Park where FR68 crosses the Pacific Crest Trail
Road & Access (FR 68)
Access via Forest Road 68 is the most cited “downside.” The last 2.5 to 4 miles are notorious for deep potholes.
High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended to avoid scraping. While some low-clearance cars have made it by driving very slowly, others have reported damage.
Parking: There is a small, free parking area where the PCT crosses FR 68.
The hike to Big Huckleberry Mountain from Forest Road 68 is a serene, moderate-to-challenging trek through deep forest with rewarding southern views of Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge.
Trail Overview
Distance & Difficulty: The round-trip distance at approximately 9 miles. It is moderately challenging, featuring a steady, gradual incline for most of the way, followed by a short, steep climb at the very end to reach the summit.
Solitude: This section of the trail (often accessed via the Pacific Crest Trail South) is known for its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, frequently seeing very few other hikers even on weekends.
Views: While the old fire lookout is gone, the summit offers great views of Mount Hood and glimpses of Mount Jefferson and the Columbia River. Note that views of Mount Adams can be partially obscured by growing trees at the very top.
Wildflowers: Peak bloom typically occurs in June and July, with sightings of bear grass, lupine, paintbrush, and balsamroot.
Huckleberries: True to its name, huckleberries are abundant and ripe for picking in late summer.
Water: There are no reliable water sources directly on this trail; hikers are advised to pack all necessary water.
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