Lava, Lakes, And Meadows

Each spring, several hundred intrepid hikers embark on an epic journey from the Mexican border to Canada. For about six months — the time it takes to travel the 2,650-mile length of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) — they’ll battle desert heat and mountain storms, logging 20 or more miles a day while carrying their gear on their backs.

But you don’t have to be a diehard trekker to experience the romance of the trail, which in Oregon follows the ridge line of Cascade volcanoes, passing through alpine meadows, high mountain lakes and fields of lava left by relentless eruptions. The following three day-hikes offer outdoor enthusiasts a sample of the rich and varied appeal of the PCT, each one serving up a different taste of Oregon backcountry.

ZIGZAG CANYON
Alpine meadows teeming with wildflowers greet hikers to Mt. Hood’s Zigzag Canyon. A 2.2-mile trek starts just up the hill from Timberline Lodge, where the Pacific Crest Trail heads west to the 700-foot, glacier-carved chasm.

Skiers pass overhead, even in summer, as the Magic Mile ski lift whisks them to year-round snow on the Palmer glacier. The trail continues through thriving meadows that burst to life in late spring. Look for the lavender bell-shaped flowers of lupine and the daisy-like Cascade aster, with purple petals and a yellow center.

The trail plunges to the Little Zigzag River, fed by the mountain’s melting snow pack. For families with smaller children, this is a good turnaround point for a two-mile round trip hike.

The PCT continues steadily downhill through a stand of mountain hemlock for another 1.2 miles, concluding at an overlook above breathtaking Zigzag Canyon. The return trip finishes at historic Timberline Lodge, where hikers can enjoy a drink on the outdoor patio in the shadow of Oregon’s highest peak. An easy hike of two or 4.4 miles.

Getting there: From Portland, travel east on Highway 26 for 54 miles to Government Camp. Turn left onto Timberline Road for six miles to Timberline Lodge. Follow the trail to the right of the lodge to the Pacific Crest Trail marker. For more information, contact the Zigzag Ranger District at 503-668-1704.

THE ROSARY LAKES
Three pristine mountain lakes await hikers at Willamette Pass, east of Eugene, as the Pacific Crest Trail meanders past the Rosary Lakes.

This day hike joins the PCT just east of the ski area, winding east and then north on a steady climb through a formidable stand of old-growth Douglas fir. The trail gains 600 feet in 2.2 miles to a ridge overlooking heart-shaped Lower Rosary Lake. Pulpit Rock towers above, reflecting in the lake’s clear water. This lake sits upon a porous bed of volcanic rock, so the water depth can vary by as much as 20 feet during summer.

The trail follows the lake’s edge to the right for an easy mile-long hike to Middle and North Rosary Lakes. Across the emerald waters of Middle Rosary Lake, scan Pulpit Rock for agile climbers puzzling routes up its sheer face. A hundred yards further down the trail lies secluded North Rosary Lake, smallest of the three lakes. Use mosquito repellent when hiking near mountain lakes in spring and summer. A moderate hike of 4.4 or 6.2 miles.

Getting there: From Eugene, travel east for 65 miles on Highway 58 to the trailhead on the north side of the road at Willamette Pass, .3 miles east of the ski area and lodge. For more information, contact the Crescent Ranger District, 541-433-3200, where you also can pick up the required Northwest Forest Pass for $5.

BROWN MOUNTAIN LAVA FLOW
Volcanoes put the “crest” in Oregon’s share of the Pacific Crest Trail. The average elevation of the trail across Oregon is 5,120 feet, the result of thousands of years of volcanic activity. You can witness the prodigious output of the Cascade volcanoes during this hike past the Brown Mountain lava flow.

From Summit Sno Park just east of Fish Lake on Highway 140, follow an access trail .2 miles to the Pacific Crest Trail. Continue south for half a mile along the Cascade Canal, then cross the highway toward Brown Mountain.

A specially made cinder trail snakes through a rugged moonscape of andesite and basaltic lava that poured from 7,311-foot Brown Mountain 2,000 years ago. The lava field is home to numerous lichen as well as the bushy, tall-growing, white-flowered chinquapin. Follow the undulating trail as it skirts the western shoulder of the mountain until you reach the high viewpoint at 2.9 miles. On the return trip, enjoy vistas of 9,495-foot Mt. McLoughlin. A moderate hike of 5.8 miles.



Getting there: From Medford, drive six miles east on Highway 62, then take Highway 140 east 38 miles to Summit Sno-Park, just past Fish Lake Resort. An access trail leads to the PCT. For more information, contact the Ashland Ranger District at 541-482-3333.