Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
2,394.00 ft (729.69 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
9.50 mi (15.29 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Crescent Mountain hike has just about everything you want in a Cascade Foothills hike.

From the trailhead, the trail meanders through old-growth forest and crosses a few streams. Many fallen logs obstruct the first part of the trail. Trail switchbacks begin to ascend the first major elevation gain through the forest to a high-elevation meadow. Wildflowers populate this meadow during the spring and early summer. The meadow also yields spectacular views of the Cascades to the south of the trail. Mount Washington, the Three Sisters, and many smaller peaks are all visible.

The next portion of the trail re-enters the forest for the final ascent. The summit is the site of an old fire lookout. From here, the aptly named Crescent Mountain delivers panoramic views of the Oregon Cascades. Mount Jefferson is the real treasure of the view, but peaks are visible from Mount Adams all the way to South Sister and beyond. From here, simply turn around and follow the trail back to the trailhead.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Panoramic views. Wildflowers. Solitude.

Cons

Bugs at the summit. No suitable backcountry campsites.

Trailhead Elevation

3,602.00 ft (1,097.89 m)

Features

Big vistas
Old-growth forest
Wildflowers

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

08/27/2020
As a female who generally is hiking solo I pay attention to my surroundings. This hike felt very safe — the road to the trailhead extends from a sno-park area off Highway 20. There are bathrooms and a porta potty at the sno-park. I was somewhat shocked to find that I had cell phone reception the entire hike.
This is a gorgeous hike with incredible views, even before the summit.
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