Gearhart Mountain

Gearhart Mountain

Fremont-Winema National Forest

Gearhart Mountain Wilderness

Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 12 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,920 feet
Best Time to Go: August-September (fewer mosquitos later in summer)

About this Hike

Gearhart Mountain offers an other worldly terrain of stratified volcanic rock (andesite). These tall pinnacles appear like gigantic rock gardens, or statues that tower over hikers. Along the hike expect to see ponderosa pines, white firs, and scattered alpine meadows. The last 1.3 miles uphill are the most scenic as hikers approach "The Notch" at 8120 feet. 

Once you hit the 4.7 mile mark you'll see breathtaking views of Gearhart Mountain's summit. Here, you can enjoy the views and head back or leave the trail to bushwack your way to the summit. If you decide to head for the summit, leave the path and go left for 0.2 miles until reaching the mountain's long summit ridge. This stretch may be a difficult scramble, and you may need to use your hands. However, once you've made it to that ridge it's an easier 1.3 miles through open woods to the highest point, which is a rock platform. From here, you can enjoy views of Mt. Shasta, Mt. McLoughlin, Mt, Scott, and a dozen others.  

About this Area

Gearhart Mountain Wild Area was established in 1943, and it became Wilderness in 1964. It was expanded in 1984 and now lies within the Fremont–Winema National Forest.

Getting There

From Klamath Falls:

1. Head east on Highway 140 for 55 miles. 

2. Pass through the town of Bly and continue on for 1.4 miles, then turn left on Campbell Road. 

3. Continue on Campbell Road for 0.6 miles and then turn left onto Road 34 for 15.3 paved miles. 

4. Turn left at the sign for Corral Creek Campground, onto Road 012. Continue on this gravel road for 1.5 miles to the trailhead. Keep in mind: the last half mile of this road grows increasingly steep and rough.