Gifford Pinchot National Forest Grassy Knoll ~ Big Huckleberry Mountain Hike Hike 73
Length: 11 Miles round trip Elevation Change: 1400' Elevation gain Season: Late Spring thru Fall Difficulty: Challenging Permit: NW Forest Pass Required Features:
This hike description is actually two
hikes in one. The first part of this
hike takes you to a destination in its
own, Grassy Knoll. The remainder of
this dialog takes you on to Big
Huckleberry Mountain.
The trail begins just off Forest Road
#68 and begins climbing immediately.
The trail climbs steadily through dense
forested areas as it makes its way to
a outstanding viewpoint about a mile
into the hike.
The trail works its way over to the
edge of an uplift where you get
fantastic views of a lava flow valley
and Mt Adams peeking out from behind
Little Huckleberry Mountain.
In season, this hike is about as
floral as it gets.
Shortly after the trail reaches the
ridge line of the uplift, you will
find yourself looking up at Grassy
Knoll. The trail gets steeper at
this point, but its only a short
climb to the top of the knoll. Here
you are treated to excellent views of
the Columbia River Gorge and Mt Hood
peeking out from behind Mt Defiance.
This place on the hike is a worthy
destination in itself, but for those
who want more of a challenge, just
retrace the last couple hundred feet
of the trail and bear left on the
trail that leads up the ridge line.
This ridge line trail will take up
through floral meadows with wonderful
views of the surrounding terrain.
At about 3 miles into the hike, the
trail takes a left turn into a densely
forested area where you will remain
for the next couple miles. This part
of the trail wanders up and down in
elevation, eventually climbing steeply
to meet the Pacific Crest Trail #2000.
As soon as you meet the PCT, you will
leave it by follow a spur trail to
the right which leads to the top of
Big Huckleberry Mountain.
When you reach the top you will be
treated to excellent views of Mt Adams
to the northeast, and Mt Hood to the south.
In season, this too is a floral garden.
A Virtual Hike in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
