Katsuk Point Add-on Hike

From Portland Hikers Field Guide

This page is marked as Off trail. The route or sections of the route may be dangerous and hard to follow and is not recommended for beginning hikers without an experienced leader. Beginning hikers should check out our Basic Hiking Information page.

This tree was cleared decades ago on remote Katsuk Point, possibly for a lookout site in the early 1900s (Tom Kloster)

A maze of beargrass meadows spread across the gentle crest of Katsuk Point (Tom Kloster)

Indian ceremonial pit near the cliffs of Katsuk Point (Tom Kloster)

Connecting hikes: Perry Lake from Vista Ridge Hike, Owl Point from Vista Ridge Hike
End point: Katsuk Point
Trail Log: Trail Log
Distance: 1.2 miles
Elevation gain: 100 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Seasons: Summer and early Fall
Family Friendly: No
Backpackable: No
Crowded: No

1 Description
2 Maps
3 Trip Reports
4 Related Discussions / Q&A
5 More Links
6 Page Contributors

Description

Katsuk Point is an area on the south side of Vista Ridge, north of Mount Hood. This area is not currently reached by a trail and the hike should only be attempted by experienced bushwackers.

This add-on hike starts on the Rockpile Trail, at an obvious bend between the Old Vista Ridge Trail and The Rockpile. Head pretty much straight ahead when the Rockpile Trail curves to the right.

There's no developed path here, but the first part of the route is a fairly easy stroll through meadows filled with huckleberry bushes. Closer to the point, there are thickets of brushy trees to work through. After a half mile or so, you'll come to the open rocky area known as Katsuk Point.

This area contains several notable historic relics, as well as countless natural views. Please tred lightly.