This little-known mountain near Blue River is a delightful tidbit for hikers. The pinnacled summit, where a lookout tower once stood, offers sweeping views from the Three Sisters to the Willamette Valley. The trail to the top traverses an old-growth forest of 6-foot-thick giants. Rhododendrons, gentians, and trilliums brighten the way. And although the path gains more than 1000 feet, the grade is gradual enough that the hike is relatively easy. From Springfield, follow McKenzie Highway ... The trail itself begins amid rhododendrons and beargrass, and soon dives into a forest of huge, ancient Douglas firs. Watch for the heart-shaped leaves of wild ginger, the big triple leaves of vanilla leaf, and the tiny white sprays of star-flowered solomonseal in June. Pink 5-petaled phlox blooms in July.

At a saddle . . .

This chapter is an excerpt from 100 Hikes : Central Oregon Cascades