Oregon · Hiking

Quaking Aspen

3.4 mi
round trip
1,604 ft
climb
4,583 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Oct
best months

Is Quaking Aspen open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Willamette National Forest. It doesn't name Quaking Aspen, 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.

Quaking Aspen is a moderate out-and-back hike in the McKenzie River Ranger District of Oregon's Willamette National Forest, about 3.4 miles long with an elevation gain of 520 feet. The trail climbs from a low point of about 4,165 feet to a high of about 4,583 feet, and the steepest stretch comes around 1.6 miles in at about 22%. The trail surface is natural, and horses are allowed. Bikes are not. The Forest Service manages the land, and the hike is open year-round. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Santiam Junction show July and August highs around 76°F with lows near 42°F, and the trail sits higher than that station, so expect slightly cooler temperatures. Lowder Mountain lies just 0.2 miles away, and Bear Flat and the French Pete Trail #3311 are within about 2 miles. For an overnight base, Hard Rock Campground is about 5.7 miles off.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Quaking Aspen

    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, 26.8 mi away at 3,750 ft. The station sits about 800 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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Bear Flat

~2 min drive

11.40-mile out-and-back trail in Oregon with 2,167 ft elevation gain.

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