The smoke cleared and the temperatures dipped, and we heard the mountains calling! We just had to decide which peak to tackle next: Maiden Peak or Mount Bachelor? We opted for Mount Bachelor, and planned 7am start, knowing that the upper half is very exposed.
When we arrived at the gate to Sunrise Lodge, there were only two other cars there. I fired up GaiaGPS, not so much because the trail is hard to follow, as to be able to track our progress.
The first challenge? Finding the trailhead. Pass the gate, take the driveway to the left. When it veers right, you'll see a well-traveled dirt path that cuts up to the first parking lot. Head more or less straight across to the second dirt path cutting to the second parking lot. The trailhead begins in the woods to the right of Sunrise Lift. There is precisely ONE sign: Mt Bachelor Trail.
Note: We did see another hiker who was blazing his own trails straight up under the Summit Express lift. Going “up” will eventually get you to the top, but the trail is MUCH more pleasant.
From there it's pretty straightforward. There are two places where you'll cross dirt maintenance roads. The trail doesn't follow these, so don't be misled. Look for the footpath on the other side and you'll be golden.
We were lucky this morning, at the first road crossing, we spied a little fox looking at us (blurry pic attached).
About halfway up you rise above the timberline and into the lava rocks. This part is very exposed and on a hot day, very unpleasant. On this morning, the temperatures were perfect, and the clear skies gave us great views.
Having just hiked some really rocky trails in Washington two weeks ago (I'm pointing to YOU, Mt Pilchuk), Joan was worried that this was going to be more of the same. It is rocky, but there is a well defined tread established that makes it much easier to hike on.
When you near the top of the Summit Express chair lift, the trail forks. Take the right fork (the most direct trail to the summit). The top of Mount Bachelor is broad and rambling. There is a trail that winds around the first of the two big cones, and a small network of trails that let you explore the summit area.
We went to the spot where there once stood a fire lookout. All that remains is the footings and some broken glass… and terrific views of the Sisters Wilderness.
On the way back down, we saw quite a few more people heading up, including a couple of fellow Six-Pack of Peaks Challengers!
After the hike, we stopped at Worthy Brewing for lunch.
It felt great to get outside after being cooped up inside by the smoke and heat last week.
Next stop, Maiden Peak.
Responses
Great pictures. So cool that you saw a fox! I’m hiking Maiden Peak on Wednesday so I might see you on the trail.