Barlow Ridge Bushwhack

Activity Notes

If you’ve ever hiked the popular Twin Lakes Loop, looked to the east and wondered, I wonder what that ridge over there is like… this is the hike for you!  

NOTE! Miles 3.5-5.5 of the planned loop descend 1500’ on an unmaintained trail. Participants must be experienced hikers comfortable in rough terrain. 

• Route type: loop
• Roundtrip mileage: 10.5 miles
• Elevation gain/descent: +/- 2800’

Meet to carpool at Gateway Transit Center Park n Ride, lower level SE corner, leaving 6:30am.  Drivers need an Oregon Sno-Park pass.  Riders, suggested gas contribution is $15 payable to driver.  Or, meet us directly at the trailhead, ready to hike at 8am.

Route: Starting from the Barlow Pass Sno-Park, head east past the Devils Half Acre trail junction. Ascend 1000’ to the summit of Barlow Butte and site of an old lookout. Continue south along the ridge past Lambert Rock, Barlow Pyramid and the trail high point of 5184’. If we’re lucky and the weather cooperates, we may have some good views along the way. From here the bushwhack descent begins, following trail remnants to meet the Barlow Road at Klingers Camp, our halfway point. We’ll walk the historic Barlow Road back north to Devil’s Half Acre campground. The Devil’s Half Acre trail follows Barlow Creek back to the Barlow Butte trail junction, then retrace our steps back to the parking lot.

• Oregonhikers.org trail description
• Forest Service map/description

November weather is unpredictable!  Bring microspikes, rain gear and be prepared for possible snow. Check Timberline and Skibowl weather forecast.

If the weather forecast looks extremely unfavorable for rough ridge-walking (heavy precip and/or high winds) or there is significant snow coverage on the route, we will pivot to the tamer Twin Lakes loop, departing same time, same place.