Highlights
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 630 feet
Season: Year-round, with ski or snowshoe access in winter. Late summer better to avoid mosquitoes.
Notes: No permit is required. Restroom available at the trailhead.
About this Hike
The wild areas and forests surrounding Maiden Peak, southeast of Waldo Lake and north of OR-58 near Willamette Pass, are some of the wildest in the Cascades. The huge Maiden Peak roadless area is connected to the Three Sisters Wilderness on the north and just a hop across a road away from the roadless areas surrounding the Waldo Lake and Diamond Peak Wilderness areas.
Hike to the string of three Rosary Lakes on the Pacific Crest Trail for a taste of this gorgeous area. Start out by heading right at the trail junction just into the forest from the trailhead. The trail rises slowly as it passes through an ancient forest of Douglas-fir, mountain hemlock, and Pacific silver fir, with smaller grand fir, western white pine, subalpine fir, and the odd Engelmann spruce. Down logs and snags add all the classic structure to the forest, and short plants like prince’s pine cover the ground.
About a mile along the trail, you might begin to catch glimpses of shimmering Odell Lake to the south, and possibly even Diamond Peak rising beyond it. Other than the other hikers you might encounter, the only sign of civilization along the trail is the rumble of a train as it follows Odell Lake’s south shore.
The trail skirts the base of a ridge that rises to the north, passing patches of rock slides and thick seedling growth. Crest this ridge at 2.3 miles and curve around it to the left, still gaining some elevation. Lodgepole pines begin to appear in the forest, mixed more heavily with western white pine in sparser rockier areas, interspersed with pure mountain hemlock stands. At 2.8 miles, you’ll pass a big rock outcrop and rocky slope of crumbling gray basalt and finally arrive at Lower Rosary Lake at 3 miles. Here you’ll find a great view of the lake and Pulpit Rock, which rises above it, and down logs to sit on.
Feel free to explore farther along the PCT or around the lake before heading back the way you came. This trail can also be accessed in the winter to ski or snowshoe if you park at the Willamette Pass Resort and join the PCT from a connector trail on the east side of the parking lot.
Getting There
From Interstate 5 just south of Eugene, take exit 188 and follow Oregon Route 58 southeast to the town of Oakridge. Continue another 27 miles to Willamette Pass. Just past the Willamette Pass Ski Area, turn left at a sign for the Pacific Crest Trail, then turn right just before a large building to find the trailhead and parking area.
Take Action
Maintaining protections for the Maiden Peak Roadless Area with the Roadless Rule will keep it safe from from logging and development. Take action here to defend the Roadless Rule.
