Oregon · Hiking

Pioneer Indian

16.0 mi
round trip
3,169 ft
climb
3,128 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Oct
best months

Is Pioneer Indian open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Hebo Ranger District. It doesn't name Pioneer Indian, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Hebo Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Pioneer Indian is a 16-mile out-and-back hike in the Hebo Ranger District of Siuslaw National Forest in Oregon. The route begins at the Pioneer Indian (Hebo Lake) Trailhead, and it's a serious climb, with a total gain of 3,169 feet over the round trip and a high point of 3,128 feet. The trail is rated hard, and the climb is front-loaded, with the steepest stretch at about 5 miles, where the grade reaches 30 percent. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Laurel Mtn run to highs in the low 70s and only about three wet days a month in July and August. Winters are cold and wet, with highs around 43 degrees and rain on 19 days in December and January. Bikes and horses are both allowed on the trail, which has a natural surface and is not accessible. The trail is open year-round, and the trip is estimated to take about seven hours. The trail starts right next to Hebo Lake Loop and Hebo Lake Campground, both about a tenth of a mile away. Within a few miles are Three Rivers, a canoeing spot, and Castle Rock, a campground.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Pioneer Indian

    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

      43° / 31°

      19 wet

    2. Feb

      43° / 31°

      16 wet

    3. Mar

      44° / 31°

      18 wet

    4. Apr

      48° / 32°

      17 wet

    5. May

      56° / 39°

      12 wet

    6. Jun

      61° / 43°

      8 wet

    7. Jul

      71° / 50°

      3 wet

    8. Aug

      72° / 51°

      3 wet

    9. Sep

      67° / 48°

      6 wet

    10. Oct

      56° / 41°

      12 wet

    11. Nov

      47° / 34°

      17 wet

    12. Dec

      42° / 30°

      19 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Laurel Mtn, OR, 23.8 mi away at 3,589 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive

Route details

Distance
16.0 mi round trip
Climbing
About 3,169 ft
Starts at
Pioneer Indian (Hebo Lake) Trailhead (about 1,664 ft)
Summit
3,181 ft
Difficulty
Hard
Time
About 6.5 hours

Season

Season: Year-round.

Questions about this route

How long is the Pioneer Indian on Mount Hebo?

About 16.0 mi round trip from Pioneer Indian (Hebo Lake) Trailhead (about 1,664 ft).

How much elevation gain is on the Pioneer Indian?

About 3,169 ft of climbing round trip.

How hard is the Pioneer Indian?

It is rated hard.

Where does the Pioneer Indian start?

Pioneer Indian (Hebo Lake) Trailhead (about 1,664 ft).

How long does the Pioneer Indian take?

About 6.5 hours round trip.

When is the best time for the Pioneer Indian?

Year-round.

Conditions and forecast on Mount Hebo

Daily highs and lows, wind and the chance of precipitation at the summit and route start for the next 7 days, from the Open-Meteo model.