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Not to be confused with the incredible rock formation near Medford, Oregon, this Table Rock is the namesake for the Table Rock Wilderness just southeast of Molalla, Oregon. Table Rock is the highest point in this wilderness area, and if you are at the 4,811-foot summit on a clear day you will enjoy views of nearby Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, and Mount Rainer to the north, and Mount Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, Mount Washington, and the Three Sisters to the south.
Though driving directions are a little tricky and an unhealthy amount of effort has been made to vandalize road and trail signs, the trail itself is a great walk through noble fir, hemlock, and Douglas fir. You’ll spend the first portion of the trip on a decommissioned road currently being reclaimed by the native vegetation. After approximately one mile the trail leaves the road for the woods and you’ll begin your light but constant ascent to the summit. As the trail cuts beneath Table Rock you will cross through a gigantic boulder field where the trail is marked with cairns. The trail returns to the forest briefly as it winds around the opposite side of Table Rock to make its final ascent.
While you are enjoying the views of the surrounding Cascades, don’t forget to walk a little farther down the summit trail to overlook the view of the boulder field that you just crossed through. You’ll pass a small backcountry camping site that has suffered a little from lazy users; if you are energetic enough to make it to the top with your own water and overnight gear, please take the time to bury your waste as well. Also, this trail has a reputation for Bigfoot sightings, so keep your eyes peeled!
Logistics + Planning
Preferable season(s)
Spring
Summer
Fall
Congestion
Low
Parking Pass
Not Required
Pros
Great Cascade views. Old-growth. Intermediate length and climb.
This was a great hike! There were signs leading to the trailhead which was nice, and the trail was easy to follow. It was a great day with a clear view of the mountains at the top!
Attempted the hike for the second time Sunday 6/11/17. Snow is receding, but still heavy enough to make trail finding difficult. We opted to turn around about a mile from the top. Some wildflowers are out, but it is still a bit early. Can't wait to try again, the views were amazing despite heavy clouds.
I made the trip out to Table Rock a couple of weeks ago. The directions from this site were easy to follow and got me to the trailhead. Unfortunately the last couple miles were through snow. I was still determined to make an attempt and try staying the night at the summit. The snow got gradually deeper with the elevation gain, and got to the point where I had to turn around. I would recommend waiting a little bit yet before attempting this without snow shoes. Might want to change this to a summer/fall hike, or at least update the snow level information.
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