Cowhorn Mountain

Cowhorn Mountain from the Pacific Crest Trail

  • Difficult
  • 9.4 miles round-trip
  • 1900 feet elevation gain
  • Open mid-July to late October
  • Use: hikers, horses


Cowhorn Mountain has been one of the least recognized High Cascade peaks ever since its cowhorn-shaped spire toppled in a 1911 storm. But the summit view is still breathtaking, and few mountain climbs are this convenient. All but the last 0.4 mile of the route follows the well-graded Pacific Crest Trail. On the return trip, hikers can bushwhack a few hundred yards off the trail for a swim at the lovely, rarely visited Windigo Lakes.

To start, drive Highway …

This chapter taken from the book 100 Hikes in Southern Oregon.