Strawberry Mountain is the highest point in the Blue Mountains. It's in the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, and is located east of John Day, Oregon, in the Malheur National Forest. Although an impressive 9,000+ feet tall, this mountain is a gentle ascent with no technical requirements.

Activity Notes

This climb starts with a 14:00 pack-in to camp at magical Strawberry Lake, just 1.25 miles and 500' feet above the trailhead. At 05:30 on climb day, we will begin our 3,200' ascent to 9,035' Strawberry Mountain. Much of our route will likely be on snow. With ice axes and crampons and/or microspikes, we will have maximum route flexibility. Climbing helmets are required, as is a backpack with an ice axe loop. After the climb we will enjoy the lake view one last time and then pack out. Then each of us may choose to drive five hours home or spend the following two days of a holiday weekend exploring other parts of eastern Oregon. It's still COVID times. No sharing rides or tents unless all carpool/tent partners are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. No sharing unwrapped food on the climb.
Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 250 miles
Driving Time from Portland 7 hours
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
Relevant Books 75 Scrambles in Oregon by Barbara Bond
Relevant Maps Strawberry Mountain Monument Rock Wilderness, 1991, US Forest Service
Useful Links GPS Track New Window Icon Icon two stacked browser windows. GPS Coordinates New Window Icon Icon two stacked browser windows. Map New Window Icon Icon two stacked browser windows.
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