Castle Rock Hike

Overview

The Castle Rock Trail #3506 is split into two portions. The longer hike/ride, popular with mountain bikers, runs along the foot of Macduff Mountain above Cougar Creek. Another longer approach to Castle Rock is from the north via the King Castle Trail. The short steep segment described here takes you up to the old lookout site atop Castle Rock. This is a good wildflower hike in late spring/early summer. From the trailhead, follow the trail into the trees. The trail forks almost immediately; take the right fork heading uphill. The trail switchbacks up the mountain, passing through a grassy meadow. After 1.25 miles you reach the summit. The flat rocky summit was once home to a fire lookout, now gone. The trees and vegetation have grown up, so you have to move around to different parts of the summit to get views in various directions. You can see the broad valley of the McKenzie River, Mount Washington, and the Three Sisters.

Trail Stats

Photos

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