Maiden Peak via PCT

ByMichael Goatbells

In a week of dynamic plans, Tuesday was a 50+ mile bike ride in rural Willamette Valley and Wednesday a hiking buddy and I shared the ride to Willamette Pass to hike Maiden Peak via PCT. From Willamette Pass, the PCT winds north through the central cascade lakes area starting with 3 Rosary Lakes, where the trail forks off to Maiden Lake and Maiden Peak.

We left Eugene at 5:00 and were hiking by 6:30. There were 7 cars at the TH. This section of PCT for non-thru hikers gets a bad rap for being flat, green (no views), and often buggy. Getting to Maiden Peak and back in 1 day is long, but can be done as either a lollipop or an out-back (our route). Over the entire route, we encountered less than a dozen thru-hikers and a couple sectional hikers – several tents were scattered around Lower and Middle Rosary lakes when we passed.

The Route

Started at PCT TH (north side of Hwy 58) going NOBO on PCT; just past Upper Rosary Lake, took the Maiden Peak trail to the top and then returned the same way.

Trail conditions were ideal. We stepped over 1 small blowdown the entire hike. Basically, the trail starts at the pass and goes constantly up to Maiden Peak. The very last section of Maiden Peak is steep, but a very easy scree section and short. Skeeters were noticeable lower down early for ~30 minutes and after that – nothing.

The Lakes and Diamond Pk

Unlike the south side of Hwy 50 around Yoran lake where there many, many skeeter paradise pools, we only saw 1 around Rosary Lakes.

On the way up the light was perfect as we passed the Rosary Lakes. The rock reflected on Middle Rosary Lake is sometimes called “Pulpit Rock”.

After the 9ish miles up, there was a pot of gold at the top of Maiden Peak. We could see Mt Shasta to Mt Jefferson and all between. The star of the show, however, was Diamond Peak being closest and getting the sun perfectly.

Data Geek Cellar

  • Shoes: Altra Lone Peak mesh lowers #3
  • Pack: Gossamer Gear Mariposa
  • Upper Layers: 1 (Tech short sleeve base layer)
  • Upper shell: none
  • Trekking Poles: Gossamer Gear
  • Approximate Times: 06:30 – 14:30
  • Carbon ratio: +1.5 hours (ratio 1:2 since 2 people in car); YTD = 123 hiking hours banked
  • Notes:
    • Photos: low
    • Speed: medium
    • Difficulty: moderate (~3,000 ft elevation gain and full backpack)