1.2 hr
Overview
The second shortest way to Three Corner Rock, a landmark basalt pyramid and former lookout site on the Gorge skyline, begins at Rock Creek Pass (The shortest route, a switchback demon of an ascent - 3.6 miles round-trip, begins farther down CG 1440 on the west side of Three Corner's ridge). You'll take the Pacific Crest Trail for the first 1 1/2 miles. Three Corner Rock itself lies half a mile off the Pacific Crest Trail as it runs between Birkenfeld Mountain and Sedum Ridge. You'll pass a far-reaching viewpoint over the Rock Creek valley to Mount Adams and get 360-degree views when you get to the top of the Rock. Wildflowers can be spectacular in the Three Corner Rock area in June, with lots of blooming bear-grass. The PCT signs at the trailhead have long since disappeared although there is an unofficial one on a tree. Behind it, there's a large cautionary sign warning hikers about logging trucks on the road. Hike uphill on a wide trail before you switchback and make a long traverse. Blooming avalanche lilies and trillium abound here in late spring. Round a corner and get your first glimpse of Mount Adams. Switchback twice in stunted silver fir/noble fir/ Douglas-fir woods with a bear-grass carpet. A spur to the left leads to a commanding viewpoint with views to Mount Adams and the summits of Mount Saint Helens, Mount Rainier, and Goat Rocks. Past the viewpoint, the trail levels and reaches the Pacific Crest-Three Corner Rock Trail Junction. The large sign here was restored in 2016. Go right and soon see a spur leading right to a rusting horse trough with a pipe bringing in spring water. On the main trail, walk on the level to reach an abandoned four-wheel drive road. Hike up this rubbly, deeply gullied track to a ridge crest of bear-grass with a sprinkling of baby noble firs. Three Corner Rock is the pyramidal basalt pile on your right. The remains of the concrete lookout path will take you to the summit, which catches ferocious wind blasts at times. However, the views are expansive and stunning. Look sout
Trail Stats
0.0 km
365 m
1082 m
0 m
—
Photos
400px-ThreeCornerRockMap
400px-ThreeCornerRockMap
250px-StebbinsCreekThreeCornerRock1
250px-StebbinsCreekThreeCornerRock1
250px-ThreeCornerRockSnagCreek2
250px-ThreeCornerRockSnagCreek2
400px-ThreeCornerRock1
400px-ThreeCornerRock1