Jefferson Park via Park Ridge Hike

Overview

NOTICE: Trails in this area were affected by the 2020 Lionshead Fire. Please check current closures in the Willamette National Forest before planning an outing. Jefferson Park is one of the prime backpacking destinations in Oregon and, on summer weekends, trailheads and trails can become very crowded with overnighters and day hikers alike. The most scenic approach is along the Pacific Crest Trail from the Breitenbush Lake Trailhead. This is also arguably the easiest route once you're on the trail, but that boon is easily balanced out by the roughness of the last few miles of FR 4220 to reach the trailhead. Once this dusty, bone rattling drive is accomplished, however, the hiker soon encounters high alpine scenery, majestic views at Park Ridge, and the 1,000 foot descent to Jefferson Park. Note that the beginning of this approach to the park was affected by the 2010 View Lake Complex Fire, but in 2020, the far more severe and devastating Lionshead Fire swept along the entire route, including into Jefferson Park itself. As of 2021, the Central Cascades Wilderness Permit is required of all hikers, including day trippers, who enter the wilderness (the Friday prior to Memorial Day through the last Friday in September). Designated campsites in Jefferson Park must be reserved via this process. The trail (the Pacific Crest Trail, actually) begins at the Breitenbush Lake Trailhead, at an elevation of 5,500 feet. Not surprisingly, snow lingers here well into July. You'll start through small meadows and forests of small trees. At about mile 0.6, you'll notice a small reroute including a new bridge over a rocky channel that's usually dry most of the hiking season. Cross a talus slope and, at a junction that may or may not be signed, you'll see the informal trail leads westward from the older route to Pyramid Butte. The Crest Trail climbs through a large talus area with views of Pyramid Butte, bright red Ruddy Hill and Olallie Butte, and then resumes climbing through huckleberry meadows. The PCT crosses a saddle at m

Trail Stats

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