Big Huckleberry Mountain

Formerly the route for the Cascade Crest Trail (the precursor to the Pacific Crest Trail), the trail to Big Huckleberry Mountain is a steep, undulating path that takes hikers deep into the forests north of the Columbia River Gorge. 

From the trailhead, make your way through wildflower meadows, forests, and up a steep section of trail to Grassy Knoll, a popular destination in and of itself for wildflower enthusiasts. 

Many people stop at the Knoll, (2.2 miles from the trailhead) content to bask in the views of Mounts Hood and Adams. But those bound for Big Huckleberry Mountain continue on, weaving through wildflower meadows and forest. Head up towards Grassy Pass via another, broader knoll full of flowers. From the pass, descend to a small saddle before beginning to climb yet again on an open slope. Those of you looking for Dog Mountain alternates, here's where you'll see balsamroot pointing their faces to the sun. 

Head back into the forest and descend to Cold Springs camp, about 4 miles from the trailhead. Some folks do a horseshoe-esque loop from here, following an unofficial trail to FR 68 and a previously-stashed bike to get back to their car, but for the out-and-back route, you'll continue undulating along the ridgeline, heading to a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) at 5.4 miles. 

At this junction, the summit of Big Huck is almost in your grasp! Turn right at the junction, and then right once more onto a short spur trail to the summit. It's just 0.2 miles to the top, a final, steep push to another site of a former fire lookout. Surprisingly, the views from here aren't quite as all-encompassing as down at Grassy Knoll, but they're still quite good. Take a rest and soak in the views; you earned them!