15. Buck Peak

2024 Status

Based on recent aerial photography, the old forest along this hike appears to be in good shape. I plan to field-check and update the hike description, photos and map later in 2024.

Summary

Length                                6 miles one way

Difficulty                             Difficult

Season                              Summer to autumn

Elevation range                3,150 – 4,740 feet

Human imprint                  Low (PCT hikers)

Information                       Mount Hood National Forest (Hood River Ranger District)

Primary old growth features

Stately Pacific silver fir and noble fir.

Description

This alluring hike through first-class forests of the snow zone leads to Buck Peak for lofty views of Cascade peaks and Lost Lake. From the Lost Lake Horse Camp, take the Old Growth Trail (657) 1/10 mile to the Lakeshore Trail (656) and follow it south for approximately 250 feet to a trail junction. Head uphill to the left on the Huckleberry Mountain Trail (617) away from Lost Lake. Note that the trailhead lies within the Lost Lake Resort, which charges a day-use fee (currently $15) for trailhead parking.

There’s a great view of Lost Lake about a half mile up the trail, and a graceful grove of prime Pacific silver fir and noble fir stands along the second mile of the trail before reaching a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (2000). Turn right at the ridgeline on the PCT and hike along the ridge for another 3 ½ miles until reaching a junction with the Buck Peak Trail (615). Take this short spur to the top of Buck Peak for a striking view of Mt. Hood and surrounding landscapes. An old Pacific silver fir and mountain hemlock forest lies astride the PCT much of the way from the Huckleberry Mountain Trail to Buck Peak.

Note: “Friday-Monday, a road barricade is staffed 4 miles below the entrance to the resort. Once parking capacity has been reached, vehicles will be turned around at that location. This is the result of parking congestion along the roadways accessing the campground and resort. The congestion has made it difficult for emergency personnel to access the site.” As posted on the Mt. Hood NF website in 2023.

25 Years of Change

The forest appears largely unchanged. I plan to field check in 2024.

How to get there

Head south through the town of Hood River on 12th Street and follow signs toward Odell. Turn left on Tucker Road approximately 2 miles south of Hood River. Cross to the south side of Hood River 2 miles later and immediately bear right toward Tucker Park and Dee. At a junction in 5 3/4 miles turn right toward Lost Lake. Cross the East Fork Hood River in a third of a mile and bear left onto Lost Lake Road (which becomes FR 13). Continue straight at a junction near Lost Lake 13 1/2 miles later coming to an entrance station in a couple hundred yards. Turn left (south) on FR 1340 and go south approximately 3/4 mile and park near the Lost Lake Horse Camp.

Map note

The map below was created in 1993 and accurate at that time. I plan to field check and update the map in 2024.