Pacific Crest Trail
Santiam Pass to Rockpile Lake
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.
(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.
(west flank of Three Finger Jack)
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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. |
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(East flank of Three Finger Jack)
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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)
(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.
(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.
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.
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Approximate hike time: 5-6 hours each way (10-12 hours total)
Suggested seasons: Mid-July through mid-October
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.
Suggested seasons: Mid-July through mid-October
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.
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To get a more in-depth and personal view of this hike, watch the YouTube video.
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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.