A challenging trek for hikers and climbers alike, this 12.2-mile out-and-back leads to the top of Three Fingered Jack, a striking shield volcano in the Cascades. From the trailhead, hike north on the Pacific Crest Trail. The path travels through fire-burnt forest before veering right onto an unmarked climber’s trail that leads up Jack’s south ridge (avoid the tempting surplus of side trails along the way). At mile 5.6, the trail crests the ridge and turns north over scree and loose gravel; Three Fingered Jack’s spiny ridge rises above.
Roughly 6 miles into the hike, the route traverses "The Crawl," an exposed and narrow ridgeline just below the summit. At this point, hikers should take in the spectacular views of the surrounding topography before turning around for the return trip to the trailhead. Experienced climbers should use a fixed line and a Prusik to maneuver across the knife-edge ridge. From here, it’s a Class V climb to gain the summit. At the top, look to the east for views of Black Butte; Duffy Butte rises to the west; and Mount Washington and the Three Sisters dominate the southern horizon. Follow the same route back to the trailhead.
-Mapped by Trung Q. Le
TO TRAILHEAD: From Greenwood Ave. and 3rd St. in Bend, head north on US 20. In 41.9 miles, turn right onto the Wilamette National Forest service road and follow 0.4 mile to parking area (Northwest Forest Pass required).
