Observation Peak Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Observation Peak Trailhead
- End point: Observation Peak
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: (Out-and-back)
- Distance: 5.6 miles
- Elevation gain: 1400 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: Summer and Fall
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: Yes
- Crowded: No
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Hike Description
This hike is great on a clear summer day since you can see four snowy mountains from the summit of Observation Peak. Wildflowers bloom in the forest and on the summit in early July, but early July is also mosquito season up here. The pests will plague you for about the final two-thirds of the climb up to the peak.
The trail climbs up through the forest at a steady rate, but it's never never steep. In early July the first part of the trail will have blooming bunchberry and you'll soon pass through nearly a mile of glacier lilies. You'll also see lots of huckleberry bushes, and if you time your visit right in August, you can feast on the yummy berries while you hike.
After 1.1. miles, you will reach the junction with the trail to Sisters Rocks. That trail heads off to your right and is labeled with a wooden sign. On your left you will see a path heading over to a big boulder pile. This very short side trail takes you to a viewpoint of Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier. There is also a second side trail to this bouldery viewpoint, which you will have passed just before reaching the Sisters Rocks trail, however I recommend the one I mention above as it takes you directly to a view of Mt. Adams. The first side trail takes you to a part of the boulder pile that has trees blocking the view and you have to scramble over the boulders to reach an unubstoructed view.
Back on the main trail, you will now find yourself going downhill. It's nice now, but you have to climb back up this trail on your way out! After 0.7 mile you will reach another trail junction. The Big Hollow trail heads downhill to your left. There is also a campsite here, labeled "Berry Camp." Continuing on, just a short distance later you will see the Trapper Creek Trail on your right.
After another 0.4 mile you will see Shortcut Trail 132B on your right (this meets up with the Trapper Creek Trail) and another junction just past that. Trail 132 goes left, but you will go right, climbing up a final 0.6 mile to the open summit of Observation Peak. This is a great place to catch your breath, eat your lunch, and soak up the views. On a clear day you can see Mt. Hood to the south and if it's really clear you can just make out the tip of Mt. Jefferson in the distance. To the east and north are Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. St. Helens. In early July, the summit of Observation Peak is covered in beargrass blooms and low-growing phlox, but you pay a price for this wildflower wonderland: mosquitoes. Expect swarms of them in late June and early July, not only here but along the majority of the trail.
The best views are at the summit, but if you want another view of the Washington peaks, look for a side trail about 0.3 mile from the summit as you're heading back down. This trail travels a ridge and climbs up to a rocky ledge with good views of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Adams, as well as the vastness of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest spread before you. Return the way you came back to the main trail.
Maps
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Trip Reports
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Guidebooks that cover this hike
- 100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon & Southwest Washington - by William L. Sullivan
- Day Hiking South Cascades - by Dan A. Nelson
More Links
- See more information at [1]
Contributors
- justpeachy (creator)