Sutton Mountain
Alone on Sutton Mountain
We had Sutton Mountain to ourselves, just 3 BATS and 1 dog! The cute Sutton trail dog (aka Red Rover and/or Buddy) followed us all
January 23, 2023
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Join the Challenge
The Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge is a self-guided hiking challenge that takes you up six iconic peaks. You can complete the hikes in six months, six weeks or six days. You set the schedule that works best for you.
New for 2023! There are now nine mountains to choose from. Hike any six to complete the challenge and earn your finisher pin.
You can climb them in order as you build your strength and endurance, or mix it up. The choice is yours. Your registration will help support Big City Mountaineers, so you'll be doing good for others with each peak you climb.
Overview Map of the Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge
The Peaks of the Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge
SUTTON MOUNTAIN – Elevation 4,694′ (1,431 m)
This peak sits at 4,694′ with wildflowers in season and views that extend to the Painted Hills.
Suggested Six-Pack Route Details:
- Hiking Sutton Mountain
Distance: 7.0 miles; Vertical +/- 1,612 ft. - Sutton Mountain Weather Forecast
BLACK BUTTE – Elevation 6,436′ (1,962 m)
Black Butte is an extinct stratovolcano that sits east of the Cascades, rising 3,076′ above the surrounding plain. This symmetrical cone-shaped butte is home to an active fire lookout tower, as well as a historic cupola that you can easily imagine must have been the coolest summer digs ever, with spectacular views of Mt Washington, The Sisters and beyond.
Suggested Six-Pack Route Details:
- Hiking Black Butte (Upper Trailhead)
Distance: 4.4 miles; Vertical +/- 1,443 ft. - Hiking Black Butte (Lower Trailhead)
Distance: 10.5 miles; Vertical +/- 3,400 ft. - Black Butte Weather Forecast
BLACK CRATER – Elevation 7,251′ (2,210 m)
A “broken” cinder cone with a glacier-carved valley and quite possibly the best views of the Three Sisters.
Suggested Six-Pack Route Details:
- Hiking Black Crater
Distance: 7.3 miles; Vertical +/- 2,260 ft. - Black Crater Weather Forecast
MOUNT BACHELOR – Elevation 9,068′ (2,764 m)
Everyone in Central Oregon knows Bachelor. The route up is challenging and the views will whet your appetite for the final peak.
Suggested Six-Pack Route Details:
- Hiking Mount Bachelor
Distance: 6.4 miles; Vertical +/- 2,664 ft. - Mount Bachelor Weather Forecast
MAIDEN PEAK – Elevation 7,805′ (2,379 m)
The highest point between Diamond Peak and Mount Bachelor, this peak is an old shield volcano topped with a cinder cone. There are two main routes to the summit, and both are challenging.
Suggested Six-Pack Route Details:
- Hiking Maiden Peak
Distance: 12 miles; Vertical +/- 3,000 feet - Hiking Maiden Peak via the Maiden Lake Trail
Distance: 10 miles; Vertical +/- 3,000 feet - Maiden Peak Weather Forecast
SOUTH SISTER – Elevation 10,363′ (3,159 m)
South Sister is the third tallest mountain in Oregon. Summiting this mountain makes the perfect finale for the challenge.
Advance permits are required from June 15th to October 15th. The forest service has increased the day use quota for the Devil's Lake trailhead to 100 people per day, and improved the permit process. Day-use permits will be released in two rolling windows: 10 days and then two days before the trip date. Online permit request form.
Suggested Six-Pack Route Details:
- Hiking South Sister
Distance: 12 miles; Vertical +/- 4,820 ft. - South Sister Weather Forecast
Alternate Peaks
Swap out any of the peaks above with an alternate peak.
BELKNAP CRATER – Elevation 6,778′ (2,066 m)
Hike through a lava field on the PCT for fantastic views of Mount Washington and the Three Sisters. Take a slight detour and bag Little Belknap on your way up.
Advance permits are required from June 15th to October 15th. Day-use permits will be released in two rolling windows: 10 days and then two days before the trip date. Online permit request form
Suggested Six-Pack Route Details:
- Hiking Belknap Crater
Distance: 7.1 miles; Vertical +/- 1,833 ft.
TOM, DICK & HARRY MOUNTAIN – Elevation 4,997′ (1,523 m)
Tom, Dick and Harry Mountain features incredible views of Mount Hood, Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens and Mount Jefferson. Plus you'll visit photogenic Mirror Lake.
Suggested Six-Pack Route Details:
- Tom, Dick & Harry Mountain via Mirror Lake Trail
Distance: 9.0 miles; Vertical +/- 1,709 ft.
MOUNT BAILEY – Elevation 8,330′ (2,539 m)
Mount Bailey in the Umpqua National Forest is the southernmost mountain in the challenge. It's a challenging hike that features stunning views of Mount Thielsen across Diamond Lake.
Suggested Six-Pack Route Details:
- Mount Bailey Trail
Distance: 10.0 miles; Vertical +/- 3,152 ft.
Meet the Curator
The peaks in the Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge have been curated by our own Jeff Hester, Bend resident and founder of the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge Series.
Jeff first fell in love with hiking and backpacking in the 1970s and is still at it, bagging peaks and seeking adventure. He can sometimes be found leading group hikes with the Bend Hiking Meetup.
Sutton Mountain
Sutton-ly we were at the Top with a Dog!
Started late in the day and was greeted by the trail dog we named, “Red.” Skies were partly sunshine and clouds. The trail was 90% snow
January 23, 2023
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Sutton Mountain
A Beautiful Hike With an Unfortunate Ending
The weather was perfect for the hike up Sutton. The trail was frozen with about an inch of powder on top. My dog and I
January 21, 2023
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Sutton Mountain
1st day headlamp hike
We started off in the early morning dark. We were immediately greeted by the trail dog. We call him Red. There was ice at the
January 1, 2023
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Sutton Mountain
Sunrise on Sutton
Beautiful day on Sutton! Wasn’t looking too promising as the fog was thick, but by the time we arrived at summit, it had cleared and
January 1, 2023
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Sutton Mountain
Happy new year!
We started the hile at 6am in the dark and cold. 32 degrees left the ground frozen and a little slick but not enough to
January 1, 2023
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