Mary's Peak, Oregon Hike - June 21, 2010

Back in June we took a driving trip to Oregon for a family gathering in Portland. After the party we made our way down the coast and were tempted to put on our boots by the opportunity to hike to the highest point in Oregon's Coast Range - Mary's Peak, also noted as a Botanical Special Interest Area.

Just west of Corvallis on Hwy 34 Mary's Peak Road leads you into the Siuslaw National Forest, which was loaded with wild iris in full bloom. The half mile hike begins in an open rolling green meadow with views in all directions. Once we got on the trail, the Fawn Lilies really caught our attention. With only around 500' of gain, this is a very pleasing little hike and a great leg stretch on a long road trip. There are other trails in the area that we'll need to check out next trip.