Challenging hike in high Cascades leads to spectacular ‘disco-ball’ landscape

Now that Highway 242 has reopened for the season, it’s time to revisit a classic hike in the lava fields near McKenzie Pass. About 70 miles east of Eugene, the famed Obsidian Trail awaits.

Highway 242 is worth the drive by itself: The 36-mile road runs from Belknap Springs on Highway 126, over the 5,325-foot McKenzie Pass, and down to Sisters. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011, the roadway winds through ancient lava fields, offering sweeping views of snow-capped peaks and a stop at the Civilian Conservation Corps-era Dee Wright Observatory, set amid extraterrestrial-looking basaltic rock.

The Obsidian Trail, accessed off the highway, rarely feels crowded, thanks to its daily limit of 30 hikers.

Starting at about 4,800 feet, the lollipop loop begins through a fragrant forest, passing briefly through a burned area before climbing to roughly 5,800 feet and the edge of an impressive lava flow about 3 miles into the hike.

The trail switches back across the deep reds and blacks of the rock before descending to White Branch Creek, where a quiet meadow makes a perfect rest stop near the junction with the Glacier Way Trail.

At the junction, keep right to stay on the Obsidian Trail. This 2-mile stretch gains nearly 700 feet as it winds through dense hemlock and fir forest, opening to meadows filled with wildflowers through July.

When you reach the Pacific Crest Trail, turn left (northbound) and you’ll soon glimpse the 20-foot Obsidian Falls, often lined with wildflowers in summer. Shortly beyond that is Sister Spring, an inviting and scenic spot for taking a lunch break and filtering some water.

Continue north on the PCT for about 1.2 miles through a landscape unlike any other. Glittering shards of obsidian turn the first half into nature’s own disco ball, while meadows, a perfectly round little lake, babbling brooks and towering mountain views inspire awe. You’ll crest the hike’s high point through here and then quickly begin your descent.

About 7 miles into your hike, watch for the junction with the Glacier Way Trail. It can sneak up on you. Turn left onto the trail, following it 0.7 miles back to the Obsidian Trail. This short stretch bursts with color in August: purple lupine, red Suksdorf’s paintbrush, and puffy white wildflowers against vivid green vegetation.

Once you return to the junction with the Obsidian Trail, it’s about 3.5 miles back to the parking area via the way you came.

Know before you go

• Location: Travel northeast 17 miles on Highway 242 to Forest Service Road 250. Turn right (east) onto road 250, then right again at the next Y junction. At the following Y junction, turn right once more and follow the loop to its far end to reach the trailhead.
• Parking & permits: A Central Cascades Wilderness Permit is required for both day and overnight use between June 15 and October 15. Permits are limited to 30 people per day and can be reserved online for $1 per person. Day-use permits are released in two waves — 10 days and two days before the trip date — at 7 a.m. (For example, permits for June 15 are released June 5 and again June 13.) You can learn more about the permit process here. A federal recreation pass is also required to park, such as a National Forest Recreation Day Pass, Northwest Forest Pass, or any Federal Lands Interagency Pass.
• Length: 11.5-mile lollipop loop
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, depending on your experience and comfort level. Expect some steeper sections and uneven terrain.
• When to visit: Highway 242 usually opens the third Monday in June, weather permitting, and vehicle access to the trailhead isn’t possible before then. Check TripCheck.com for current conditions. Snow can linger on the trail into late June, and the road typically closes by October 15 — sometimes earlier, depending on weather.
• Amenities: Pit toilet available at the trailhead.
• More information: Visit the U.S. Forest Service website.