallis Trails '' by Margie C. Powell | ||
* [http://cbcpubliclibrary.net/localhistory/Corvallis/A%20Guide%20to%20Trails%20in%20the%20Corvallis%20Area.pdf ''A Guide to Trails in the Corvallis Area''] by Phillip R. Hays | * [http://cbcpubliclibrary.net/localhistory/Corvallis/A%20Guide%20to%20Trails%20in%20the%20Corvallis%20Area.pdf ''A Guide to Trails in the Corvallis Area''] by Phillip R. Hays | ||
| + | * ''Siuslaw Forest Hikes: A Guide to Oregon's Central Coast Range'' by Irene & Dick Lilja | ||
| + | * ''75 Hikes in Oregon's Coast Range & Siskiyous'' by Rhonda & George Ostertag | ||
| + | * ''Oregon Campgrounds Hiking Guide'' by Rhonda & George Ostertag | ||
| + | * ''Oregon Coast Camping & Hiking'' by Tom Stienstra & Sean Patrick Hill | ||
=== More Links === | === More Links === | ||
| − | [http://oregonwildflowers.org/viewlocation.php?ID=31 | + | * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/siuslaw/recreation/recarea/?recid=42327 Summit Trail #1388 (USFS)] |
| + | * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/siuslaw/recreation/recarea/?recid=42311 Marys Peak (USFS)] | ||
| + | * [http://therighttrail.org/trails/summit-loop Summit Loop (The Right Trail)] | ||
| + | * [http://www.nwhiker.com/MarysPeakHike.html Mary's Peak Hike (Northwest Hiker)] | ||
| + | * [https://www.oregonhiking.com/oregon-adventures/100-hikes-on-the-oregon-coast/central-coast-hikes/marys-peak-hike Marys Peak (Oregon Adventures)] | ||
| + | * [https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/life/2014/04/17/marys-peak-is-a-coast-range-jewel/7848269/ "Marys Peak is a Coast Range jewel" (Statesman Journal)] | ||
| + | * [https://www.oregonlive.com/travel/2017/04/a_10-mountain_view_on_top_of_m.html "A 10-mountain view on top of Marys Peak, the best viewpoint in Oregon" (Oregon Live)] | ||
| + | * [https://www.summitpost.org/marys-peak/195308 Marys Peak (Summit Post)] | ||
| + | * [http://oregonwildflowers.org/viewlocation.php?ID=31 Marys Peak (OregonWildflowers.org)] | ||
| + | * [https://nwwildflowers.com/places/Marys_Peak Marys Peak (Northwest Wildflowers)] | ||
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=== Contributors === | === Contributors === | ||
* [[User:CFM|CFM]] (creator) | * [[User:CFM|CFM]] (creator) | ||
Latest revision as of 04:11, 12 December 2023
- Start point: Marys Peak Trailhead
- End point: Marys Peak
- Trail log: Trail Log
- Hike type: Two short loops
- Distance: 1.3 miles
- Elevation gain: 345 feet
- High point: 4,097 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Seasons: April through October
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: Sometimes - on sunny weekends
- Marys Peak Summit Loop Hike Accessibility Information
Contents |
Hike Description
Marys Peak is a familiar landmark in the central Willamette Valley. At 4,097 feet, it is the highest peak in the Coast Range, and its distinctive summit dominates the western horizon from Corvallis. From the summit meadow, there are 360-degree views up and down the Coast Range, west to the Pacific Ocean, and east across the Willamette Valley. Views of the Cascade Range extend from Mount Rainier to Diamond Peak. Although there is a relay station here with antennae, the meadows make a perfect spot for a picnic on a warm dry day. Numerous species of colorful wildflowers bloom here in late spring and early summer. You can drive almost to the summit, and this loop describes the short loop between the parking area, which is usually open between April 1st and October 31st, and the top of Marys Peak.
Take the gravel service road leading up towards the summit. Sixty yards south of the restrooms, a trail leads left up a grassy knoll that offers views east to Philomath and then the Cascades, where you can make out Mount Jefferson and Three Fingered Jack. Join the summit road track, and bear left. The road curves around to the summit giving expansive views to the east and the south. When you reach the top of Marys Peak, enjoy the 360-degree views up and down the Coast Range, west to the Pacific Ocean, and east across the Willamette Valley to Mount Jefferson and the Three Sisters. Far to the south, you may be able to make out Diamond Peak. Mount Hood, Mount Saint Helens, and even Mount Rainier are visible to the north. Yes, there's a communications array here, but on a sunny day the meadows offer a balmy and lofty platform for soaking in the landscape. Phlox, larkspur, paintbrush, and desert-parsley bloom here in late spring, with peak displays arriving in late June/early July.
The summit descent begins on a trail heading down the meadow. You may feel like you are on the set of "The Sound of Music". A posted arrow tells hikers to veer left, and the trail drops in the meadow and then swings right. Glacier lilies and violets are early bloomers in this grassy expanse. After entering noble fir woods, you'll reach a junction. You can go left here to complete the Meadow Edge Loop to the Marys Peak Campground; otherwise, stay right to emerge from the woods reach a multi-trail junction at the summit road. This is where your ascent trail over the grassy knoll joined the road. This time, just turn left on the service road and walk back down to the parking area.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
- Marys Peak Area Trails (USFS)
- Sky Island Graphics: Marys Peak - McDonald Forest Recreation Guide
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Siuslaw National Forest
Regulations or Restrictions, etc.
- A Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) is needed to park at the summit parking area. You can purchase it on site.
- Restrooms, picnic area, information kiosk, interpretive signs
- This parking area is normally accessible from April 1st through November 30th. During the winter, the Marys Peak Road is gated just past Conner's Camp Trailhead. In years of heavy snow, opening of the gate in the spring may be delayed past April.
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Marys Peak Summit
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Marys Peak Summit
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- Oregon's Best Wildflower Hikes: Northwest Region by George Wuerthner
- The Disabled Hiker's Guide to Western Washington and Oregon by Syren Nagakyrie
- Extraordinary Oregon! by Matt Reeder
- Best Hikes With Kids: Oregon by Bonnie Henderson & Zach Urness
- Best Hikes with Children: Western & Central Oregon by Bonnie Henderson
- Wine Hiking Oregon by Jack Costa
- 100 Hikes: Oregon Coast by William L. Sullivan
- Hiking Oregon's History by William L. Sullivan
- Hiking Oregon's Geology by Ellen Morris Bishop
- Corvallis Trails by Margie C. Powell
- A Guide to Trails in the Corvallis Area by Phillip R. Hays
- Siuslaw Forest Hikes: A Guide to Oregon's Central Coast Range by Irene & Dick Lilja
- 75 Hikes in Oregon's Coast Range & Siskiyous by Rhonda & George Ostertag
- Oregon Campgrounds Hiking Guide by Rhonda & George Ostertag
- Oregon Coast Camping & Hiking by Tom Stienstra & Sean Patrick Hill
More Links
- Summit Trail #1388 (USFS)
- Marys Peak (USFS)
- Summit Loop (The Right Trail)
- Mary's Peak Hike (Northwest Hiker)
- Marys Peak (Oregon Adventures)
- "Marys Peak is a Coast Range jewel" (Statesman Journal)
- "A 10-mountain view on top of Marys Peak, the best viewpoint in Oregon" (Oregon Live)
- Marys Peak (Summit Post)
- Marys Peak (OregonWildflowers.org)
- Marys Peak (Northwest Wildflowers)
Contributors
- CFM (creator)