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    • Wild Rogue Loop
    • Mt. Thielsen
    • The Watchman
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    • Lower Table Rock
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    • Mt. McLoughlin
    • Lemolo Falls (members only)
    • Fern Falls (members only)
  • Eastern Oregon
    • Painted Cove
    • Mount Howard
    • Anthony Lake Loop
    • Schneider Cabin (members only)
    • Strawberry Lake & Falls (members only)
  • Oregon PCT sections
    • PCT: OR-58 to Charlton Lake
    • PCT: Santiam Pass to Rockpile Lake
  • Tips & Tricks
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  • Reviews
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  • Adventure Stories
    • Hiking The Rae Lakes Loop
    • 110 Miles on the PCT
    • The Loop Around Three Fingered Jack
    • Jefferson Wilderness
  • Home
  • *Store*
  • About the author
  • How to use this site
  • Resources
    • Wildflowers
    • Videos
  • Best Oregon Hikes
    • 20 Epic Oregon Wildflower Hikes
    • Top 10 Oregon Spring Hikes
    • 20 Best Oregon Waterfall Hikes
    • Top 10 Oregon Hikes for Kids
    • 5 Weekend Backpacking Trips in Oregon
    • Top One Night Backpacking Trips in Oregon
    • Top Fall Foliage Hikes In Oregon
    • Top 10 Oregon Summer Hikes
    • Top 10 Swimming Spots In Oregon
    • Top 10 Oregon Fall Hikes
    • Sno-Parks In Central Oregon
    • Top 10 Oregon Winter Hikes
    • Top Low Elevation Winter Hikes
  • Oregon Sno-Parks
    • Maxwell Sno-Park
    • Potato Hill Sno-Park
    • Ray Benson Sno-Park
      • Brandenburg Shelter
    • Santiam Sno-Park
    • Three Creek Sno-Park
    • Virginia Meissner Sno-Park
      • Meissner Shelter Loop
      • Nordeen Shelter
    • Gold Lake Sno-Park
      • Westview Shelter to Eagle Rock Overlook
      • Marilyn Lakes Loop
  • Portland
    • Powell Butte
    • Forest Park
    • Hamilton Mountain
    • Latourell Falls
    • Multnomah/Wahkeena Falls
    • Dog Mountain
    • Coyote Wall
    • Mitchell Point
    • Table Rock
    • Tamanawas Falls
    • Trillium Lake
    • East Zigzag Mountain (members only)
  • Salem
    • Abiqua Falls
    • Silver Falls State Park
    • Marion Lake to Marion Mountain
    • Jefferson Park
  • Sweet Home
    • Crescent Mountain
    • Iron Mountain
    • McDowell Creek Falls
    • Middle Santiam River (members only)
    • Lower Soda Creek Falls (members only)
    • Rooster Rock (members only)
  • McKenzie Bridge/Blue River
    • Macduff Mountain
    • Proxy Falls
    • Clear Lake
    • Sahalie/Koosah Falls
    • Blue Pool
    • Erma Bell Lakes
    • Olallie Mountain
    • Horsepasture Mountain
    • Tidbits Mountain
    • Castle Rock
    • East Fork Trail (members only)
    • Rainbow Falls Overlook (members only)
    • Frissell Point (members only)
    • Chucksney Mountain (members only)
    • Substitute Point (members only)
  • Sisters/Santiam Pass
    • Coffin Mountain
    • Trappers Butte and Scar Mountain
    • Black Butte
    • Tam McArthur Rim
    • Black Crater
    • Scott Mountain
    • Obsidian Trail
    • Three Fingered Jack Loop
    • Square Lake
    • Canyon Creek Meadows
    • Patjens Lakes
    • Craig Lake (members only)
    • Chush Falls (members only)
    • Rockpile Lake (members only)
    • Santiam Lake (members only)
    • Camp Lake (members only)
    • Park Meadow to Golden Lake (members only)
  • Bend/Redmond/LaPine
    • Steins Pillar
    • Chimney Rock
    • Steelhead Falls
    • Tumalo State Park
    • Tumalo Falls
    • Tumalo Mountain
    • No Name Lake
    • Green Lakes
    • Moraine Lake
    • South Sister Summit
    • Muskrat Lake
    • Paulina Peak
    • Peter Skene Ogden Trail (members only)
  • Eugene
    • Ridgeline Trail
    • Mount Pisgah Summit
    • Mount Pisgah Arboretum
    • Shotgun Creek
    • Mount June
    • Lawler
    • Tire Mountain
    • Goodman Creek
    • Brice Creek
    • Trestle Creek Falls
    • Moon Falls
    • Elijah Bristow State Park
    • South Willamette Trail (members only)
    • Eula Ridge (members only)
    • Eagle's Rest (members only)
  • Oakridge
    • Deception Creek
    • North Salmon Creek
    • Grasshopper Ridge
    • Larison Creek
    • Bunchgrass Ridge
    • Salt Creek Falls
    • Waldo Lake Loop
    • South Waldo Loop
    • The Twins
    • Rosary Lakes
    • Fawn Lake
    • Windy Lakes
    • Divide Lake
    • Diamond Peak Summit
    • Cowhorn Mountain
    • Wall Creek Warm Springs (members only)
    • Moon Point (members only)
    • Bobby Lake (members only)
    • Lillian Falls (members only)
    • Middle Fork Willamette Trail (members only)
    • Pool Creek Falls (members only)
    • Dead Mountain (members only)
    • Larison Rock (members only)
    • Eddeeleo Lakes (members only)
    • Waldo Mountain Lookout (members only)
    • Blair Lake to Mule Mountain (members only)
    • Rigdon Lakes loop (members only)
  • Oregon Coast
    • Cascade Head
    • Drift Creek Falls
    • Sweet Creek Falls
    • Alsea Falls
    • Kentucky Falls
    • Marys Peak North Ridge
    • Marys Peak East Ridge
    • Cape Perpetua Loops
    • Hobbit Trail to Heceta Head
    • North Fork Smith River (members only)
    • Cummins Ridge (member's only)
    • Horse Creek (members only)
    • Siltcoos Lake (members only)
    • William Finley Wildlife Refuge (members only)
  • Southern Oregon
    • Fall Creek Falls
    • Watson Falls
    • Wild Rogue Loop
    • Mt. Thielsen
    • The Watchman
    • Mount Scott
    • The Pinnacles
    • Lower Table Rock
    • Pilot Rock
    • Wagner Butte
    • Mt. McLoughlin
    • Lemolo Falls (members only)
    • Fern Falls (members only)
  • Eastern Oregon
    • Painted Cove
    • Mount Howard
    • Anthony Lake Loop
    • Schneider Cabin (members only)
    • Strawberry Lake & Falls (members only)
  • Oregon PCT sections
    • PCT: OR-58 to Charlton Lake
    • PCT: Santiam Pass to Rockpile Lake
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Leave No Trace
    • Top Tips For Hiking With Infants And Toddlers
    • Poison Oak, Ivy and Sumac
    • How to dress for cold weather hikes
    • Hiker Holiday Gift Guide 2019
    • Outdoor Holiday Gift Guide 2018
    • Hiking Holiday Gift Guide 2017
  • Reviews
    • Outdoor Herbivore Backpacking Food Review
    • Osprey Aura AG 65 Backpack review
    • Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 review
    • REI Quarter Dome 1 review
  • Adventure Stories
    • Hiking The Rae Lakes Loop
    • 110 Miles on the PCT
    • The Loop Around Three Fingered Jack
    • Jefferson Wilderness

