Mount Jefferson West
A very sad but important note: Hikes 64 - 73 in this section are currently closed due to effects of the Lionshead Fire in 2020. Some of the damage is severe and some of these hikes are expected to be closed for several years. That being said, the remaining hikes are open and as beautiful as always!
Morning at Jefferson Park.
Matt Reeder on the Cheat Creek Trail, July 2012. This trail burned in the Whitewater Fire during the summer of 2017 and it is not known what condition the trail is in now, or whether this section of ancient forest survived intact. Photo by Wendy Rodgers.
The moon sets over Red Buttes and Mowich Lake in the Eight Lakes Basin. This area burned during the B+B Fire in 2003 and is now well on its way to recovery. In spite of the damage the basin is still beautiful.
Three-Fingered Jack and Lower Berley Lake. The lake is only a short distance off the trail to Santiam Lake but is not particularly easy to find.
64. Humbug Flats
65. Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs
66. Breitenbush Hot Springs Loop
67. South Breitenbush River Trail
68. Crown and Claggett Lakes
69. Bear Point
70. Jefferson Park via South Breitenbush
71. Triangulation Peak
72. Wild Cheat Meadow and Triangulation Peak
73. Jefferson Park via Whitewater Trail
74. Jefferson Park via Woodpecker Ridge
75. Pamelia Lake and Grizzly Peak
76. Hunts Cove Loop
77. Bingham Ridge
78. Independence Rock
79. Marion Lake
80. Heart of the Jeff Loop
81. Temple Lake and Marion Mountain
82. Pika and Fir Lakes
83. Duffy Lake and the Eight Lakes Basin
84. Maxwell Butte
85. Berley Lakes and Santiam Lake
86. Grand Mount Jefferson Wilderness Loop
Now we’ve arrived at the big snowy mountain at long last. Hikes 64 - 67 follow forks of the beautiful Breitenbush River while Hikes 68 - 78 and 80 - 86 are found in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness. The hikes are as varied as the terrain; while some follow rushing rivers in dark canyons, others start high and climb higher. Most of these hikes pass lakes on the way, and some pass many lakes. This section also contains some of the best wildflower meadows and viewpoints in the wilderness as well. In short, this area has everything!
While some of these hikes are seldom-traveled, many others are extremely popular. The Triangulation, Whitewater, Pamelia, Marion Lake and Duffy Lake Trails are among the most crowded and popular in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness Area - but also among the most beautiful. Thankfully, there are other beautiful, less crowded trails to explore. It may be hard to believe, but every single one of these trails is beautiful and well worth hiking. If you have the time, the gear and the energy, the best way to visit the area is to do one of the two extended backpacks featured in this section (Hikes 80 and 86).
Note: A permit system is in place for some day hikes and all overnight use in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness. See this link for day use permits and this link for overnight permits.