Union Peak Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Union Peak Trailhead
- End point: Union Peak Trailhead
- Trail Log:
- Hike Type: Out-and-Back
- Distance: 11 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,600 feet
- High Point: 7,709 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: Summer, Fall
- Family Friendly: No
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: No (possibly on Summer weekends)
Contents |
Hike Description
While you cannot see the lake itself from the top of Union Peak, the view from the summit is spectacular and definitely worth the effort. There are great views of the Crater Lake rim and beyond - south to the Klamath Basin and Mount McLoughlin and farther south to California’s Mount Shasta. While some of the summits around the lake itself (think Mt. Scott and Garfield Peak) can be festooned with other hikers during the Summer months, the summit of Union can usually provide you with both views and some solitude.
From the trailhead, go south on the Pacfic Crest Trail (PCT) for 2.9 miles to a signed junction with the Union Peak trail, which veers off to the right. Note that this point of departure from the PCT is now about a mile before where it is shown on many topo maps - look carefully for the sign and a tread going west. After departing the PCT, this trail very gradually moves uphill through a lodgepole pine forest. After about 2.1 miles, it becomes an open and rocky switchback trail to the summit. It's last half mile is the steepest part. It's a well constructed trail, and while narrow and scrambly in a few places near the summit, is easy to navigate if you're careful.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Trip Reports
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Related Discussions / Q&A
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Guidebooks that cover this destination
- Hiking Southern Oregon by Art Bernstein and Zach Urness (2014 Edition, Hike #39)
- 100 Hikes in Southern Oregon by William L. Sullivan (Third Edition, Hike #30)
- 75 Scrambles in Oregon by Barbara I. Bond (First Edition, Scramble #21)
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- VanMarmot (creator)