Pacific Crest Trail

​

Santiam Pass to Rockpile Lake

​
PCT to Rockpile Lake hike information page
To download the PCT Halfmile maps for this hike click here
Santiam Pass to Rockpile Lake on the PCT map
Pacific Crest Trail at Santiam Pass
This section of the Pacific Crest Trail from Santiam Pass to Rockpile Lake is one of the most scenic in Oregon. The trail is very easy to get to with parking right off of Santiam Highway 20. The Pacific Crest Trail parking lot is quite large, and even though there are usually quite a lot of cars on the weekend, it is rarely completely full. This is the entry point for many backpacking trips in the Jefferson Wilderness, as well as a popular re-entry point for the PCT. This is definitely not a day hike, and it is recommended that you spend the night at Rockpile Lake. 
Pacific Crest Trail in the fall in Oregon
Pacific Crest Trail and Mt. Washington
(view to the south of Mt. Washington from the Pacific Crest Trail)
The first 2 miles of the trail trends uphill as you gain almost 1,000 ft. of elevation. Once you get to the western flanks of Three Finger Jack, the trail flattens out a bit, and you can really focus on the beauty of the mountain. In early September there are often white mountain goats on the sides of the mountain.
Pacific Crest Trail and Three Finger Jack
Three Finger Jack
(west flank of Three Finger Jack)
If you do this hike too early in the season, you will have to cross many very deep streams that are coming from the snowmelt off of Three Finger Jack. Because the mountain is so steep, the snow tends to melt fairly fast, and with hot weather, the creeks should be dry by early to mid-August. 
After skirting Three Finger Jack, 7.5 miles into the hike, you will come to a ridge, where the PCT crosses over the actual crest. 
Loop around Three Finger Jack
East side of Three Finger Jack
(East flank of Three Finger Jack)
Pacific Crest Trail to Minto Pass
From here you will head downhill a bit, seeing views of the east side of Three Finger Jack, which looks very different than the west side. Now the trail is on the east side of the crest and you will get views towards Black Butte, Canyon Creek Valley and later Bear Valley below. 
When you hit the 9 mile mark of the hike you will come to Minto Pass where you can see gorgeous blue Wasco Lake below. 
Wasco Lake and Black Butte
(Wasco Lake and Black Butte)
Bear Valley and Black Butte
(Bear Valley and Black Butte in the distance)
It is another 3 miles from Minto Pass to Rockpile Lake with another bit of elevation gain totaling in roughly 1,000 ft. The trail towards the lake can be littered with blowdowns if the trail crews have not come through yet that season, however don't let that deter you. The views behind you towards Three Finger Jack with the setting sun on it are absolutely stunning, and so are the views down into desolate Bear Valley. 
View of Three Finger Jack from Pacific Crest Trail
(Three Finger Jack)
Rockpile Lake is at an elevation of 6,300 ft. and is tucked away between Rockpile Mountain and another small hill. This lake is a frequent stopping point for PCT thru-hikers, as it is the first water source since Big Lake, and there isn't another source for another 8 miles, so many of them choose to spend the night here. Many arrive after dark and leave right at first light, so you may never even see them. 

