The trail heads gradually up under alders and switchbacks at a view of a rushing creek. Then the path winds up steeply on a ridge before dropping and crossing the head of a small gully. The trail rises gradually. Sword fern dominates the understory. Head up a ridge with a rushing creek to the left and then walk on the level in Douglas-fir woods. There are big stumps in these woods: the area was logged before the Tillamook Burn. The path rises gradually under alders, heads up an old road bed, and then switchbacks in an alder grove. The trail drops slightly on a road bed and passes a short cut up to the left. Wind up, with a creek on the right, and pass the 2,000’ level. The trail makes a level traverse and passes an old road bed shortcut dropping down steeply to the left. The path makes a major switchback at the Kings Mountain-Kings Mountain Junior Trail Junction. Continue on a level section past a 0.63 miles to the summit sign and then steeply up to where the gradient eases again. Keep up past the 2,500’ level sign and wind up steeply, including going up some rock “steps.” A spur leads left 60’ to a viewpoint of the west ridge. The trail keeps up steeply in mainly Douglas-fir woods and passes a picnic table. Exit the woods and pass the 3,000’ elevation sign. Rise through meadows. There’s a view of Mount Hood and Mount Adams through the trees before you reach the summit. Sign in at the summit register if you wish; the elevation, 3,226’, is posted. There is a great view overlooking the Lester Creek valley and points southwest from here.

https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Kings_Mountain_Hike

Activity Notes

This is the third hike in a 4-hike series offered to help 2024 BCEP applicants improve their fitness for BCEP team hikes. Once you have submitted a BCEP application, you are welcome to sign-up for any or all hikes in this series

Series 1 is designed for those who prefer to begin their BCEP class in the first half of March. Series 2 and the Sunday Series are intended for applicants who prefer a later start to BCEP. However, all applicants are welcome to sign-up for Series 1 hikes.

Other hikes in this series can be found on the calendar by looking for "Pre-BCEP Conditioning Hikes".

The actual hike and location may change depending on conditions, but each hike series will begin with an easy to moderate hike and then progress with increasingly more challenging hikes.

These hikes will give you an opportunity to improve your fitness and to test out your hiking gear and clothing in winter conditions. They will also be an opportunity to practice proper layering to match the weather and pace of the hike and maintain a consistent body temperature to avoid overheating or getting chilled.

Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 66 miles
Driving Time from Portland 1 hours
Distance - Round Trip 5 miles
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
Relevant Maps OC-A
Awards Qualified Awesome Ridges Award
FIND AN UPCOMING ACTIVITY ON THE Calendar