Mary's Peak

Mary's Peak 

Siuslaw National Forest 

Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous
Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet
Best time to go: May and June

About this Hike 

Mary's Peak’s characteristic hump defines the Coast Range between Eugene and Salem and offers great hiking opportunities. On this hike, take the East Ridge Trail to the summit of the mountain and pass through gorgeous old forests and emerge into a summit meadow full of wildflowers (aim for late-May to early-June when the flowers are fully in bloom). On a clear day, you'll be able to see the Pacific Ocean to the west and many of the Cascade peaks to the east. 

History of the Area

Marys Peak was known as Chateemanwi, or “place of spiritual power” to the native Kalapuya tribe who used the land for spirit quests. Nestled on her slopes are a town, cemetery and old logging railroad. The streams that flow down the mountain’s sides provide water to Corvallis from the Rock Creek Watershed. Many of the lands surrounding Marys Peak were privately owned, until they were added to the Siuslaw National Forest to protect the source that provides Corvallis with 40% of their drinking water. In addition the Forest Service, part of the land in the area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Some of the land has been disturbed by past logging, but recently management has focused on forest and meadow restoration. In 1989 Marys Peak was classified as a Scenic Botanical Area because of the rich and unique diversity of plant life.

Getting There

1. From Philomath, travel west on Highway 34 for 10 miles.

2. Head north off of Highway 34 and onto Mary's Peak Road.

3. Continue on Mary's Peak Road for 5.5 miles until you reach Connor's Camp and the lower trailhead (begin here for a 5-6 mile hike, or continue up Mary's Peak Road for closer trailheads and a shorter hike).

 

Photo by Chandra LeGue