Overall, this is a wonderful short 1 night backpacking trip. The terrain is on the difficult side, as there are large rocks, loose rocks, down trees, possible creek crossings (depending on what month you go), and substantial elevation gain. This hike is recommended for someone who has backpacked in easier terrain before and who doesn't have problems with steep side drop offs along the trail. As mentioned, there are no water sources between your car and Rockpile Lake, so make sure to take enough water. 
Rockpile Lake along the Pacific Crest Trail
Foggy Rockpile Lake
Wooden Pacific Crest Trail marker
Approximate hike time: 5-6 hours each way (10-12 hours total) w/ an average pace of 2.2 mph
Suggested seasons: Mid-July through mid-October
(The Pacific Crest Trail is great pretty much right after the snow melts through October when the first snow falls. In the month of July you will encounter mosquitoes).

Trail usage: ​Moderate

Directions: From Santiam junction continue east on Highway 20 to Santiam Pass. Turn left at the large Pacific Crest Trail sign. 
From Bend take Highway 20 towards Sisters until you get to Santiam Pass. Turn right at the large Pacific Crest Trail sign and park anywhere in the large parking area.
You will need your Annual Northwest Forest Pass, or pay $5 for parking if you don't have one.
​
To get a more in-depth and personal view of this hike, watch the YouTube video.
*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. ​​​​​​​​

