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Past Activity

Castle Rock via King Castle

  • Start date: 06/29/2023

  • Start time: 12:00 AM

  • End date: 06/29/2023

  • End time: 11:59 PM

Description:

This well-graded trail passes through a pleasant forest of Douglas fir and mountain hemlock on the way to the summit of Castle Rock, and we should see some interesting wildflowers along the way. We will have lunch at a spot along the ridge that, weather permitting, 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 site of the old lookout—now a cell phone relay installation. We will proceed at a steady pace and pause at trail intersections to keep the group together. Notes: Mountain bikers may be sharing the trail. There are no restrooms at the trailhead. If poor weather is forecast, I may substitute a hike at Mt. Pisgah. A stop at Takoda’s Restaurant after the hike is an option.

  • Event Leader: Karen Yoerger

  • Event Leader Phone: 5415102832

  • Event Leader Email: yoergerkl@gmail.com

  • Assistant Leader: Sandra Sigrist

  • Event category: Trips

  • Area Type: Mountain

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

  • Rating: Difficult

  • Roundtrip total drive miles: 102

  • Season: 2023

  • Permits Required:

  • Event Status: Passed

  • Supplies and Equipment Required: Bring plenty of water, lunch, and snacks; sunscreen and hat for the summit.

  • participant prerequisites:

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 11.4

  • Member Fees: —

  • Elevation Gain: 2600

  • Non-Member Fees: 5

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

It was a very warm day for a mostly uphill hike to the top of Castle Rock and we were glad that much of the trail passed through shaded woods. Forest wildflowers featured the Ericaceae family (candystick, pinedrops, pink wintergreen, white-veined wintergreen, pipsissewa, and indian pipe) and orchids (rattlesnake plantain, coralroot, and phantom orchid). Other notable flowers included a stalk of three tiger lily blooms, starflower, twinflower, yellow wood sorrel, bluefield gilia, clarkia, and clumps of hot rock penstemon. When we arrived at a rocky cliff edge, we enjoyed a great view of Mt. Washington and the Three Sisters and then found a shady spot for lunch. Afterwards, we continued on to the summit to see the cell phone relay and the view of the McKenzie Valley. On the way back, we dealt with several small groups of fast-moving mountain bikers, a couple of foot issues, and increasing temperatures. We still made it back to the cars in good time for cold drinks and the ride back to town. It was a good workout and good day with a great group!