There is a small peak south of Big Lake and the Hoodoo Butte ski area that
has piqued my interest for some time. (Ah, bad pun) I was there during a warm
day in March. However, Big Lake road is closed beyond the Ray Benson snopark
until May. Therefore, I took my mountain bike and figured I could cover the
road mileage quickly and also ride over to Sand Mountain and get both peaks in
the same day.
Big Lake road is also National Forrest road NF 2090. It intersects US HWY 20
roughly at Santiam pass. Take Big Lake road past the entrance to Hoodoo Ski
area and continue on it until you reach the parking area for the Patjens
trailhead. Take the Patjens Lake Loop Trail #3395 as it parallels the road
to the end of the camping area. Take the first left fork that allows you to
first follow the shore of Big Lake instead of heading towards the other lakes.
This trail is closed to mountain-bikes. If you look southeast, you will get an
end-on view of the sharp edged ridge that is your objective.
Follow #3395 for about 0.5 miles after leaving sight of the paved road. After
ascending the first short hill, turn right cross country uphill directly towards
the peak which at this point you cannot see. Use your GPS or compass until you
can see the objective. The brush and downed trees in this area are thick in places
and the peak is at first hard to see. Proceed about 0.6mi towards the more treed
northeast side of the summit. Ascend via some scrambling and steep terrain to the
summit. Stay in the area with the most visible trees as the footing is better there.
The summit is very nice, exposed, but with some perfect trees for an EFHW support.
Views are expansive in all directions. Its a lovely summit.
