Marys Peak

AreaCoast Range
Best time to visitEarly June through early July
Blooming NowNo
Elevation3600-4097 feet
Trail Info1.5 miles round-trip, 400 feet elevation gain
 PLANT LIST AVAILABLE
 WILDFLOWER SEARCH
 ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
 Hike information - Oregon Hikers Field Guide
DogsAllowed, but must be kept on leash AT ALL TIMES.
 Northwest Forest Pass required!

NOTE: The blue marker indicates the trailhead.

Description

At 4,097 feet, Marys Peak is the highest point in the Oregon Coast Range. On clear days you will have spectacular views of the Willamette Valley, the Cascades, the Coast Range, and even a distant view of the Pacific Ocean.

Marys Peak supports an unusual range of flora, particularly in the meadows near the summit. Accordingly, it has been designated as a Botanical Special Interest Area. Some of the species that you can expect to see include: Douglas's catchfly (Silene douglasii var. douglasii), blue dwarf lupine (Lupinus lepidus), spreading phlox (Phlox diffusa), sulfur flower buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum var. umbellatum), Olympic onion (Allium crenulatum), several varieties of penstemon, Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata), Spring Gold (Lomatium utriculatum), Glacier Lily (Erythronium grandiflorum), and many Tiger Lily (Lilium columbianum) in the meadows at the summit.

A more complete plant list can be found at the Sierra Club web site. I also recommend the book "Wildflowers of Marys Peak Meadows" by Steven E. Carpenter.

The easiest way to reach the summit is by walking up the old road adjacent to the parking area. However, if you have more time I recommend the Meadow's Edge Trail, which starts at the Marys Peak Campground shortly before the parking lot. This trail leads to the summit but includes a loop through an old-growth Noble fir forest and allows you to avoid most of the crowds. The total length is approximately 2 miles round-trip, with 450 feet elevation gain.

If you have plenty of time and energy, I recommend the East Ridge Trail, which starts at the Connor's Camp parking area 5.5 miles from Highway 34. This trail passes through beautiful Douglas fir and Noble fir forest. This trail adds approximately 5.5 miles round-trip and 1200 feet elevation gain to the summit hike.

Directions

From Corvallis, take Highway 20 east through Philomath. On the west side of Philomath, a quarter mile after you pass The Woodsman restaurant, turn left onto Highway 34 toward Alsea. Follow Highway 34 for 8.8 miles to Marys Peak Road (Forest Service Road 3010). Turn right onto Marys Peak Road and proceed 9.3 curving miles to the road's end, which is the parking area for the summit trail. (If you are doing the East Ridge Trail, only go 5.5 miles from Highway 34, then turn right into the Connor's Camp parking area.) There are pit toilets and picnic tables adjacent to the parking area.

Trip Reports

DateSubmitted by
05/27/2024Greg Lief
Reports from previous years
06/07/2018Charlie Russell
06/05/2017Greg Lief
05/23/2017Greg Lief
06/04/2016Greg Lief
05/08/2016Greg Lief
05/10/2015Greg Lief
07/04/2014David Olsen
06/22/2014Greg Lief
07/20/2013Greg Lief
07/05/2012Greg Lief
07/10/2011Greg Lief
06/25/2011Greg Lief
07/04/2010Greg Lief
06/13/2010Greg Lief
07/06/2008Greg Lief
07/04/2007Greg Lief
06/14/2007Greg Lief
06/03/2007Greg Lief
05/24/2007Greg Lief

Switch to historical view of wildflower reports

Add new report

Photo Gallery


Lupine and Tiger Lilies at Mary's Peak

Penstemon and Paintbrush at Mary's Peak

Lupine and Paintbrush at Mary's Peak

Cascades view from Marys Peak


If you find this website useful, please consider making a donation to help defray our web hosting costs.
We do not accept any advertising, nor will we ever sell our mailing list. Thanks for your consideration!


Return to main page


Copyright © 2024 Greg Lief | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Facebook Group

'Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light.' -- Theodore Roethke