Mazamas — For the Love of Mountains
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 will be our second hike, on an out and back on the King's Mountain trail. This is a rather challenging hike right out of the gate, but it will be a good learning experience to see what clothing gear layering works best for you, and what doesn't. Please bring the necessary gear (that you currently own) with you in your pack in order to keep yourself warm and dry. You will learn throughout these hikes what gear works for you, and your gear shortcomings. Always bring rain gear.
We will mainly focus on reinforcement of the skills you learned at the MMC night before. Mostly rappelling skills and some fixed line ascending. So bring your rock climbing gear (see required gear). Please bring a change of clothes and shoes for the ride home as a courtesy to the drivers.
https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Kings_Mountain_Hike
| 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 |
