Mount Washington Wilderness, Linn County Travel Guide

Getting There

• Car

  If you are traveling by car, start from Albany, OR. Head east on I-90 E and take exit 228 for OR-20 E toward Bend. Continue on OR-20 E for approximately 55 miles until you reach the junction with US-20. Merge onto US-20 E and follow it for about 20 miles. Take the exit toward Sisters, where you will merge onto OR-126 E. Continue on OR-126 E for around 15 miles until you reach Sisters. In Sisters, look for signs to the Mount Washington Wilderness. You will take Forest Road 12 (also known as the Santiam Pass Hwy) which is a scenic route leading directly to the wilderness area. Follow this road for about 10 miles until you reach the Mount Washington Wilderness trailheads. Be aware that some forest roads may require a Northwest Forest Pass for parking, which can be purchased at local ranger stations or online.

• Public Transportation

  To reach Mount Washington Wilderness using public transportation, you will first need to take a bus from Albany to Bend. The Cascade East Transit operates routes that connect Albany to Bend. Once in Bend, you can transfer to a shuttle service that operates to Sisters. From Sisters, you will need to arrange for a taxi or rideshare service to take you to the Mount Washington Wilderness trailheads, as public transport does not directly serve this area. It's advisable to check the latest schedules and fees on the respective transit websites. Note that taxi fares may vary depending on the distance to the wilderness area.

• Hiking

  Once you arrive at the Mount Washington Wilderness area, you will find several trailheads to access the hiking trails. The most popular is the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Ensure you have a map or GPS device, as the trails can be challenging to navigate at times. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and a hiking buddy for safety. The area is known for its stunning views but can also have varying weather conditions, so be prepared with appropriate gear.