Hike of the Week: Strawberry Mountain

Sweet surroundings- Strawberry Lake reflects Strawberry Mountain

Strawberry Mountain

A sweet hike in Eastern Oregon




by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

October 7, 2005

Quick Facts
Location: Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, Malheur National Forest
Land Agency: National Forest Service
Roundtrip: To Strawberry Lake 1.25 miles, To Strawberry Mt. 6.0 miles, Mt and Lake Loop 13.0 miles

Cumulative Elevation gain: To Strawberry Lake 300 feet, To Strawberry Mt 3,200 feet

Access: From Seattle, head east on I-90 to I-82 to I-80. In Pendleton leave interstate and follow US 395 south to John Day. Continue on SR 7 east for 13 miles to Prairie City. Head south on CR 60 for 11 miles to road end, campground and trailhead. (Total distance from Seattle, 425 miles)

Notes: It’s hunting season-wear orange.
Contact: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/malheur/



Sure the Cascades are closer, but the most rugged peaks in Oregon are out east. The Wallowa Mountains are many a hiker’s favorite, but even this remote range can see quite a bit of activity. Would you like to explore an area even farther removed from the roving masses? A sweet little alternative to the Wallowas? Then try sampling the Strawberry Mountains.
Located about midway between Burns and Baker City, the Strawberry Mountains are not exactly close to civilization-which makes them a perfect destination for solitude seekers! Protected within a 68,000 acre federal wilderness area, the Strawberry Mountains include a land of incredible diversity; old-growth pine and fir forests, sparkling alpine lakes, rushing rivers, and high craggy peaks. At 9,038 feet, Strawberry Mountain is the 30th highest summit in the state and offers sweeping views from Washington to Idaho. Tucked beneath this towering peak is Strawberry Lake, one of the prettiest backcountry lakes in the Beaver State. And it’s easily accessible via a 1.25 mile trail.
There are over 120 miles of trails within the wilderness area and several lead to the high country surrounding Strawberry Mountain. Backpackers will delight in exploring lonesome ridges and remote valleys. Strong hikers can reach the rooftop of the Strawberries in a day. If you don’t care to backpack, several car-campgrounds surround the wilderness, including one right at the trailhead to Strawberry Lake. If you’ve never hiked the Strawberries, they’re ripe for the picking.