Fun Trail Facts
When viewed through Blowout Creek from Detroit Lake, Coffin Mountain does indeed look like a coffin fit for a behemoth. Luckily, no giants are waiting for anyone up top. Instead, the occupied lookout atop the mountain is one of six in the Willamette National Forest, and this summit has been the home of at least three other lookout structures since 1905.
Trail Info
| Hike/Section Name Coffin Mountain Trail County & State Linn County, Oregon Ecoregion Cascades | Western Cascades Montane Highlands Forest Willamette National Forest Latitude & Longitude (DEC) 44.6217884, -122.0442388 Family Friendliness A great hike with little ones; Caution toward the top. Hike Difficulty Moderate [some steeper ascents and descents, challenging terrain in parts of the trail] Elevation 5,630 Feet Elevation Gain 1,020 Feet Distance 3.0 Miles Route Type Out and Back Access to Trailhead Not bad at all if you follow these directions; Definitely some gravel forest roads, but they were all in good order. |
Trip Report
A staffed lookout sits atop the north side of this coffin-shaped ridge, which gives this mountain its ominous name. This is a glorious hike, and here is part of what nails it:
- 360 degree views of: Mount Jefferson, 3 Fingered Jack, Mount Washington, Detroit Lake, Broken Top, Three Sisters, Diamond Peak,Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens.
- Obscene amounts of bear poop.
- Constant changes to the environment.
The hike up to the top of Coffin Mountain is a lovely trip through grassy slopes and snags.
Starting on a logging track, you make your way through an obviously old clearcut and move along the south ridge of the mountain.
An open meadow awaits, as do several really lengthy switchbacks. Eventually, you hit some alpine forest and really start gaining some visuals on the lookout, and some truly impressive outcroppings.
Starting on a logging track, you make your way through an obviously old clearcut and move along the south ridge of the mountain.
An open meadow awaits, as do several really lengthy switchbacks. Eventually, you hit some alpine forest and really start gaining some visuals on the lookout, and some truly impressive outcroppings.
Once we made our way to the very top, the ranger who staffs the lookout came out and and met us near the helicopter pad. She was telling us all about the fires that were causing the haziness along the skyline,
and then mentioned that she rarely ever sees children up there as young as my wee one. That said, I think she was ready for him, because she gave him a Smoky the Bear bookmark and ranger sticker. So. Awesome.
Being September, we missed the rhododendrons and beargrass. The ranger mentioned that coming back in June or July would be the ticket on that front. She also recommended Bachelor Mountain, just up the road.
All told, this was an extremely approachable climb with the little guy holding my hand and up on my shoulders. The constantly changing landscape was unlike most of our hikes, and I think that may have worn him out a bit! One of his favorite parts was chasing the grouse around, and his inner detective came out when it came to identifying bear poop based on the berry contents. Good life skills!!!
It was a lonely hike that afternoon. Not a single soul parked at the trailhead, nor did we pass anyone.
and then mentioned that she rarely ever sees children up there as young as my wee one. That said, I think she was ready for him, because she gave him a Smoky the Bear bookmark and ranger sticker. So. Awesome.
Being September, we missed the rhododendrons and beargrass. The ranger mentioned that coming back in June or July would be the ticket on that front. She also recommended Bachelor Mountain, just up the road.
All told, this was an extremely approachable climb with the little guy holding my hand and up on my shoulders. The constantly changing landscape was unlike most of our hikes, and I think that may have worn him out a bit! One of his favorite parts was chasing the grouse around, and his inner detective came out when it came to identifying bear poop based on the berry contents. Good life skills!!!
It was a lonely hike that afternoon. Not a single soul parked at the trailhead, nor did we pass anyone.
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