3 Advanced Oregon Hikes

Written by Nick
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Published on August 17, 2014

Experienced hikers will find that Oregon offers a wide variety of difficult trails, the rewards for which can be spectacular. These hikes are not for the typical day hiker, but rather those who have extensive experience hiking in challenging terrain over the course of many hours or even days.

Eagle Creek Trail

oregon hikes
via flickr/Thomas Shahan 3

One of the most popular hikes is also one of the longest: the Eagle Creek Trail to Wahtum Lake. Be aware that this is not a single day trip, it will take at least four days of backpacking. The first camp is at low altitude, but after that the trail goes up 2300′ in one day. The second camp, Wahtum Lake is busy; it is not only the center of many converging trails, but it is also possible to drive up to it. Still, the serene beauty of the lake and surrounding old forest are undeniably lovely. From there, the best views can be found by taking a short side trip to Chinidere Mountain. Next, take the steep and challenging Ruckel Creek Trail down to the Gorge Trail and the final campground and parking area. The most nail-biting section is undoubtedly the Vertigo Mile, a slim, exposed walkway with a sheer drop on one side, but it leads to the incomparable Twister Falls.

 

South Sister Summit Trail

oregon hikes
via flickr/Lee Edwin Coursey

A great day hike offering views of the Lewis and Clark glaciers is the South Sister Summit Trail. In contrast to the Eagle Creek Trail, the views in this hike are much more stark, with a frightening natural beauty that is truly humbling. This trail is half as long as the Eagle Creek and can be done in seven to ten hours. The endpoint is Teardrop Pool, a tiny pool at the summit and the highest lake in Oregon. It is important to bring enough water, due to the nearly constant lack of tree cover and prevalence of ice.

 

Ruckel Ridge Loop

oregon hikes
via flickr/pauljess999

Finally, the most difficult but offering the most fascinating geological features is the Ruckel Ridge Loop. Certainly, the majesty of the basalt pillars are worth the effort of attempting this challenging trail. Do remember to watch out for poison oak. Ruckel Ridge also features awe-inspiring views and a terrifying, exposed knife-edge section called “The Catwalk”. For experienced climbers, these Oregon hikes are sure to enthrall and enchant.

Nick

Nick