Calendar

Past Activity

Postponed: Middle Pyramid

  • Start date: 07/08/2017

  • Start time: 12:00 AM

  • End date: 07/08/2017

  • End time: 11:59 PM

Description:

This is one of my favorite hikes in the Old Cascades. The hiker is rewarded with mature forest, small waterfall, glacial cirque, early summer wildflowers, sub-alpine forest and a great view on a clear day.

Start the trail on a bridged creek crossing. Trail climbs at a moderate grade through a forest mixed with Douglas and True Fir. Many of the trees could be termed old growth. The path levels out near a brushy area at the bottom of a glacial cirque. The trail then climbs steeply through forest and then south facing clearings. Follow a ridge interspersed with rock gardens and wildflowers to the north side of the Middle Pyramid. Trail travels through dense forest to the summit. The top of Middle Pyramid once had a lookout. On a clear day, hikers have a 360 degree view of the area.

  • Event Leader: David Adkins

  • Event Leader Phone: 541-344-4163

  • Event Leader Email: davidvadkins@gmail.com

  • Assistant Leader:

  • Event category: Trips

  • Area Type: Mountain

  • Departure Location: South Eugene High School, 19th & Patterson

  • Rating: Moderate

  • Roundtrip total drive miles: 198

  • Season: 2017

  • Permits Required:

  • Event Status: Passed

  • Supplies and Equipment Required: Required: Sturdy hiking shoes or boots, Clothing for hot, wet and cool weather, Sunblock Recommended: Hat, Sunglasses or visor. Optional: Camera and Mosquito repellent

  • participant prerequisites:

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 4

  • Member Fees: 1

  • Elevation Gain: 1800

  • Non-Member Fees: 5

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

On the day of the hike, it was warm in the Oregon Cascades with the freezing level at 16,000 feet. The temperature hovered from the upper 70’s to low 80’s. Ascending through the openings in the warm July sun did add a challenge to the hike. On the bright side, the wild flowers were at their peak, including varieties that bloom on the forest floor and also the meadows and rock outcroppings. All but one hiker made it to the top; the other members of the group were rewarded with a fantastic view of the Cascades from Diamond Peak to Mt. Saint Helens. The return hike down the trail gave everyone a chance to enjoy the varied forest of the Old Cascades with a break to cool off by a creek in beautiful old growth forest. This is definitely a hike worth repeating. Stay tuned, I plan on putting it on the schedule next year.