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!
Responses
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?