From Soda Peaks (upper) TH at the pullout before the gate, take the path across the road 50 ft past brush to a free self-issue Wilderness Permit kiosk with a map. Then continue S on Soda Peaks Lake Trail 133. The path widens nicely through large cedars and then becomes a bit overgrown again near the W ridge of Soda Peaks at less than ½ mi from the TH. Drop down left a few feet over the widening trail then work steeper up through the beautiful forest (with only occasional looks out) to the ridge again. Hike fairly steeply up the narrowing ridge crest over a few tree roots and rocks and then traverse E under West Soda Peak. Head up steadily across a scree field and through the woods before easing to the high ridge just E of West Soda Peak (around 1 mi from the TH). See tree-covered East Soda Peak above Soda Peaks Lake and much more.
For West Soda Peak begin about 6 ft left (S) of the ridge and follow the brief description above, but to get more out of the hike feel free to visit the lake and/or East Soda Peak first and finish with West Soda Peak if coming from Soda Peaks TH. For these continue down the high ridge between summits about ¼ mi without difficulty to a vague juncture with a rock cairn against a tree in the middle of the trail and stacked old logs across the trail. Turn left down the switchback with a couple more switchbacks ¾ mi down 500 ft to Soda Peaks Lake. Check out views from the large scree field S of the lake (see above) and return the same way.
For East Soda Peak (more than ¼ mi away) from the vague juncture at the saddle on the high ridge (4300 ft) continue E past small trees on the overgrown ridge section as the path reveals itself quickly and opens up pleasantly with little vegetation. There are many small logs, branches, and sticks to cross without any trouble as the path disappears. Bushwhack up the left side of the wide ridgeline or wherever possible as the route steepens somewhat past a small bump with many good-sized mossy cedars to the rounded large summit area. There you find fewer trees, not enough to see views out from, but just enough to create a cool echo effect with your voice; try it! Return SW down to the juncture on the high ridge (4300 ft) and continue to Trapper Creek TH or the much closer Soda Peaks TH.
| 5 | OBSERVATION PEAK TO SISTER ROCKS |
ELEVATION: 4207 ft; 4268 ft for Sister Rocks; with 1600 ft vertical gain including both summits
DISTANCE: 7 mi round-trip for all the high points and spur paths from the uppermost TH
DURATION: 4 hours round-trip
DIFFICULTY: Moderate. Signed, ups/downs okay, multiple summits, scrambling, narrow, steeper on Sister Rocks, bugs in late June through July
TRIP REPORT: Begin at the highest of many THs for this lovely brief day hike in Trapper Creek Wilderness suitable for hiking aficionados of all ages. Most people settle for the fascinating Sister Rocks area but it is possible to sneak in another quick summit with views of many high Cascade volcanoes. No fee or restroom.
The landmark from Sister Rocks across Trapper Creek Wilderness to Soda Peaks and Mount Hood.
TRAILHEAD: Observation Peak TH. Take I-84 E from Portland to exit 44 (Cascade Locks), continue under Bridge of the Gods and turn right up the circle to cross over it into Washington after paying the toll, turn right on WA-14 E 5¾ mi, turn left (N) through Carson on Wind River Road (FR-30) 14 mi NW (¼ mi past National Fish Hatchery), turn right to stay on FR-30 for 2 mi, fork left on narrower Dry Creek Road (FR-64, signed) 4 mi into gravel 2 mi, fork left on FR-5800 SSW steadily with some potholes 2 mi to signed parking on the left for Observation Trail 132 (73 mi, 1½ hours from Portland).
ROUTE: Hike S up the slender forested ridge trail with some fairly large Douglas firs around a mile without difficulty to a soft junction while crossing over the ridge. At this junction, there are two very short spur paths that head left (E) to a scree field with an unobstructed shot of nearby Mount Adams from the top of a rock pile past the brush. Rather than taking these short spurs, wait for the second path signed Sister Rock Trail just a few feet farther to the right from the main trail. Observation Peak is slightly anti-climactic compared to the more stimulating Sister Rocks summit area so we’ll save the best for last.
Continue SSE on Trail 132 down about 400 ft and ¾ mi gradually (to regain later) to a saddle with two signed junctures that you pass, the first for Big Hollow Trail 158 on the left (E) near a campsite, then Trapper Creek Trail 192 on the right (W). In less than ½ mi is another saddle with two more trails taking off for the Trapper Creek TH several miles away; pass Trail 132B on the right, then you fork right at the next nearby juncture (opposite Trail 132) on signed Observation Peak Trail 132A for ½ mi SE with wildflowers to the old lookout site. See Mount Hood and perchance the top of Mount Jefferson.
About ¼ mi down from the very top is another short spur on the right to a lesser summit a couple hundred yards N up to mediocre views of Mount Adams and Mount Rainier over rock fins near the top of the ridge. Back on the main trail work NW past the two saddles and intersections up the hill to the Sister Rocks junction. Turn left (SW) ½ mi steeper and narrower up the solid ridge path to the viewpoint, first passing the high point over a bump in the woods, then down briefly to Sister Rocks (marked with a steel pole). The panorama includes Mount Hood, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and much more within Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
| 6 | SIOUXON PEAK TO HUFFMAN PEAK |
ELEVATION: 4169 ft; 4106 ft; with vertical gains of about 1300 ft for Siouxon Peak alone, 2200 ft for both summits from the highest TH
DISTANCE: 5 mi one way for both peaks, 9½ mi round-trip
DURATION: 2 hours to Huffman Peak hiking Siouxon Peak first, 4 hours round-trip
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. Solid trails, steeper at times, no signs, ups/downs, scrambling, GPS device helpful
TRIP REPORT: This sweet double-peak hike has many redeeming qualities, including great views of four large Cascade volcanoes and plenty of exercise while exploring a long ridgeline most of the day. The least redeeming quality is the drive up the final 6 mi to the highest TH as it’s actually rougher than the hike itself. It is, however, perfect if you are upset with your vehicle! The pothole-ridden dirt road has awkward drainage gullies to cross and narrows briefly, allowing overgrown branches to perhaps scratch your vehicle. The beauty is that you can accomplish both summits fairly easily in one day. Other starting points make the hike twice as long and difficult, and mandatory creek fords and are usually not mentioned. Check ahead to be certain all roads to the TH are open, especially near winter. Also beware of bee swarms in June and July on the final miles of the drive, but thankfully they don’t seem to follow you on the hike. No fee or restroom.
TRAILHEAD: Siouxon Peak TH. Take I-84 E from Portland to exit 44 (Cascade Locks), continue under Bridge of the Gods and turn right up the circle to cross over it into Washington after paying the toll, turn right on WA-14 E 5¾ mi, turn left through Carson on Wind River Road (FR-30) 14 mi NW (¼ mi past National Fish Hatchery), turn right to stay on Wind River Road (FR-30) 2 mi, fork left onto narrow Dry Creek Road (FR-64, signed) 4 mi rougher. Continue into unpaved on FR-64 for 2 mi, fork right to stay on FR-64/Dry Creek Road (no more signs, FR-58 is the left fork) less than ½ mi, fork left on FR-64 for 3½ mi, fork right on Siouxon Road (FR-6403) 3 mi to the end of the drivable road with plenty of parking on the sides. High-clearance 2WD or AWD recommended (75 mi, 2 hours from Portland).
ROUTE: There is no water along these trails far above Siouxon and Wildcat Creeks. Walk up the continuation