Coffin Mountain’s casket-shaped silhouette looms ominously on the horizon almost wherever you go in the western Cascades foothills. Cliffs make the summit appear unreachable, but a steepish trail switchbacks up through wildflower meadows to the summit plateau, where you’ll find a lookout that’s staffed in summer.

If you’ve been to Coffin Mountain before—or if you want an even better view of the snowy High Cascade peaks—climb neighboring Bachelor Mountain instead. Not to be confused with Mt. Bachelor, Bachelor Mountain is a little-known viewpoint peak overlooking Coffin Mountain.

From Salem, take . . .

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