Hawk Mountain Lookout Hike
From Portland Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Rho Ridge Southern Trailhead
- End point: Hawk Mountain Lookout
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Out and Back
- Distance: 4.0 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 600 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Seasons: June- November
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: yes
- Crowded: No
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Hike Description
This is a great alpine hike for the whole family. Wildflower meadows, spectacular views, and a historic lookout cabin will make it a memorable trip and a worthy reward for your long drive to get here.
The Rho Ridge trail begins with easy switchbacks through open rocky slopes for the first half mile to gain the top of the ridge. The trail then enters the forest and travels along the ridgetop. After 1.75 miles, you will see a large open meadow on the west side of the trail (your left), once at the meadow, look for the the Hawk Mountain Spur Trail on the right for a final 0.3 mile climb to the summit. Find the remnants of the old lookout tower near the recently restored lookout cabin.
The large, rocky open meadow will be filled with wildflowers in July. It provides excellent grazing for elk, and you will see their signs. Views of Mount Jefferson and Olallie Butte dominate the horizon.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Regulations or Restrictions, etc.
You will not find crowds here, but the trail is multi-use and available to mountain bikes and motorized ORVs. Apparently the only motorized use is by occasional dirt bikes, because the trail is single track and in very healthy condition. The dirt bike enthusiast groups keep the trail clear and stock and help maintain the lookout cabin. Visitors are welcome to stay in the cabin on a first come, first serve basis. It is interesting to read the register inside the cabin and see some of the antagonism between the motorized and non-motorized users.
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Hawk Mountain Lookout
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Hawk Mountain Lookout
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- 100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon - by William L. Sullivan
More Links
Contributors
- CFM (creator)