South Fork Mountain Hike
From Portland Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Memaloose Lake Trailhead
- End point: South Fork Mountain
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Out and Back
- Distance: 4.6 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 1400 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: June-November
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: Yes
- Crowded: Yes on summer weekends
Contents |
Hike Description
This hike is a continuation of the Memaloose Lake Hike. Begin at the Memaloose Lake Trailhead, and once you reach Memaloose Lake, turn left and cross over the outlet creek. You will pass by several campsites and soon see the trail sign for South Fork Mountain. This trail is not officially maintained, and you may expect conditions to be a bit rough early in the season. However, the many users who visit keep it in pretty good shape, and by the end of the summer it will be clear and well defined.
From the lake, the trail ascends gradually up the forested northwest flank of the mountain gaining 700 feet in a mile. The understory has several patches of huckleberry. Once it gains the ridgetop, the trail takes you along a spine for a short distance before emerging unceremoniously at a turnaround road on the summit. It is true that you can drive up here, but don't expect to see vehicles on your visit, as the drive is a long, rutty route to get here. You should be able to find the old lookout site near the summit and Mount Hood looms to the north. Explore the meadows on the south side for spectacular views of Mount Jefferson, Olallie Butte and Bull of the Woods.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
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Guidebooks that cover this hike
- 100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon - by Wiliam L. Sullivan
- Best Old-Growth Forest Hikes: Washington & Oregon by John and Diane Cissel
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Contributors
- ChubbyFM (creator)