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Past Activity

Castle Rock via King Castle TH

  • Start date: 06/12/2025

  • Start time: 8:00 AM

Description:

This trail passes through a pleasant forest of Douglas fir and mountain hemlock, with interesting wildflowers on the climb to the summit of Castle Rock. We will have lunch at a spot along the ridge that has nice views of the McKenzie Valley, the Old Cascades, Mt. Washington and the Three Sisters. After lunch, those who are interested can continue a short distance to the summit site of the old lookout. This is a long hike with significant elevation gain, but the trail is well-graded. Our pace will be moderate-minus uphill, moderate on the downhill return, and we will pause at trail intersections to keep the group together. Notes: Mountain bikers may may be sharing the trail. There are no restrooms at the trailhead. If the weather forecast very poor, the trip will be rescheduled. A stop at Takoda’s Restaurant after the hike is an option—check in with your drivers if carpooling.

Photo by: Karen Yoerger

  • Event Leader: Karen Yoerger

  • Event Leader Phone: 5415102832

  • Event Leader Email: yoergerkl@gmail.com

  • Assistant Leader:

  • Event category: Trips

  • Area Type: Mountain

  • Departure Location: Behind McDonalds, 57th and Main in Springfield

  • Rating: Difficult

  • Roundtrip total drive miles: 95

  • Season: 2025

  • Permits Required:

  • Event Status: Passed

  • Supplies and Equipment Required: Plenty of water, snacks and lunch; appropriate layered clothing; sun protection; ten essentials.

  • participant prerequisites: Fitness level sufficient for the hike distance and elevation gain.

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 13.4

  • Member Fees: —

  • Elevation Gain: 2600

  • Non-Member Fees: 5

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

Four hardy Obsidians made the hike to Castle Rock on a day that was, thankfully, much cooler than days earlier in the week. We saw a number of wildflowers (including one lone, tall lily), and many interesting mycoheterotrophs including spotted and western coralroot, pinedrops, candystick, and phantom orchids. Lunch near the summit provided views of the Three Sisters, Mt. Washington, and the McKenzie valley. There were only a couple of other bikers and hikers on the trail. A very enjoyable day!

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