Hike Log
Diamond in the rough
Trailhead
Rock pile TH
Type of hike
Day hike
Trail conditions
Trail in good condition
Road
Road suitable for all vehicles
Bugs
No bugs
Snow
Snow free
Also on this hike
A very Lonnnnnnnmmg drive from Bend. We left at 4;30am and started our hike at 8:00am. We went through Oakridge, as we heard the road was better – paved almost all the way, with a bit of gravel. Good conditions.
The hike started through the forest with a moderate climb. We passed the lakes and ran into some people on PCT. otherwise the hike was ours – we only ran into one couple at the summit.
The climbing section was a slog, like South Sister’s top section, but felt steeper and longer. A few false summits too. Between the two summits, I recommend taking hikers right around the rock spires. The air was really smoky, so no views – too bad.
Great hike!
I drove to Rockpile TH yesterday 9/7/21 and rd. #2160 is overgrown, scratched the sides of Suburban (hubby not happy.) I think it’s not maintained due to wildfires in the area. Smoke was in the hazardous level so I decided not to climb. It is the last peak in my challenge. My question, is there an alternative peak for the challenge when road conditions/weather make the hike impossible to complete? I know I have until 10/31, but not willing to drive #2160 again and that seems to be the only driveable route. I hate to miss this peak, but wondering if I could maybe complete Gray Butte, from last year’s challenge, instead?