Oregon · Hiking

Gate Creek

4.2 mi
round trip
2,668 ft
climb
4,858 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Oct
best months

Caution at last check

Agency alerts are in effect for this area; weather is good · USFS, OpenWeather · checked 23 h ago

Is Gate Creek open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Willamette National Forest. It doesn't name Gate Creek, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Willamette National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Gate Creek is a moderate out-and-back hike in the Sweet Home Ranger District of Oregon's Willamette National Forest, about 4.2 miles long and with a total elevation gain of 2,668 feet. The trail reaches a high point of 4,858 feet and a low point of 3,667 feet, and it is managed by the Forest Service. The climb is most severe between miles 1.7 and 2, where the trail reaches a 33% grade. The route is natural-surfaced, and bikes are allowed. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from the nearby Santiam Junction weather station run from highs near 76°F in July and August to highs around 69°F in September, and the station sits roughly 1,100 feet below the trail's summit. The trail is open from June 1 to October 31. The hike starts close to Heart Lake, 0.7 miles away, and the Heart Lake Trail #3407 is 0.9 miles off. Lakes End campground is 2.7 miles away, and paddlers can find the McKenzie River about 4 miles from the trail.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Gate Creek

    Best months: May–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      38° / 24°

    2. Feb

      41° / 24°

    3. Mar

      44° / 26°

    4. Apr

      49° / 29°

    5. May

      58° / 35°

    6. Jun

      65° / 38°

    7. Jul

      76° / 42°

    8. Aug

      76° / 42°

    9. Sep

      69° / 39°

    10. Oct

      56° / 33°

    11. Nov

      42° / 28°

    12. Dec

      36° / 23°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Santiam Junction, OR, 8.3 mi away at 3,750 ft. The station sits about 1,100 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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