Hike 104
The Mt. Hood National Forest
Mount Lowe Hike
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THE FOLLOWING MAP IS NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATIONAL PURPOSES.
Map of the Mount Lowe Hike

Length: 3 mi RT
Elevation Change: 627' gain
Season: Summer thru Fall
Difficulty:    Moderate
Permit: NW Forest Pass Not Required

Features:

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 Click for PDF Topo Map of this Hike 

The Rhododendron Trail #564 runs a little over 11 miles, north and south, along a ridge that bears its name. The Hawk Mountain hike begins at the southern end of the trail, and this hike, the Mount Lowe hike, begins at the very northern end of the trail. The trail loosely follows the old historic Skyline Trail built way back in the early part of last century.

I guess the one good thing about all the logging roads is that we hikers can have easy access to some really special places that we simply would not see if it weren't for the ease of getting there. This hike is such a hike. The road was very good most of the way. There was some winter damage, but it was minimal. We found the trailhead easily enough, even though there was absolutely no sign, ribbon, marker, or any other hint that we were in the right place, except for our map said that this had to be the start of the trail. And it was.

The one big hint is an unmarked road taking off up the ridge. Actually, you can drive up it a short distance and park. Then walk a bit further up what looks like a road, and to your right, kinda hidden and obscure, is a trail... the trail... the old Skyline Trail, which we now call Rho Trail #564.

It is obvious that very few people have hiked this trail in a long time. Yet, surprisingly the trail was in good condition. We only stepped over a couple of fallen trees, and we constantly amazed at how well this old trail has survived. The hike is only a mile and a half long, and the trail climbs very gently along Rho Ridge.

As you hike toward Mount Lowe, the trail takes you in and out of the forested areas, but often comes out into the open so you can catch some great views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams to the north. About a mile into the hike you will come upon, of all things, a road. Yup. You could have driven here. Sooooo? The hike is a million times more fun and fulfilling then driving your 4x4 to within a few feet of the summit. OK, a half mile... but you get the point. You are a hiker, right?

From this point on the trail actually climbs rather vigorously as it takes you to the summit of Mount Lowe. There are some fine switchbacks on the north flank and you will come out onto the treeless top to enjoy wonderful views in all directions. If you are here in the morning, you can get great views of the Bull of the Woods Wilderness just to the west of you.

As with about every notable summit in the Cascade Mountains, this mountain also had a fire lookout on top of it. The photo is a forest service photo from back in the 1950's.




Looking toward Mt. Jefferson from the summit of Mt. Lowe
How to get there:

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 Click for PDF Directions Map of this Hike 

This is one of the easier trailheads to get to. Just head south out of Estacada on Hwy 224, to the Ripplebrook Ranger Station. Continue south from there on Forest Road 46 for about another 22 miles, and keep an eye open for Forest Road 4670 on your right (west). Turn onto FR 4670 and in about .4 miles you will cross the Clackamas River on a fine bridge. Turn left (south) and continue to follow FR 4670 for about another 10.2 miles until you come to the junction of FR 6310. Turn right onto FR 6310. Continue for about another mile, and at a sharp left curve, you will see a fairly good road veering off sharply to your left. This is the trailhead to Mount Lowe via the Old Skyline Trail. There is plenty of room to park on the north side of FR 6310. Just walk up the trailhead road until you come to a steep rocky area. Look carefully to the right and you will see the faint Skyline Trail. There is an old cairn marking this spot.


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