Posts with tag 'Places to See in Central Oregon'

McKenzie Pass (Hwy 242), connecting Central Oregon with the Willamette Valley, is opened for such a limited time each year that many of the available hikes and places of beauty are not as visited as those located off Cascade Lakes Highway in the 3 Sisters Wilderness. But the hikes off McKenzie Pass offer views of the Cascades that cannot be seen from other locations in Central Oregon - including vistas of the west side of the 3 Sisters (and Little Brother) plus Mt. Washington, Mt. Jefferson and Broken Top.

Our hike up Scott Mountain started at Scott Lake and then passed through old growth forest to Benson Lake and then further to Tenas Lakes before climbing more steeply around the back of Scott Mountain to the summit (a total of 1300 feet elevation change in around 4.1 miles). Wild huckleberries were abundant as were thousands of orange California Tortoiseshell butterflies.  The view from the top of Scott Mountain was fabulous - both toward the Cascade peaks but also west toward the Willamette Valley. The foundation of the old lookout tower was still in place, but we saw hardly anyone on this hike to the peak and absolutely no one at all as we came down the long way around by Hand Lake (where we saw a few families playing in the shallow water) back to Scott Lake (the huckleberries on this stretch of trail were hardly touched - and we wished we had thought to bring a bucket to gather some for home).  The walk along the lava flow before we reached Hand Lake was interesting and full of the butterflies. All in all, the total hike was a bit more than 9.7 miles with our side trip to Hand Lake's shore. 

For those who have never hiked in the Mt Jefferson Wilderness, the feeling of the forest is different than that of the 3 Sisters Wilderness. And the hike to the east side of 3 Fingered Jack through Canyon Creek Meadow is a lot of fun.  The Canyon Creek Meadow hike, which can be done on its own, is a 4.5 mile fairly easy loop taking hikers through the recovering 2003 B&B Complex burn through the beautiful, wildflower filled meadow, complete with the creek and stunning views of 3 Fingered Jack. A 3 mile round trip spur hike off the Canyon Creek loop will lead to a viewpoint on a flank of 3 Fingered Jack. This point provides fairly steep elevation change, loose stones and pumice on the trail and views toward the 3 Sisters, Mt. Washington, Mt. Jefferson, the meadow just hiked and the turquoise Cirque Lake created by glacial runoff. If you look carefully enough, you may be able to spot the mountain goats perched on unbelievable ledges on the rock face of 3 Fingered Jack.

Our trip back to the trail head involved another .7 mile spur off to Wasco Lake which was also mostly burned in the B&B Complex fire. Although not heavily traveled, the hike off to Wasco Lake also can provide access to Pacific Crest Trail and further lakes and vistas within the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness.

We have hiked to Tam McArthur Rim in the past and we have hiked to Broken Top in the past, but we had never hiked to Broken Top from Tam McArthur Rim until last week. The hike starts at Three Creeks Lake located off Forest Road 16 (Elm Street in Sisters turns into this as you drive out of the city) and is heavily trafficked, rising over 1200 feet over 2.5 miles to the Rim viewpoint. Beautiful views of Three Creeks Lake and many of the Cascades are visible from the rim. Near the end of the initial trail is a sign near another trail heading off toward Broken Top which states "Trail Not Maintained."  We decided to take this 2.2 hike to Broken Hand, a rock formation between the Rim and Broken Top. While this hike, much of it in the sun, was initially not that tough, once we approached Broken Hand, the trail got decidedly sketchy with scrambles over and around boulders and loose stones required. To get past Broken Hand, the trail traversed through a snow field. But once past this, a faint trail continued on toward Broken Top and we ended up on the moraine overlooking No Name Lake. This additional distance made for a very full day (and of course we had to travel back to our car at Three Creeks Lake), but the experience and views (10 full Cascade peaks) were fabulous. This hike is not easy and not recommended for all.

We have lived in Central Oregon since 1985, but during this entire time we have never hiked to Camp Lake.  The start of this hike is located just outside Sisters off McKenzie Hwy on Forest Road 15 at the Pole Creek Trailhead. The hike into Camp Lake covers 7.1 miles (14.2 miles round trip), the first 4 through a burned forest, the result of 2017's Milli Fire. However, it is interesting to see how new plant growth is returning in the burned area.  And the open areas provide for wonderful views of both Middle and North Sister.

Once we left the burned forest and entered the higher elevations, we had the opportunity to cross the North Fork of Whychus Creek and hike even closer to Middle Sister. Several trails off the main trail lead to the summit of Middle Sister, a hike only for very experienced hikers with recommendations for climbing gear. Our hike left Middle Sister at this point and traveled further southwest to end at Camp Lake, part of the Chambers Lake series of high elevation lakes in the area, at the base of South Sister. Many campers stay in this area - hiking in and enjoying the area before leaving the next day. The elevation change over the 7.1 miles is just shy of 1700 ft (5300 ft at the trailhead to 6980 at Camp Lake), but it is gradual enough that many take this hike, including children. The books call this a difficult hike, but we would call it more moderate - just longer than many other hikes in the area.

Tumalo Mountain is One of the Best Places to View Mt. Bachelor

We have hiked Tumalo Mountain several times, but each has experience been enjoyable. The 4 mile round trip has 1400 foot elevation change, so it is fairly steep going up.  However, once you reach the top, the views of Mt. Bachelor, South Sister, Broken Top, and east toward the Ochocos are fabulous.  During July, the evidence that Mt. Bachelor is a renowned ski area is obvious with the ski runs and maintenance roads visible, but the beauty of the mountain is also easy to see.  Tumalo Mountain is a popular hike and plan on seeing people during your trip up and back. Bring plenty of water and enjoy the experience.