Cowhorn Mountain

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 is an excerpt from 100 Hikes: Southern Oregon