Description:

A pleasant and relatively easy hike to one of peaks in the old Cascades. The hike is also in the Three Sisters Wilderness which is a plus (at least for me). I have done this hike 30 or 40 times over the years. Hiked this with Buzz Blumm on June 12th. So I am very familiar with current conditions. The trail is in good condition, an occasional log but easy to negotiate. NFS Road 1993 to the trailhead, a one-lane gravel road for 9 miles from Cougar Reservoir, was in very good condition. No parking permit required.

Lowder is really several hikes in one. The first section consists of some switchbacks up to a ridge. A couple of ancient logs across the trail that have been there for decades, but easy to sit/slide over. Then it becomes mostly a ridge hike going south with occasional views east to the Three Sisters, etc. Two spots along the trail where the top of the ridge is nearby with small meadows and views in both directions (east and west). These make good stopping points for a drink or snack. Step over a small creek and then arrive at a very large meadow with more expansive views.

At the far end of the large meadow, a trail heads up to the top of Lowder. Enter old woods and a series of switchbacks to the top. This section of the trail is where almost all of the elevation gain occurs. Fine to stop and rest occasionally as needed. Part of the top of Lowder is a special research area (ancient ash field), mostly flat with some unique plants when there is enough rain. Once on top, head slightly uphill through a meadow and trees to the big view at the cliffs to the east. Several weeks ago, there was considerable snow in the woods where the trail to the cliffs is located. Some deep snow wells around trees. There may stll be snow. I suggest you bring at least one hiking pole and wear boots if you want to get to the east cliffs and best views. You won’t end up with wet feet and sliding/falling in slushy snow. Possible to bushwack your way to the south cliffs, but the woods are thick, brushy and not fun. Also the best views and excellent lunch spots are at the east cliffs. There is even a small meadow just before the wooded east cliffs to sit in the sun and zone out. The only snow seen on or near the trail on June 12 was the trail to the east cliffs on top .

The return trip we retrace our steps. I suggest we stop at the Finn Rock Boat Launch each way to stretch and use the facilities as needed. The restroom is open and well serviced. There is a restroom at the East Fork Cougar Reservoir boat launch just before gravel road on 1993 begins. But it has been locked the last three times I hiked off Road 1993.

Departure Location: Amazon Community Center, 2700 Hilyard St in Eugene at 8:30am; then stop behind McDonalds, 57th and Main in Springfield about 8:50am.