Iron Mountain Hike
From Portland Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Iron Mountain Trailhead
- End point: Iron Mountain
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Out and back
- Distance: 2.4 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 650 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: summer, fall
- Family Friendly: yes
- Backpackable: yes
- Crowded: yes during summer weekends
Contents |
Hike Description
Iron Mountain is located near Tombstone Pass along Highway 20 east of Sweet Home, Oregon. It is a veritable wildflower cornucopia with over 300 species, along with some 17 tree species. The best time to visit is the first half of July, but the views are gorgeous on any clear day.
From the Iron Mountain Trailhead, you'll hike a few feet to a junction with the Cone Peak Trail. Turn left and head up the hill to a second second junction, where the Iron Mountain and Cone Peak Trail so their separate ways. Turn right here and head up the Iron Mountain Trail.
It's about 1 mile to the top and the trail is all up, but it's pretty well graded. As it climbs through switchbacks, the terrain becomes more open and the views expand. Look for Washington Lilies and other flowers in the spring, as well as a variety of butterflies. There are gorgeous views to the west and occasional views of Mount Jefferson and the Three Sisters.
A new viewing platform is being built at the summit, on the former site of the fire lookout. Take in the views of Cone Peak, Echo Mountain, Browder Ridge, and the Three Sisters. Then head back down the trail to your car.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Fees, Regulations, etc.
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Iron Mountain
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Iron Mountain
Guidebooks that cover this hike
"100 Hikes in the Central Oregon Cascades" by William L. Sullivan
More Links
Contributors
- Greglief (Greg Lief) (primary)