Length
Here's a low-key, gentle hike, clocking in at 3.2 miles roundtrip and weaving through old-growth firs, past a stream, and onto a summit within the first mile. After viewing Mount Adams and Mount Hood from this viewpoint, follow the trail by crossing a jeep track.
This leg of the hike takes you through a replanted forest of Ponderosa pines and hemlocks for a short way then the trail descends through a high canopy forest with sparse understory. It's 0.6 miles to the end.
At trail end is a forest service road and here you can walk 4/10ths of a mile north to the Monte Cristo Trail and up to the top of this overlook (or backtrack to the start).
If you're looking for other routes consider these connection points:
• Monte Carlo: Starts at the same trailhead as Buck Creek Trail No. 2 and heads west.
• Monte Cristo: Connects to Buck Creek No. 2 and heads north.
• Buck Creek No. 1: Connects to the mid-point of Buck Creek Trail No. 2 and heads north.
• Buck Creek Loop is a hike around Nestor Peak (8 miles).
Note on the trail names: The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) does not use numbers for trails. However, Buck Creek #1 & #2 are on DNR land; the numbers have been retained to reduce confusion.
The Buck Creek No. 1 trail intersects Buck Creek No. 2 mid way. A map is recommended if these names are confusing.
