Portland: Squaw Mountain

Hike 4.2 miles under huge stands of old-growth hem- lock and firs (saved by strong-minded tree-sitters) to a remote peak in Mt. Hood National Forest.

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 3.3

Waypoints

SQM001

Location: 45.2369346618652, -122.057250976562

Hike NNE from L side of turnaround. Trail climbs steeply up rocky terrain for 200 yds. before it levels

SQM002

Location: 45.2378997802734, -122.053863525391

Small creek crossing. Pass campsite, fi re ring on L; no permit needed

SQM003

Location: 45.2407341003418, -122.044769287109

Straight @ 3-way into 100-year-old fi r, hemlock forest; this 1,000-acre stand remains thanks to tree-sitters in 1999

SQM004

Location: 45.2352333068848, -122.038864135742

R @ Y; pass deep green ravine plunging to R

SQM005

Location: 45.233699798584, -122.037452697754

Straight @ 4-way; pink and red rhododendrons elegantly line trail sides

SQM006

Location: 45.232551574707, -122.037963867188

Veer L to a rocky outcrop looking to the snowy slopes of Mts. Hood and Jefferson on the distant horizon

SQM007

Location: 45.2314147949219, -122.040496826172

Turn L @ T; merge onto an old fi re road, the original route leading up Squaw Peak. Continue ascending steep scree trail, partially shaded by scrub hemlock

SQM008

Location: 45.2307167053223, -122.040863037109

Lower vista point; Roar and Clackamas Rivers resonate from hunter-green valleys below

SQM009

Location: 45.2304153442383, -122.041015625

Turn R @ Y; push fi nal few steps to exposed, rocky summit, where stairs and foundation of lookout tower (dismantled for safety) remain. Retrace steps to car

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