32. Sourgrass Mountain - Alpine Trail

Summary

Length – 2 ½ miles one way to the summit from either end; optional short add-on segments

Difficulty – Moderate

Season – Summer to autumn

Elevation range –3,990 feet – 4,770 feet

Human imprint – Moderate (managed landscape, mountain bikers)

Information - Willamette National Forest, Middle Fork Ranger District

Primary old growth features

Mixed old forest along Alpine Ridge; outstanding classic old growth nearby.

Description

Numerous patches of interesting old forest are draped along the Alpine Trail (3450) on both the north and south approaches to Sourgrass Mountain. The rounded summit makes an excellent destination and is crowned by an extensive beargrass meadow offering limited views to the west and southwest. Large western hemlock and grand fir mingle with the dominant Douglas-fir and occasional overstory Pacific Silver fir. Silver fir are abundant in the understory north of Sourgrass Mountain. Several trailheads offer options for hikes of varying lengths. The finest old forest lies just beyond the most convenient trailheads and make excellent hike extensions.

From the northern trailhead, the trail starts out in young forest, but shortly enters attractive old forest as the trail bends south towards Sourgrass Mountain. An older cutting unit briefly interrupts the old growth, but the trail returns to old forest most of the way to the summit. With good luck and timing the bountiful beargrass will be blooming in the mountaintop meadow.

A gorgeous stand of very old forest is located on the Alpine Trail just north of the described trailhead and is highly recommended. Old, orange-barked Douglas-fir surround the restored Elk Camp Shelter, and outstanding old forest stuffed with huge Douglas-fir, western hemlock and grand fir extends to the north for nearly a half mile. Nearby flowery meadows are a bonus. Sharp-eyed hikers can take a spur trail about a quarter mile north of the described trailhead for a shortcut that directly enters this stand. Watch for the ‘Elk Camp Shelter’ sign.

From the southern trailhead, the route ascends on a moderate slope to the meadow through mixed old forest. A small rock garden, pink rhododendrons, and an interesting patch of large western hemlock add interest. Again, the finest old growth lies beyond the most convenient trailhead, this time to the south at Windy Pass. From the road junction at Windy Pass, the Alpine Trail heads north upslope through a small patch of beautiful old growth. Large Douglas-fir, snags and down logs are abundant in this mini-oasis.

25 years of change

Very little change in the old forest; plantations have grown notably larger and more closed in; mountain bike use is common now.

How to get there

Northern trailhead – Turn left onto the Westfir Highway off of Highway 58, 37 miles southeast of Eugene. Turn left onto the Westfir-Oakridge Road after ½ mile. Continue straight through the Westfir junction becoming FR 19 where it enters the national forest. Turn left onto FR 1912 about 4 ½ miles from the Westfir junction. Continue on FR 1912, bearing right on FR 1912 in 6 ½ miles at the intersection with FR 1802 and FR 1910 (Windy Pass). Turn left on FR 140 a little over a mile later, and then turn right onto FR 142 after approximately 4 miles on FR 140. The trailhead is on the right of FR 142 at a road junction where FR 142 crests a little over a half mile later.

This point can also be reached via FR 1802, to FR 1824, to FR 140, to FR 142; but, FR 1802 is slow-going due to several miles of deeply potholed surface. An alternative route up from Fall Creek requires passage over a hazardous road failure on FR 142.

Southern trailhead – Follow the primary directions above, but park instead of turning left onto FR 140 a mile past Windy Pass. The trailhead is right there at the junction of FR 1912 and FR 140.