Jefferson Park

Distance: 11 miles round trip
Jefferson Park is an alpine wonderland for the backpacking enthusiast. There are several lakes, ponds, and meadows scattered around the base of Mt. Jefferson. Consider staying multiple nights to explore, take pictures, fish for trout, or just relax in the beautiful scenery. Seriously an impressive area.

To find the trailhead from Salem, start by taking Hwy 22 east towards Detroit Lake. As soon as you reach the small town of Detroit (~50 miles) take a left onto Hwy 46 and head east. Remain on Hwy 46 until the road takes you North (~15 miles). At this point, take a right on NF-4220. After seven miles of this narrow, rocky road, you will reach the trailhead, AKA the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). BEWARE: this road is very rocky, consider driving an AWD vehicle with high ground clearance. Also note that NF-4220 and parts of Hwy 46 are closed between Nov-June. 

Mt. Jefferson

Moraine Lake

Distance: 4.6 miles out and back
Moraine Lake is a solid backpacking destination only 25 minutes outside of Bend, OR. Just travel  west on Hwy 372 towards Mt. Bachelor. The trailhead is located at Devils Lake, just ten minutes past Bachelor. Bring your NW forest pass or pay the $5 day fee. Because Moraine Lake shares its path with South Sister, the trailhead can be quite crowded in the summer. Hit the road early.

South Sister - Atop the Forest

South Sister

Distance: 11 miles round trip

South Sister is the third highest peak in the state of Oregon. Only Mt. Hood at 11,250’ and Mount Jefferson at 10,495’ are taller than South Sister’s highest point of 10,358’. The trail is very well groomed and doesn't require any bouldering or rock climbing skills. However, that doesn't mean the trail is easy… Long, insanely steep stretches with loose footing, make this trail one of the most taxing day hikes in Oregon.
 
To find the trailhead from Bend, travel west on Hwy 372 towards Mt. Bachelor. The trailhead is located at Devils Lake, just ten minutes past Bachelor. Bring your NW forest pass or pay the $5 day fee, strap on some gaiters, and lube up with sun block. If you have a light weight water filter it could come in handy. Depending on your pace, it could take anywhere from six to ten hours to complete this hike... That’s a lot of water weight to carry. There are a couple very good water sources you can take advantage of.
 

The trail log below details the 5,000 feet of elevation gain and 5.5 mile trek to the summit in five distinct phases: The Forest, Flat Ground!, First Incline, Second Incline, and Summit.

South Sister

McCall Point

Distance: 3.6 miles out and back
McCall Point is an easy, yet scenic, Gorge hike that can be enjoyed all year long! However, I would highly recommend the spring – the trail is lined with balsamroot and other wildflowers that die off in the summer heat.

The hike begins at Rowena Crest: a large roundabout viewpoint overlooking the Columbia River. From Portland, you will travel east on I-84 for about an hour before taking exit 69 for Mosier.  Continue east on Hwy 30 for about 20 miles. Follow the signs for Rowena Crest and park on the shoulder of the road in the gravel. The trailhead is facing north from the roundabout.

Mt Adams, Columbia Gorge, and Rowena Crest

Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain

Distance: 6 miles round trip
The trail to Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain provides so much bang for the buck! Assuming, of course, you've chosen a clear day. Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainer, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Jefferson, and, obviously, Mt. Hood are visible from the summit. The six mile jaunt is a perfect day trip from Portland! Pair it with a visit to Mt. Hood Brewery Co. (less than 2 miles from trailhead) or camp for the evening at the family friendly Mirror Lake.

The trailhead is located on Hwy 26 right as you approach Government Camp in Mt. Hood National Forest. From Portland, travel I-84 east and take exit 16 south on NE 238th Dr. Take a left on SE Burnside Rd and stay on as it blends with Mt. Hood Hwy (Hwy 26). There will be plenty of "Mt Hood Scenic Byway" signs to guide you.

Mt. Hood from Mirror Lake