Hiking Iron Mountain

In search of a good Sunday hike with our friends, we decided to explore the Iron Mountain Trail in the Willamette National Forest. We haven’t been getting out hiking quite as often over the past year, with plenty to keep us busy around the homestead on the weekends, but I am making a concerted effort to remind myself that homestead projects will always be there, and time needs to be made for recharging in the outdoors. I also feel like I’m still in the process of getting acquainted with my new home mountain range, and any opportunity to see more of it should be taken. After chickens were tended and watering was done, we headed out to meet our friends for an adventure. The trail to Iron Mountain is actually a loop, and we started with the recommended
longer, more gradual trail through the meadows of Cone Peak.  This way we were able to take the shorter and steeper trail on the west side of Tombstone Pass on the way back. This trail has enough uphill as it is with 1900 feet elevation gain, so this is definitely the way to go.

 The meadows were dried out at this point in our summer drought conditions, but offered clear views of the surrounding peaks and Iron Mountain ahead of us.

It’s a nice perspective, being able to clearly see your destination ahead.

This area is known as a botanical wonderland, with over 300 species of flowering plants, 17 tree species and 18 plant communities. Even though we had mostly missed the wildflowers’ blooming window, there were beautiful patches of purple fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) that were exciting enough all on their own.

I will not lie, the last .7 mile climb to the top was intense, but fortunately they had some strategically placed stone benches along the way. I recommend giving yourself some time and rest breaks on this part. The climb was well worth the effort, because the view from the top was spectacular. It’s quite the perspective to look down and see the highway where the trailhead begins.

In a panoramic sweeping view, we could see the Three Sisters on one end of the Cascade’s crest…

 And Mt. Jefferson on the other.

I always enjoy the views of rolling hills and mountains just as much as the snow-capped peaks. All those layers of different shades of blue are amazing.

Views from the top were not only grand in scale, but small as well. We heard reports of an aggressive chipmunk and found this bold little fellow marauding around the platform and benches in search of fallen crumbs.

Spending time with friends is always a good time, but spending time with friends on an outdoor adventure is even better. There has been talk of hiking Jefferson Park, Canyon Creek Meadows, Lowder Mountain and the full length of French Pete Creek, so I’m looking forward to more local adventures and tales of trails to tell.

Trailhead Directions:

From Sweet Home, Oregon travel east on Highway 20 for 34 miles to Forest
Service Road 15 and turn right at Tombstone Pass. There is a parking area and vault toilet at the trailhead.

Here is a link to the USFS website: Iron Mountain Trail

A link to William Sullivan’s Oregon Adventures: Iron Mountain 

And info on the Cone Peak Meadows: Cone Peak Loop Hike