Hardesty Mountain via Hardesty Trail #3469(edit)

Overview

This is a great conditioning hike out and back trail to Hardesty Mountain in Willamette National Forest. This is a difficult hike to go to the top of Hardesty to where the lookout once was, and the views are now sparse because the forest has grown over. Despite that, it is a beautiful trail that climbs through a lot of old growth forest, especially at the beginning. It climbs 3300' or 1010 meters to the summit, and most of the climb is steady, although there are some flat sections. In spring, there are many wildflowers, especially near the top, which is about two months behind the valley in blooming. There are four junctions, one within about a quarter mile of the start that goes right to Goodman Creek and eventually to Eagle's Rest, about 7 miles one way. There are decent views there. A second one is at about 0.6 miles on the left and is the South Willamette Trail, which gains and loses 1000+ feet of elevation on its way to Eula Ridge Trailhead further down Hwy 58. A third junction is about 0.5 miles from the top and is the top of the Eula Ridge Trail, which descends steeply and as of this writing (late May 2019 is impassable because of blowdowns, at least at the bottom. The fourth junction is about 0.2 mile from the top and is the Sawtooth Ridge Trail, heading west to Mt. June.

Hardesty up and down is 10 miles+. The loop using Eula Ridge makes the hike 16 and is extremely difficult (and now impossible). To Mt. June and back is 18 miles and about 5500' total elevation gain. There are easier ways to do Mt. June, which has great views of the Cascades.

Hardesty gets a bad rap because of the views. It's a beautiful trail, and a great way to get into shape and to get away from a lot of people.

As of May 30, 2022 the Eula Ridge trail and the connector to Lower Hardesty trailhead parking (for a loop hike) is passable.

Getting Started

The trailhead has ample parking and is right off Hwy 58 just before MP 21.

Taking Children

The bottom of the trail is muddy, and then it starts to climb. It is a lot of work. Eagle's Rest Trail takes one up and down and along Goodman Creek and is easier and more interesting for children.