Join the 7th annual

Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

Challenge begins January 1, 2024

The Peaks of the Central Oregon 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

For 2023, there are three alternate peaks. If you choose, you can replace any of the six peaks above with any these mountains.

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.
Belknap Crater Weather Forecast

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.
Tom, Dick & Harry Weather Forecast

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.
Mount Bailey Weather Forecast

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.