1.1 hr
Overview
This short,rewarding hike is almost entirely on open slopes which offer a ringside view into the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness to the east. The ascent is gradual, making this a great family outing. The hike can be done on the same day as the excursion to nearby Coffin Mountain. Before you begin your hike, be sure to look up to see the fire lookout on Coffin Mountain perched high above you. The trail starts off in cool shady forest with some impressively large trees. After just 0.3 miles, the trail emerges from the trees, and you get your first sweeping views. The trail continues gradually climbing, passing through a short forested section before emerging into the open again. Beargrass blooms on this south-facing slope every few years. The Buck Mountain Fire burned this area in the 1970s, and a few silvery snags still dot the hillside, along with fallen burnt trees that are melting back into the ground. About halfway up, there is a flat campable meadow area with standing dead snags and emerging young trees. After leaving the flat area, the trail enters another forest, and you will come to the signed junction with the Bugaboo Ridge Trail #3423. Go left here. (Going straight at this junction leads to the Bruno Meadows Trailhead and may be an alternate return route for a shuttle trip.) The trail marches up the mountain, quite steeply in a few places. The final stretch to the top is very exposed, so it's a good idea to keep your dogs on leash. The summit is the site of a former fire lookout, but all that remains are rusty nails, metal poles, and melted glass. From here, you will get views from Mount Rainier to the Three Sisters on a clear day, with a big closeup of Mount Jefferson. After enjoying the views, return the way you came.
Trail Stats
0.0 km
335 m
1814 m
0 m
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Photos
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400px-BachelorMountainMap
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250px-P9280039
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250px-Bachelor
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