Dome Rock via Whitman Creek…
Certainly not the easiest way to get to Dome Rock. I haven’t been up Whitman Creek since several weeks after the Beachie Creek fire. Back then finding the trail was easier than ever because all the vegetation and debris was burned gone, and the only thing left on the ground was trail tread. Today the vegetation is a few years old and many of the trees are hiding the trail. When in doubt, just stay on the ridge crest…
It was definitely a work day (Monday) for the clean-up crews. I heard and saw many chainsaws and falling trees near Whitman Rock, and below Dome Rock on French Creek Road (2223). I hit snow at about 4200’, up on the road walk to the upper Dome Rock trailhead. Over on that side (north) the sun doesn’t hit the road so the snow was 8”-10” deep but plowed for the clean-up crews. The upper trail was snow covered and untouched till I got to the standard trail where I saw several sets of boot tracks to the summit of Dome…probably made the day before.
The views from the top were awesome. From there, Mount Jefferson is in your face. I’m glad I brought the binoculars for the view. It was also interesting to watch the logging operations below.
Deb would have liked this one…
This trail doesn’t get much use after the fires. The vegetation hides it…
First view of Whitman Rock…
Rocky Top…
Sardine Mountain…
Looking west, down the Santiam Valley…
The cold side still holding 6″-8″ of snow…
Elephant Rock, Split Spire, Tumble Rock, and the Cooling Tower Rock…
Dome Rock…
The old signs being swallowed by the tree…
Near the base of Dome Rock…
Mount Jefferson and the Lionshead burn…
The Three Sisters in the Cascades and the Three Pyramids in the old Cascades…
Tumble Lake…
Sardine Mountain…
Rocky Top and Pika Rock peeking out from behind…
🙂
Lots in this pic…Dog Rock, The two Nasty’s, Table Rock, and if you know where to look…Pechuck Lookout.
Mount Hood, Boulder Peak, Battle Ax, and if you know where to look, Phone Booth Rock on Mount Beachie.
Lots going on down there…
The trail off Dome Rock…
Last look at Dome Rock and Mount Jefferson…
Cooling Tower Rock…
The day’s track…
As always, nice pictures Karl. What a route to take.
I am wondering if the tumble creek trail head to Dome Rock is open yet? This route seems a bit more difficult than I want. I imagine not as more people would be going.
Hi Monica,
Yes, the trail from Hwy 22 at Tumble Creek to Dome Rock is easier, and is currently open. It’s still a huff though, at about 9 miles x 3500′, but the trail is well maintained with lots of boots on the ground. Feel free to rip my map and GPX track off the “Maps and Track” page. AllTrails also has the trail called Dome Rock Peak Trail..