| Lowder Mountain Date - 6/27/2007 Length - 8 miles Location - South of McKenzie Bridge, OR |
Lowder Mountain is a prominent peak on a high ridge rising above the
East Fork of the McKenzie River in the Cascade foothills. The 5,449 foot
summit of this mountain is a broad and flat expanse of wildflowers that
bloom in early July. It is possible to hike an 8 mile route starting below
2,000 feet near Cougar Reservoir to reach the summit, but a much shorter
3 mile trail winding through open glades and wildflower meadows can be
found by driving on Forest Service Roads. On our late June hike patches
of snow could still be found in the summit meadows despite the previous
winter's snowpack having been well below average. We weer treated to
incredible views of the glaciated Three Sisters and some incredible
wildflower displays.
The switch backing trail to the top is well graded and easy to follow, except
for where it could tend to be overgrown by thick vegetation later in the
summer. The trail signs are heavily weathered and faint at times. Near the
summit the path pretty much completely disappears in the meadows, but
by following the left side of the clearing you will eventually stumble across
some orange surveyor's tape, which leads to the views point at the top of a
steep cliff band.
From the cliff top the Sisters loom high above and dominate the view, while
some quite and secluded looking alpine lakes sit several hundred feet
below this perch. The meadows would make an outstanding camping spot
and the easy hike in makes this a great destination for anyone wanting to
spend the night outside in a pristine setting with minimal effort. This would
be a phenomenal winter trip if the access roads were not buried under may
feet of snow and not maintained during the off season. Reaching Lowder
Mountain in the winter would require a long ski in on unplowed roads or the
long and steep climb via the more lengthy route mentioned above.
East Fork of the McKenzie River in the Cascade foothills. The 5,449 foot
summit of this mountain is a broad and flat expanse of wildflowers that
bloom in early July. It is possible to hike an 8 mile route starting below
2,000 feet near Cougar Reservoir to reach the summit, but a much shorter
3 mile trail winding through open glades and wildflower meadows can be
found by driving on Forest Service Roads. On our late June hike patches
of snow could still be found in the summit meadows despite the previous
winter's snowpack having been well below average. We weer treated to
incredible views of the glaciated Three Sisters and some incredible
wildflower displays.
The switch backing trail to the top is well graded and easy to follow, except
for where it could tend to be overgrown by thick vegetation later in the
summer. The trail signs are heavily weathered and faint at times. Near the
summit the path pretty much completely disappears in the meadows, but
by following the left side of the clearing you will eventually stumble across
some orange surveyor's tape, which leads to the views point at the top of a
steep cliff band.
From the cliff top the Sisters loom high above and dominate the view, while
some quite and secluded looking alpine lakes sit several hundred feet
below this perch. The meadows would make an outstanding camping spot
and the easy hike in makes this a great destination for anyone wanting to
spend the night outside in a pristine setting with minimal effort. This would
be a phenomenal winter trip if the access roads were not buried under may
feet of snow and not maintained during the off season. Reaching Lowder
Mountain in the winter would require a long ski in on unplowed roads or the
long and steep climb via the more lengthy route mentioned above.
Erik and Jung head across one of the steep open glades on the way up to
Lowder mountain.
Lowder mountain.
Middle Sister looms large above the strange open summit meadows on
Lowder mountain.
Lowder mountain.
The faint path heads across a meadow that is likley covered with wildflowers a
little later in the season.
little later in the season.
The broken foothills of the Cascades stretch away as far as the eye can see from the summit cliff on the eastern
side of Lowder Mountain.
side of Lowder Mountain.
Eric and Jung enjoying lunch with a view from the cliffs at the top of Lowder Mountain's
summit plateau.
summit plateau.
Despite the forecast for clear skies, thin high clouds covered the sun for most of the
day, although temperature sat comfortably near seventy degrees.
day, although temperature sat comfortably near seventy degrees.
The steep cliff band lies just a few yards beyond the trees at the eastern edge of the
summit meadows.
summit meadows.