3.9 hr
Overview
This loop takes in some of the more interesting features of the Badger Creek Wilderness, beginning with a high meadow, then hiking a ridge with expansive views and amazing rock features before descending to the Badger Creek valley on a little-traveled slope using the Badger Creek Cutoff Trail. (Note that the Cutoff Trail is rarely maintained, and in 2021 there were dozens of downed trees.) From the valley, the loop rises through dry forest and meadows to Gumjuwac Saddle before incurring more stiff elevation gain to Lookout Mountain. Cross Road 4410 and take the High Prairie Trail #493. This is a short loop trail to the summit of Lookout Mountain and you will pass the closing side of the loop after you pass the trailhead sign. The wide trail, an old road bed that accessed the former guard station and lookout site, heads across the lush High Prairie meadow. Pass into a band of conifers (noble fir, silver fir, mountain hemlock, western white pine) and enter a meadow dominated by false hellebore. After you pass the Badger Creek Wilderness sign, note the old telephone pole on the left. Hike through another band of forest and then reach a third meadow. The trail rises after you reenter the woods and the road bed turns to red cinders at a sharp curve. The road continues to the lookout site, but for the best morning views, go right at the curve. The short tie trail reach the other side of the High Prairie Loop. Go left here and pass a viewpoint to Mount Hood and Elk Mountain. Pass a pointed rock outcrop which also offers excellent views west. The trail turns up the ridge in a matted carpet of pinemat manzanita and you will get your first views of Mount Jefferson and the Three Sisters. Reach the Divide-High Prairie West Trail Junction, and go left. Pass a campsite on Lookout Mountain’s west summit with a view back to the volcanoes of the Washington Cascades. Keep up the ridge on the viewpoint trail as the Divide Trail runs parallel below you to your left. At a saddle, reach the Divide-High Prairie East Trail Juncti
Trail Stats
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1168 m
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Photos
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