Chucksney Mountain Loop Hike

Overview

This hike is good for getting away from the crowds in the nearby Three Sisters Wilderness. While most of the route is in the forest, the views at the top are worth the workout. You may see mountain bikers and equestrians on this hike. According to Oregon Geographic Names, the mountain bears the name of a local Indian celebrity who made his home in the valley of the Middle Fork Willamette River. From the parking area, follow the trail through the forest. After 0.2 miles, you will see the horse camp on your left, and you will turn right. After another tenth of a mile, reach a junction and turn right. You will soon reach yet another junction, where you will turn right again. Climb steeply through a forest of hemlock and vine maple. Salal, vanilla leaf, bunchberry, false solomon’s seal, and prince’s pine also grow here. At 1.2 miles, the trail levels out a little as it traverses the slope. At 2.8 miles, the path bends to the left where a rocky outcrop can be found on your right. There used to be a view here, but the trees have grown up. At 4.4 miles, the trail crosses a sloping meadow and then re-enters the trees, passing beneath the cliff of the mountain above you. The trail climbs for another half mile before switchbacking up to the left and climbing still more. Finally, at the five mile mark, emerge from the trees into the open summit area of Chucksney Mountain. There are good views from the cliff edge on your left. Keep an eye on pets and children here. To the east you can see the Three Sisters and Broken Top. To finish the loop, continue south across the open summit area before re-entering trees. The trail goes up and down through the forest, passing through several pleasant grassy meadows before intersecting with the Grasshopper Mountain Trail at 6.5 miles. Turn left. The trail meanders and switchbacks down the mountain. After a long descent through the forest, cross the creek at 9.9 miles. Hike 0.2 miles to the junction where you started on the Chucksney Mountain Trail earlier and stay straight. A

Trail Stats

Photos

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350px-ChucksneyMap

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250px-ChucksneyMountain

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400px-ChucksneyThreeSisters

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