Mary's Peak East Ridge trail
Mary’s Peak is the tallest mountain in the Oregon coast range and it is very popular for its views from the summit, as well as the beautiful wild flowers that grow in the spring.
If you are going on this hike for the amazing views from the top, you should definitely plan to go on a clear day. If there are any sort of low clouds or fog, you will not see any of the mountains. There are a few hikes you can do in this area, the 6.2 mile East Ridge loop trail, the 8.6 mile North Ridge trail, and the 3.2 Meadow Edge loop trail. You can also drive most of the way to the top of Mary's Peak, and only hike the .6 miles to the top.
If you are going on this hike for the amazing views from the top, you should definitely plan to go on a clear day. If there are any sort of low clouds or fog, you will not see any of the mountains. There are a few hikes you can do in this area, the 6.2 mile East Ridge loop trail, the 8.6 mile North Ridge trail, and the 3.2 Meadow Edge loop trail. You can also drive most of the way to the top of Mary's Peak, and only hike the .6 miles to the top.
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To access the East Ridge trailhead, you park at Conner's Camp which is off of Mary's Peak Rd. Here you will find a pit toilet, a few picnic tables, and plenty of parking. The trail starts off with a mellow incline through old growth forest and thick bushes along the south side of the hill. The trail continues for a mile from the trailhead until you come to a trail split. It's not very obvious, as the sign is hung about 7 feet up on a tree. But it is immediately after a bench, so that is a great indicator to remember.
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At the trail split, you will make a sharp left. After the trail split you will hike 1.2 miles as the trail continues going uphill and there are a few switchbacks before the trail which become rocky for a few hundred yards. Because the trail is so smooth and well maintained, it means that there are lots of mountain bikers! Remember that if you are hiking uphill and they are coming downhill, they are supposed to yield to you, and vice versa.
After the 1.2 miles, you will see another trail split. If you go straight the trail will take you to the upper parking area. To continue the loop to the summit, make a sharp left and go uphill. Shortly after you turn, the trail leaves the woods and opens up to a beautiful meadow which in spring is covered in wildflowers.
After 1.2 miles you will see another trail split. If you go straight the trail will take you to the upper parking area. To continue the loop to the summit, make a sharp left and go uphill. Shortly after you turn, the trail leaves the woods and opens up to a beautiful meadow which in spring is covered in wildflowers. From the meadow you catch glimpses of the Cascade mountains to the southeast and the impending view you will witness at the top. It is exciting and it keeps you going up the hill.
(You can see all of the Cascades from Mt. Ashland to Mt. Rainier, it is spectacular!)
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(You can also see the entire Coast Range)
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Right before the top, the trail flattens out into a saddle and you think you're at the top, but you have another .3 of a mile to go. You can either choose to go up the gravel road, or take a slight short-cut through the woods which ends up being much steeper. If you are here in the spring (the month of May), it is recommended that you take the road up to the summit so you can see the many amazing wildflowers growing along the side of the hill. The road takes you right up to the summit of Mary's Peak, where you can also see all the way to the coast, as well as the mountain peaks of Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, Three Finger Jack, Mt. Washington, the Three Sisters and Mt. Bachelor.
Because you can drive almost all the way to the top, there are a lot more people than expected at the summit. This area is heavily used, so don’t expect to be alone at the top.
Because you can drive almost all the way to the top, there are a lot more people than expected at the summit. This area is heavily used, so don’t expect to be alone at the top.
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In order to complete the loop, you will walk .6 miles down to the upper parking lot. The Tie Trail starts at the very end of the parking lot, almost right by the road. You will head down the north side of Mary's Peak for .7 miles until you get to a junction (North Ridge Trail to your left and Tie Trail back to Conner's Camp to your right). This intersection is very clearly marked for your convenience.
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From the North Ridge trail junction, you hike another 1.1 miles until the Tie Trail gets you back to the East Ridge Trail and from there it is another mile to the parking lot where you started.
The Tie Trail is not as well maintained as the East Ridge Trail, and there can be a few trees down. Most of them you could climb over, but sometimes they can be so big that you have to hike around it. This north part of the hike is much cooler, as it is not exposed to the sun, and it is very green and lush.
Overall, this hike is slightly challenging yet rewarding with the great views. The forest is beautiful to look at, and it is great exercise! This trail is not recommended if you have bad knees, since it is fairly steep going up and back down.
(On the way back to Eugene we were lucky enough to witness this stunning sunset)
Approximate hike time: 3 hours
Suggested seasons: Spring, summer, fall
Trail usage: Light to medium (until you get to the upper part that people can drive to)
Directions: Take Hwy 20 west of Corvallis through the town of Philomath. Fork left onto Hwy 34 for 8.8 miles and then turn right onto Mary's Peak Rd and proceed for 5.5 really steep and really windy miles until you see a sign for Conner's Camp on your right.
Suggested seasons: Spring, summer, fall
Trail usage: Light to medium (until you get to the upper part that people can drive to)
Directions: Take Hwy 20 west of Corvallis through the town of Philomath. Fork left onto Hwy 34 for 8.8 miles and then turn right onto Mary's Peak Rd and proceed for 5.5 really steep and really windy miles until you see a sign for Conner's Camp on your right.
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*All pictures are taken by Franziska Weinheimer
*Disclaimer: the trail descriptions, mileage, GPS tracks and difficulty ratings depicted on this website are never 100% accurate. Always hike at your own risk, using your own knowledge, equipment and common sense.
Franziska Weinheimer/Hike Oregon are not responsible if you or anyone in your party gets injured or lost while attempting one of these or any other hikes. |
