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From Summitpost: When its namesake spire was blown off in a storm in 1911, this High Cascade peak was almost forgotten about and still is not very well known. But being the high point halfway between Mt. Thielsen and Diamond Peak, this rocky-topped peak has great views from Crater Lake to the Three Sisters. The summit has a Class 2/3 scramble after a mostly gentle hike along the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.
Activity Notes
At 7,664 feet Cowhorn Mountain is the high point halfway between Mt. Thielsen and Diamond Peak. This rocky-topped peak has great views from Crater Lake to the Three Sisters. The summit has a Class 2/3 scramble after a mostly gentle hike along the Windy Pass trail. Approximately 9 miles round trip and 1,900 feet elevation. ?In pioneer days it was know as Little Cowhorn to distinguish it from Big Cowhorn, now Mount Thielsen. It had a peculiar spire or rock pinnacle on its summit, making it resemble Mount Thielsen, and the two peaks were named because of the resemblance to a cow?s horns. Many years ago the pinnacle on Little Cowhorn fell off.? Oregon Geographic Names, 5th ed., Lewis A. McArthur. The Calapooya Mountains, a westward spur of the Cascades, constitute the watershed between the Willamette and Umpqua rivers. Calapooya Mountains join the Cascades proper at Cowhorn Mountain. The summit rises above treeline and is the erosion-resistant core of a stratovolcano. This is an exploratory climb, meaning the leader has never climbed this peak.| Other Information | |
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| Driving Distance from Portland | 215 miles |
| Driving Time from Portland | 4 hours |
| Distance - Round Trip | 9 miles |
| General Route Info | Hike along the well-graded PCT about 4 miles to the climbers route to the summit. The best rock on the route is the summit block. An enjoyable scramble leads to the top. Another option for this climb is to approach from Summit Lake. Two trails lead to Cowhorn from this area: the PCT and Windy Pass Trail. It is possible to go up one of the trails and return on the other, making a fine loop hike, though the two trailheads, ≈2 miles apart, are connected by forest service roads. A short car shuttle eliminates the need for hiking the road. |
| Expected Duration | Car to car in one day |
| Relevant Books | 75 Scrambles in Oregon , by Barbara Bond |
| Useful Links | Map |
