High Rock
Updated: Nov 22, 2022
A easy peak to bag with views of four mountains in Mount Hood National Forest.
Peak Name: High Rock
Peak Coordinates: 45.159739, -121.891294 Peak Elevation: 4948′ Access: Backroad and an unmarked trail Distance: 1.12 miles (round trip) + if add on second lookout point it’s 1.21 miles (round trip) Elevation Range: 4600′ to 4900′ Ascent/Descent: +256 ft / -264′ Trail Type: In and out Note: Hiking to the top is done with a combination of road walking and climbing an unmarked trail briefly to the top. Date hike was done: 7-15-20
High rock area is one of my favorite places and has incredible views of Mt Hood. It isn’t well known to the masses, but there is almost always someone parked or camping there when I go on clear days. There is a pull off and then a narrow gravel/dirt road that goes up almost to the peak. It is rocky, slanted and washed out in certain sections.
The easiest way to access High Rock is to start the hike in the lower pull-off, hike up FS 200 and hike up the unmarked trail to the very top. Most of the hiking will be on a narrow backroad that climbs up near the peak. It is drivable in a 4×4 vehicle with good clearance. The road is only wide enough for one vehicle to go up, so if by chance two cars run into each other going opposite directions one has to back all the way out to let the other continue.
I’ve done it both ways, driving up to the top and hiking. The first time I hiked up to the peak I hiked all the way from the lower pull-off. I’ve driven to the lower pull-off many times for the view of Mt Hood, but hadn’t made my way to the peak yet. So my mom came with me and we hiked up to the top. The road climbs uphill and makes a U shape. At the turn in the “U” there is a steep short “road” that goes up to a small plateau (the second lookout point) and has views to the south.
The main road continues up to the base of High Rock peak. The road ends there and there is a place for truck camping. We saw someone camping there when we hiked up.
There are 2 approaches to the top of High Rock. One is on the far right and climbs right along a cliff up to the top. It is exposed and steep. The second approach (the one I would recommend) is to the left on the back side. There is a row of rocks marking the start of the trail. It weaves through some trees, but it’s easy to tell it’s a trail once you find it. It climbs up to the top without any steep drop offs.
The top of High Rock is so cool. It’s a 360 degree view of the area. Mt Hood is incredible on clear days. On super clear days I can see Mt Hood, Mt Rainer and Mt Adams. The mountain seems so big in person. No camera captures how big the mountain feels. To the south I could see Mt Jefferson and Three Sisters. So basically it’s possible to see 5 mountains from the top.
At the pull off below the peak there is a rough trail that connects to the second lookout point. I have a map at the bottom of this page that will help put things into perspective.
The second time I summited High Rock we drove to the corner where the road loops and the steep road goes up the the second lookout point. We pulled off there and hiked up to High Rock with my grandparents. Then I took the rough connection trail from High Rock down to the second lookout peak.
Honestly it’s worth just going to the pull off right off the main road if you don’t want to hike or go to the top of a peak. It truly is an awesome view!
Coordinates
Pull off: 45.16129, -121.89418
Start of FS 200: 45.16128, -121.89408
Pull off right below peak: 45.15914, -121.89114
Start of unmarked trail to peak: 45.15916, -121.89118
High Rock peak: 45.15978, -121.89130
Second lookout point: 45.15788, -121.88948
Resources
How to get there (from Estacada, OR)
Location
Maps
The route above is the route I hiked.
The above map shows the rough connecting trail between the pull off below the peak and the second lookout point.
My Wild Adventure is not responsible for your safety, any possible injury, or anything that happens if you choose to follow anything on this website. Maps are not intended to be used for navigational purposes, but to give an overview of the route taken. By going outdoors you are solely responsible to know your strengths and limitations, be aware of current conditions and proceed with the appropriate caution. My Wild Adventure is not responsible for your choices and the outcome. Reference my disclaimer for more information on being responsible outdoors.
