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Mount Bachelor

Bend

Mount Bachelor

Climb to the iconic volcanic summit towering above the Cascade Lakes Highway.

Hiking Severe

Distance
11 km
Ascent
819 m
Descent
819 m
Duration
3-4 hrs
Low Point
2 km
High Point
2.8 km
Gradient
13˚
Mount Bachelor Map

While Mount Bachelor is best known for its skiing, the lofty volcanic summit makes for an attractive peak climbing objective in the summertime. If you follow the standard Sunrise to Summit Trail, you’ll enjoy a non-technical hike on a switchbacked singletrack trail all the way to the summit of 9,065-foot Mount Bachelor

Description

Begin the hike off the side of the Cascades Lake Highway near Sunrise Lodge. Sometimes the gate to the parking lot is open, but generally, it is closed, and you’ll have to park along the highway or at a nearby trailhead.

The singletrack trail climbs steadily toward the summit, switchbacking back and forth across ski slopes and through stands of trees. The further you climb, the more rock you’ll encounter, and at times you’ll have to traverse moraines of volcanic rock. The upper stretches of the mountain consist of "mostly talus, scree, and chunks of basalt” according to Jeff Hester on SoCalHiker.net.

Depending on the time of year, you may have to traverse snowfields to gain the summit. And if Bachelor had a good snow year, these snow fields could stick around for most of the summer. If over snow travel is required, take all necessary precautions, and look for rock cairns to keep you on track.

From the summit, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the entire region, including "Broken Top, the Three Sisters, and even Mt. Jefferson beyond,” according to Rachel Davidson on TheOutbound.com. Once you’ve fully savored the view, return to the car on the same trail.

Sources: https://www.theoutbound.com/oregon/hiking/hike-mt-bachelor-sunrise-to-summit https://socalhiker.net/hiking-mount-bachelor/

Difficulty

Severe

Hiking challenging trails where simple scrambling, with the occasional use of the hands, is a distinct possibility. The trails are often filled with all manner of obstacles both small and large, and the hills are very steep. Obstacles and challenges are often unexpected and can be unpredictable.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

4 out of 4

In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.

Best time to visit

between June and September

Features

  • Alpine
  • Picturesque
  • Summit Hike

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area