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  • Home
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  • Resources
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  • Best Oregon Hikes
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    • Top One Night Backpacking Trips in Oregon
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    • Top 10 Oregon Summer Hikes
    • Top 10 Swimming Spots In Oregon
    • Top 10 Oregon Fall Hikes
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    • Top 10 Oregon Winter Hikes
    • Top Low Elevation Winter Hikes
  • Oregon Sno-Parks
    • Maxwell Sno-Park
    • Potato Hill Sno-Park
    • Ray Benson Sno-Park
      • Brandenburg Shelter
    • Santiam Sno-Park
    • Three Creek Sno-Park
    • Virginia Meissner Sno-Park
      • Meissner Shelter Loop
      • Nordeen Shelter
    • Gold Lake Sno-Park
      • Westview Shelter to Eagle Rock Overlook
      • Marilyn Lakes Loop
  • Portland
    • Powell Butte
    • Forest Park
    • Hamilton Mountain
    • Latourell Falls
    • Multnomah/Wahkeena Falls
    • Dog Mountain
    • Coyote Wall
    • Mitchell Point
    • Table Rock
    • Tamanawas Falls
    • Trillium Lake
    • East Zigzag Mountain (members only)
  • Salem
    • Abiqua Falls
    • Silver Falls State Park
    • Marion Lake to Marion Mountain
    • Jefferson Park
  • Sweet Home
    • Crescent Mountain
    • Iron Mountain
    • McDowell Creek Falls
    • Middle Santiam River (members only)
    • Lower Soda Creek Falls (members only)
    • Rooster Rock (members only)
  • McKenzie Bridge/Blue River
    • Macduff Mountain
    • Proxy Falls
    • Clear Lake
    • Sahalie/Koosah Falls
    • Blue Pool
    • Erma Bell Lakes
    • Olallie Mountain
    • Horsepasture Mountain
    • Tidbits Mountain
    • Castle Rock
    • East Fork Trail (members only)
    • Rainbow Falls Overlook (members only)
    • Frissell Point (members only)
    • Chucksney Mountain (members only)
    • Substitute Point (members only)
  • Sisters/Santiam Pass
    • Coffin Mountain
    • Trappers Butte and Scar Mountain
    • Black Butte
    • Tam McArthur Rim
    • Black Crater
    • Scott Mountain
    • Obsidian Trail
    • Three Fingered Jack Loop
    • Square Lake
    • Canyon Creek Meadows
    • Patjens Lakes
    • Craig Lake (members only)
    • Chush Falls (members only)
    • Rockpile Lake (members only)
    • Santiam Lake (members only)
    • Camp Lake (members only)
    • Park Meadow to Golden Lake (members only)
  • Bend/Redmond/LaPine
    • Steins Pillar
    • Chimney Rock
    • Steelhead Falls
    • Tumalo State Park
    • Tumalo Falls
    • Tumalo Mountain
    • No Name Lake
    • Green Lakes
    • Moraine Lake
    • South Sister Summit
    • Muskrat Lake
    • Paulina Peak
    • Peter Skene Ogden Trail (members only)
  • Eugene
    • Ridgeline Trail
    • Mount Pisgah Summit
    • Mount Pisgah Arboretum
    • Shotgun Creek
    • Mount June
    • Lawler
    • Tire Mountain
    • Goodman Creek
    • Brice Creek
    • Trestle Creek Falls
    • Moon Falls
    • Elijah Bristow State Park
    • South Willamette Trail (members only)
    • Eula Ridge (members only)
    • Eagle's Rest (members only)
  • Oakridge
    • Deception Creek
    • North Salmon Creek
    • Grasshopper Ridge
    • Larison Creek
    • Bunchgrass Ridge
    • Salt Creek Falls
    • Waldo Lake Loop
    • South Waldo Loop
    • The Twins
    • Rosary Lakes
    • Fawn Lake
    • Windy Lakes
    • Divide Lake
    • Diamond Peak Summit
    • Cowhorn Mountain
    • Wall Creek Warm Springs (members only)
    • Moon Point (members only)
    • Bobby Lake (members only)
    • Lillian Falls (members only)
    • Middle Fork Willamette Trail (members only)
    • Pool Creek Falls (members only)
    • Dead Mountain (members only)
    • Larison Rock (members only)
    • Eddeeleo Lakes (members only)
    • Waldo Mountain Lookout (members only)
    • Blair Lake to Mule Mountain (members only)
    • Rigdon Lakes loop (members only)
  • Oregon Coast
    • Cascade Head
    • Drift Creek Falls
    • Sweet Creek Falls
    • Alsea Falls
    • Kentucky Falls
    • Marys Peak North Ridge
    • Marys Peak East Ridge
    • Cape Perpetua Loops
    • Hobbit Trail to Heceta Head
    • North Fork Smith River (members only)
    • Cummins Ridge (member's only)
    • Horse Creek (members only)
    • Siltcoos Lake (members only)
    • William Finley Wildlife Refuge (members only)
  • Southern Oregon
    • Fall Creek Falls
    • Watson Falls
    • Wild Rogue Loop
    • Mt. Thielsen
    • The Watchman
    • Mount Scott
    • The Pinnacles
    • Lower Table Rock
    • Pilot Rock
    • Wagner Butte
    • Mt. McLoughlin
    • Lemolo Falls (members only)
    • Fern Falls (members only)
  • Eastern Oregon
    • Painted Cove
    • Mount Howard
    • Anthony Lake Loop
    • Schneider Cabin (members only)
    • Strawberry Lake & Falls (members only)
  • Oregon PCT sections
    • PCT: OR-58 to Charlton Lake
    • PCT: Santiam Pass to Rockpile Lake
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Leave No Trace
    • Top Tips For Hiking With Infants And Toddlers
    • Poison Oak, Ivy and Sumac
    • How to dress for cold weather hikes
    • Hiker Holiday Gift Guide 2019
    • Outdoor Holiday Gift Guide 2018
    • Hiking Holiday Gift Guide 2017
  • Reviews
    • Outdoor Herbivore Backpacking Food Review
    • Osprey Aura AG 65 Backpack review
    • Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 review
    • REI Quarter Dome 1 review
  • Adventure Stories
    • Hiking The Rae Lakes Loop
    • 110 Miles on the PCT
    • The Loop Around Three Fingered Jack
    • Jefferson Wilderness