Yamhill County Highpoint Trip Report

Date: June 26, 2004
Author: Adam Helman

comments regarding end of driving approach and start of hike

Note: coordinates use the NAD27 datum

Near the end of a twelve mile drive along the Trask Toll Road, the final junction one encounters is at zone 10 UTM coordinates (463730 E, 5024961 N). From this point the desired route, heading south, becomes quite steep, often surprisingly so. I advise that you park at this junction and walk the road to an obvious saddle about one-half road mile south. I drove the road in a passenger vehicle and was thoroughly disgusted with my decision.

Once at the saddle you will note several paths heading in different directions. Do not walk (let alone drive!) the path heading south/southeast. It rapidly deteriorates and does not lead to the summit. The path heading west is irrelevant since the summit of Trask Mountain lies to your southeast. The path heading east, perhaps least distinct of the three paths noted, is the one you want. Take it to the summit area.

Incidentally, coming on a weekend, I had no problems with logging trucks, and found the Trask Toll Road to be quite navigable in my low-clearance rental vehicle even though it became rocky after about eight miles from the tree farm entrance sign.