Popular Hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail

A doctoral graduate of the University of Oregon, Dr. Brian Gander has served as a superintendent with school districts throughout the state, including Salem-Keizer School District #24J and Reedsport School District, where he works as both the superintendent and special education director. Outside of work, Dr. Brian Gander enjoys hiking with his family, especially on Oregon stretches of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Spanning more than 2,600 miles from the southern tip of California to the edge of the United States-Canada border, the Pacific Crest Trail was designated as a National Scenic Trail in 1968. Although some visitors attempt to travel the trail from end to end, there are many sections of the trail that are popular for shorter hikes, including the Cascade Range in Oregon, which encompasses several volcanoes and the volcanic Mount Hood. The following are a few popular hikes on the Pacific Coast Trail.

-Mount Thielsen. A difficult 4.9-mile hike, the trail along the Mount Thielsen Wilderness Area builds to the mountain’s 9,182-foot elevation and involves a steep climb above the timberline. Known for its lightening strikes, the trail is located in Umpqua National Forest and is open year-round, although winter conditions can make the final scramble to the summit especially hazardous.

-Belknap Crater. From the McKenzie Pass trailhead on the Pacific Crest Trail, the Belknap Crater route stretches about 7 miles across a lava field and through sandy, forested areas. With a number of branching options, the challenging hike takes visitors along the crater rim and into view of many notable Cascade mountains.

-Paradise Park. Located in the Mount Hood Wilderness Area, the Paradise Park hike climbs for most of its approximately 7-mile length. The centerpiece of the hike is the alpine meadow area at the foot of Mount Hood, where Paradise Park gets its name. A largely forested trail, it also offers views of Zigzag Canyon.