New for the Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge: Maiden Peak
Last year's wildfires did a number on a lot of trails, including the Black Crater Trail, which is closed indefinitely was closed until recently. With Black Crater off the table, we went back to the drawing board and came up with an alternate peak that's even more challenging, and introduces a new area: Maiden Peak.
There are two main trailheads to reach the 7,823′ summit of Maiden Peak: the Willamette Pass trailhead and the PCT or the Maiden Peak Trail (#3681) near Gold Lake to the west.
The PCT route from Willamette Pass is longer with more overall vertical gain (3,750′). It makes a great backpack trip, staying overnight one of the Rosary Lakes. The Maiden Peak Trail climbs 2,900′ over roughly 6 miles (12 miles round-trip) making it the better option for a day hike.
The trail can hold snow into July, and can be snowshoed in winter conditions. Catch it on a bluebird day and the views can be spectacular.
Useful Resources
- Weather forecast for Maiden Peak
- Hike #99 in William Sullivan's 100 Hikes in the Central Oregon Cascades
- Forest Service description of the Maiden Peak Trail
- Turn-by-turn directions to the Maiden Peak trailhead near Gold Lake
Have you joined the challenge? Learn more and join today!
good to know Jeff. the place looks beautiful. I will update my note on the six peaks
Did you know the Black Crater Trail recently reopened?
Yes! It’s great news, as I really enjoyed that hike.
I’m looking to register for this year’s challenge and although the challenge looks like it’s $30, when I try to add this to my cart, it forces me to also purchase a t-shirt and to make a donation. I’m totally happy to make the donation but am not really looking for the t-shirt to be added to my collection of clothes I don’t wear – and neither is my husband! Is it possible to register without purchasing a t-shirt? If so, how do I do that? I can’t change the number to 0 in my cart. Thank you!
You can click the “clear” button to remove the t-shirt. It’s 100% optional!
Thank you! I just signed up for the central Oregon challenge with my adventure buddy! I’m so excited! We did CO last year!
Hi Jeff! I believe that Lisa Holt, my adventure buddy, has been in touch with you regarding our adventures. We had originally signed up for the central Oregon 6-Pack of peaks but then decided to shift to the New England 6-pack so that we could stay local during the COVID outbreak. We had already been working on our 4 season 48 in NH so this was a great alternative for our annual hike-a-versary. I just wanted to reach out to ask if you could send me the New England patch and sticker! My address has changed, it’s 41 Old Shaker Rd. Loudon, NH 03307. Thank you!