Deception Peak hike

Near the summit of Deception Peak

Yesterday I hiked to the top of Deception Peak, along Deception Creek near Oakridge.  It was an eight-mile round trip hike along a fairly tough trail, very steep near the top.  As usual, there were no other cars at the trail-head and we saw not a soul the whole way.  The trail follows Deception Creek for a mile or so before heading up the ridge at the point where two forks of the creek join.  The variety of vegetation along the trail and, especially, at the summit was the highlight of this hike.  The summit of Deception Peak contains a mix of incense cedar, sugar pine, madrona, fir, and many interesting grass and forb species.  It would be a good destination for spring wildflower viewing.

Deception Creek

The Cascades (Diamond Peak) in the distance