Hardesty Trail Area

Hardesty Trail # 3469

Required Permits Northwest Forest Pass needed? NO Wilderness: Self issue permit needed? NO Wilderness: Limited Entry permit needed? NO More information about permits Close To... Hampton Campground Black Canyon Campground Black Canyon Day Use Area For more information... Read more about hiking safely and having fun in the Willamette National Forest on our Hiking/Trails page. Contact the Middle Fork Ranger Station More contact information

Length: 6.0 miles

Elevation: 950 feet to 4,273 feet

Season: Spring, summer, fall, and winter

Usage: Heavy

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

Water: None

How to get there: Travel 7.7 miles east on Highway 58 from the City of Lowell junction to the Hardesty Mountain Trailhead, which is located on the right side (south) of the highway (Highway 58 Milepost 20.7). The Hardesty Mountain Trailhead is approximately 10.8 miles west of the Middle Fork Ranger District office.

The trail can be accessed at the 2-mile point by following Forest Road 5835 (Crale Creek Road) for 4.5 miles. The Crale Creek Road is 0.8 mile east of the Hardesty Mountain Trailhead.

The upper trailhead is reached by traveling east from the lower trailhead to Forest Road 5840 for 2.5 miles, which is the Patterson Mountain Road. Travel 5 miles to the top of the ridge. Turn right onto Forest Road 550 and proceed 1.8 miles to the trailhead.

Trail Description: Constructed in 1910, this trail is one of the oldest routes on the District. A fire lookout was in place from 1920 to 1968 when it was removed. The only remains of the lookout are concrete pillars.

The trail climbs the 3,323 feet of elevation in five miles and then descends about 700 feet to the upper trailhead. There are scattered remnant old growth trees along the upper portion of the trail. Approximately 0.2 mile from the trailhead is the junction with the Goodman Creek trail. About 0.75 miles from the trailhead is the junction with the South Willamette Trail. Forest Road 515 is crossed at about one mile from the trailhead and at two miles, Forest Road 5835 is reached. After a short walk up the road, the trail takes off on the left and at the 4.5 mile point is the junction with the Eula Ridge Trail. Just before reaching the top, the junction with the Hardesty Cutoff Trail is reached. The junction of the Hardesty Way Trail is reached by continuing to descend to the upper trailhead on Forest Road 550.

The view from the top of Hardesty Mountain is somewhat obscured due to tree height.

Comments: This is a steep trail that is well-used by the local population of Eugene and surrounding areas.