If you’re in search of a breathtaking view without loads of people hogging the trail, Bear Point Trail is the ticket.

While I was out hiking Triangulation Peak, an older man stopped to chat about the view of Mt. Jefferson and mentioned there was a hike with an even closer view. He said although it is a rather challenging hike, the view is worth it. Well, sir, you were not wrong!

Finding the trailhead is a little challenging due to lack of cell service, so be patient. When heading East on HWY-22 through Detroit, OR, take a left onto Breitenbush Rd. Travel down this road for 11.4 miles and make a right onto NFD 4685. If you cross over a bridge, you know that you have taken the correct road. Follow this road down 4.6 miles and make a right at the Trailhead Parking sign.

Be Sure To Fill Out Wilderness Permit Before Starting

The AllTrails app did not show clearly to take a left at this intersection, so we went right at first. However, we didn’t make it very far because the path is so overgrown with trees that continuing forward was impossible.

Like the surrounding hikes in this part of Oregon, this trail is littered with Douglas fir trees. They have quickly become my favorite tree to be surrounded by. This trip they were particularly essential in keeping us dry from the downpour that occurred most of the morning.

The first mile of this hike is steadily uphill, and just as you’re getting used to trudging up, the path levels out. Close to mile two, there is a small creek that crosses the path. Luckily it isn’t deep so your shoes won’t get too wet. After crossing the creek, the path gradually becomes rockier and stays this way until the top. Keep this in mind for the hike back down.

As the trees start to thin, the bushes and wildflower remains start to take over the path surroundings. The rare blooming Bear Grass was everywhere. I couldn’t help but imagine what the hike looked like only a month before when the pacific northwest experienced a super-bloom, which only happens every 35 years. In another five to seven years a few of them will bloom, so this hike is at the top of my list for then.

When not getting thrashed with branches and bushes, Mount Jefferson starts emerging from behind the hill and trees. Mile three, the hovering Douglas Fir trees vanish, exposing the beating sun. If burning to a crisp isn’t on your to-do list, lather on the sunscreen.

The last mile is a series of about ten switchbacks. There are a couple off the trail paths that circumvent the lengthy switchbacks, but I don’t suggest using them. It might save you a couple minutes, but it is obviously steeper than the trail and potentially dangerous.

The summit is very unique compared to the other hikes around this area. Instead of gravel or dirt or flat rock, the ground is made up of large rock slabs. They are not stable, so keep that in mind while you’re being sucked in by the proximity of Mount Jefferson. Mount Jefferson looked close enough to reach out and touch. The day was clear enough to see all the Sisters to the southeast and Spire Rock on Triangulation Peak to the west. Mount Jefferson Wilderness is a sea of trees, ranging from greens, yellows, oranges and reds.

If this hike has been added to your list of MUST-HIKE, which it should be, make sure you have a whole day free. The eight miler can take anywhere from 4-6 hours, depending on how long you hang out at the top. There is not cell service in this area, so keep that in mind as well.