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What makes Oregon special for outdoor adventures?
- Oregon may have the most mesmerizing collection of mountains in the country, perfect for a day trip.
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What is unique about Oregon's mountains?
- Many of these towering, ancient peaks are extinct volcanoes that have challenged mankind’s courage and tenacity for ages.
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What can climbers experience at Eagle Cap?
- At Eagle Cap, climbers can experience panoramic views of the Wallowa Mountains as well as the mountain’s often-photographed reflection in Lake Basin.
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What can hikers see from Pearsoll Peak?
- Hikers can spend the night on the summit of Pearsoll Peak, where, on clear days, they can see as far as the Pacific Ocean to the west, beyond the California border to the south, and to Mount McLaughlin to the east.
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1. Mount Thielsen
Mount Thielsen, aka Big Cowhorn, is topped with a dramatic spire that, along with a former spire on Little Cowhorn, once looked like a cow’s horns. The remnant of a shield volcano, it is home to Lathrop Glacier on its north face, the southernmost glacier in Oregon. Climbers can take two approaches to Mount Thielsen’s summit. The more popular of the two is Mount the Thielsen Trail, which connects to the Pacific Crest Trail in a gradual climb of 4 miles, and a second section that climbs 5 miles to the summit. The other option is an overnight climb. Thielsen Creek Trail is 7.5 miles to the PCT and 8.5 miles to the summit from there. It’s prettier, has plenty of water sources, and provides excellent camping beneath the north face.
2. South Sister
South Sister is the tallest of Oregon’s Three Sisters, has the highest alpine lake at Teardrop Pool, and is home to the state’s largest glacier – Prouty Glacier. A roundtrip hike to the 5,000-foot summit is 12.4 miles. Novices will want to climb the South Ridge route starting at both Green Lake and Devils Lake. Camping is available at Devils Lake Campground. More challenging routes are on the north and east sides. Summer climbs reveal an abundance of scree on the South Ridge route. There are snow fields and eight glaciers on South Sister. Winter climbers are encouraged to use an abundance of caution and bring an ice ax, crampons, shovel, and an avalanche beacon.
3. Smith Rock Group
Smith Rock (not to be confused with Smith Rock State Park) is an “island” rock with four prominent rocky outcrops – Smith Rock’s twin peaks, The Platform, and The Arrowpoint. Smith Rock has 11 climbing routes. Unfortunately, there are large swaths of choss rock, which can be unsuitable for climbing, but there are patches of solid rock too. Scree slopes on the west side make for safer, easier climbs. For ideal warm and dry conditions, spring and fall are the times to climb the Smith Rock Group, as summer is too hot and winter is too snowy. Sometimes there are seasonal route closures, because of nesting falcons.
4. Steens Mountain
Steens Mountain is another “island” mountain rising out of the high desert in Southeast Oregon. The 9,000-foot crest is 8 miles long. Climbers summit Steens Mountain via Big Indian Gorge during summer, and via ski touring the western slopes during winter. It is not recommended to attempt summiting the eastern face with its sharp ridges, which are crumbly. Beyond climbing, Steens Mountain National Back Country Byway is 66 miles of epic mountain scenery. Mann Lake and Fish Lake provide for great trout fishing. Alvord Hot Springs offers up numerous pools to relax in, and South Steens Rim provides panoramic views at over 7,000 feet.
5. Brandy Peak
Brandy Peak is located in the coastal area of Oregon, and is the ninth highest of 73 Oregon Prominence Peaks. There is a short trail along Bear Camp Ridge where hikers can get spectacular views of wildflowers and wildlife during the summer months. The trail continues for 1.5 miles and then passes down Road 2308 for 4 miles and picks up a half-mile trail on the other side to Craggies Viewpoint. Hikers can hop on a 4-mile trail to Squirrel Camp, situated beneath Brandy Peak. At the summit of Brandy Peak, hikers and climbers will find a red can where they can register their names.
6. Fort Rock
Fort Rock, once surrounded by Fort Rock Lake, is a remnant of a volcano from the Pleistocene epoch. At one time, thousands of years ago, a shallow basin near the summit was a resting place of Paiute Native Americans. The low elevation makes it an easy climb to this very spot. Those making the trek to the summit should avoid springtime, since Fort Rock is riddled with nesting holes. Hikers can catch the trailhead west of the parking lot and take it north to the summit. Hikes are around 2 miles long. Another point of interest at Fort Rock include Fort Rock Cave, where visitors can take guided tours of this National Heritage Site. Climbing is neither encouraged nor prohibited.
7. Eagle Cap
Eagle Cap in northeastern Oregon is one of the state’s more popular climbing destinations. It is the crown jewel of the Wallowa Mountains and Eagle Cap Wilderness Area. The summit provides not only the best panoramic views of the Wallowa Mountains, but also a view of the mountain and its reflection in Lake Basin, which is one of the most photographed spots in the state. Although only a 4,000+ elevation from trailhead to summit, it’s still about a 20-mile round trip trek. Some people take on the challenge in a single day, but most opt to spend the night, which gives hikers time to really appreciate the experience. July through October is the peak time to summit Eagle Cap.
8. Alvord Peak
Mesmerizing Alvord Peak is in the Southern Steens Range fault block of Southeast Oregon. It makes a gradual ascent on the western side to a dramatic 7,132-foot summit before plunging 3,000 feet to the Alvord Desert on the eastern side. The barren wilderness that characterizes Alvord Peak also gives the mountain a haunting beauty. The most popular hiking trail is Long Hollow Route, which is a roughly 5-hour roundtrip. Hazards to summertime summiting include the area being devoid of water sources, and the area is teeming with rattlesnakes. Winter may be a better choice, at least to avoid the snakes. Campers need to exercise extreme caution, as the area is very dry and campfires need to be tended closely.
9. Crane Mountain
Crane Mountain is one of 80 peaks in Oregon that are over 8,000 feet. It’s also #39 among 73 Oregon Prominence Peaks. It offers spectacular views of Goose Lake and, on a clear day, faraway views of Mount McLoughlin and Mount Shasta too. The Crane Mountain trailhead is toward the end of a challenging road accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicles with high clearance ability, and even then maybe not all the way. It begins just shy of Crane Mountain Lookout. It’s a 4-mile round trip hike between the trailhead and the trail’s highest point, which is not the mountain’s summit.
10. Pearsoll Peak
For those keeping track (or trying to summit them all), Pearsoll Peak is another of the 73 Oregon Prominence Peaks, listed at #28. The best time for hiking Pearsoll Peak is during spring and fall. Summer temperatures can reach 100 degrees, and windy weather conditions make it all but impossible to summit during winter. The McCaleb Ranch route, named after a former boy scout camp, is the most popular, where hikers can park their cars and hike to the trailhead from there. The reward for summiting Pearsoll Peak is the terrific panoramic view. On clear days, hikers can see as far as the Pacific Ocean to the west, beyond the California border to the south, and to Mount McLaughlin to the east. Pearsoll Lookout sits atop the peak and can be reserved for overnight stays.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Mount Thielsen
- 2. South Sister
- 3. Smith Rock Group
- 4. Steens Mountain
- 5. Brandy Peak
- 6. Fort Rock
- 7. Eagle Cap
- 8. Alvord Peak
- 9. Crane Mountain
- 10. Pearsoll Peak