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Past Activity

Iron Mountain

  • Start date: 06/18/2021

  • Start time: 12:00 AM

  • End date: 06/18/2021

  • End time: 11:59 PM

Description:

The hike will be a loop starting at the trailhead in the Tombstone Pass parking lot on Hwy 20. We will head out on the Cone Peak Trail, through the meadows to the observation deck at the top, returning on the Iron Mountain Trail. Wildflowers should be splendid. Snow patches on the trail are possible.
For those interested parties, a post hike lunch/early supper will occur at Takota's on Hwy 126.

  • Event Leader: Ben Brown

  • Event Leader Phone: 214-930-6394

  • Event Leader Email: benjmbrown@gmail.com

  • Assistant Leader:

  • Event category: Trips

  • Area Type: Mountain

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

  • Rating: Moderate

  • Roundtrip total drive miles: 154

  • Season: 2021

  • Permits Required:

  • Event Status: Passed

  • Supplies and Equipment Required: Snacks/lunch, adequate water, sunscreen

  • participant prerequisites:

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 7.8

  • Member Fees: 1

  • Elevation Gain: 1900

  • Non-Member Fees: 5

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

Upon arrival a little past 9:00 am, the Tombstone Pass parking area was almost full. This is a very popular trail, even on a weekday. There are several reasons for that during Mid-June.
It is a well maintained and well marked trail that, while a good workout, is not too much for the average hiker. By this time of year, almost all snow has melted. There was only one fairly large patch a little below the observation deck that was easily climbable. To avoid the crowds at the top, there is a very nice lunch spot off the trail approx. 50-60' from the top, with mighty fine views of Hood, Jefferson, Washington, all Three Sisters, and Diamond Peak. Al fresco dining at it's finest.
The flowers in the Cone Peak Meadows were quite nice. Larkspur, red paintbrush, and monkeyflower were abundant. There was even a fair amount of trillium along the final ascent up Iron Mountain.
This is an iconic Oregon trail that should not be missed. Just be prepared for interaction with numerous people along the way.