20. Lone Mountain (Hawk Mountain-Catlow Rim Unit)
Suggested Citation: Kerr, Andy. 2000. Oregon Desert Guide: 70 Hikes. Seattle: The Mountaineers Books. pp. 135-136.
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What to Expect: A maze of volcanic rocks and pinnacles and a pretty juniper canyon.
Distance: 3.9-mile loop
Elevation Range: 5,590-6,675 feet
Drinking Water: Yes
Best Times: Late spring, summer, fall
USGS 7.5' Map: Hawk Mountain
Oregon Map Starting Point: Adel
Drive approximately 37 miles east of OR 140 to milepost 65 (just short of the Sheldon Refuge/Nevada border). Drive first northerly and then northeasterly 8 miles to a major intersection. Continue northeasterly (right) 5.8 miles to another major intersection. Continue east (straight) 0.5 mile to an intersection. Continue easterly 3.6 miles to a major intersection. Continue easterly (straight) 3.5 miles to Moss Waterhole on the south (right) side of the road. Immediately north of Moss Waterhole is the way to Scotts Cache Spring. Park.
Hike 0.8 mile to Scotts Cache Spring (private land). Hike beyond the fence at the spring and into the canyon. In 0.1 mile, you enter a small natural amphitheater. Keep climbing by staying in the main "channel" of the drainage. In the amphitheater, it is the channel to the west.
Keep your course northward. While it may look like you're heading to your end in a box canyon (you've been watching too many Hollywood westerns), there is always a route. As you rise to the gentle bench after another 0.8 mile, you'll see the summit (objective of the hike). Continue your gentle climb northward, gradually turning your course toward the ever-present peak 6675. It is about 0.7 mile. Some scrambling may be necessary. The more of the surface of your body that comes into contact with the surface of the rock, the safer you are. Friction is our friend.
From peak 6675 drop into the canyon above Juniper Spring and hike to Juniper Spring (0.5 mile). Hike the way 1 mile back toward the Hawks Valley Road and your vehicle.