Gearhart Mountain is a high, cliffy mountain in south central Oregon, about 30 miles northwest of the town of Lakeview. Gearhart Mountain is the highest peak in the Fremont Mountains. The Fremont Mountains are west of Lakeview and run from Winter Ridge in the north to the California border in the south. The Fremonts are usually mistaken as part of the Warner Mountains chain. The Fremonts are west of Lakeview, the Warners east. The mountain is also is the centerpiece of the Gearhart Mountain Wilderness. Gearhart Mountain covers a lot of area.

Getting There

From Klamath Falls, drive east on Highway 140 towards Lakeview for about 55 miles. 1.4 miles beyond the town of Bly, take a left on Campbell Road for sbout 0.5 mile, and then turn right onto paved Road 34 for about 15 miles. At a sign for the Corral Creek Campground, turn left on Road 012 (gravel) for 1.5 miles to the trailhead (the end of the road). This is the approach to the eastern slopes of the mountain (and the Gearhart Mountain Wilderness. There is a trail part-way up the mountain (see Routes).

Red Tape

Group size in the Wilderness is limited to 10 persons and pack animals. Dogs are not allowed. Gearhart Mountain is located within the Gearhart Mountain Wilderness.

When To Climb

Climbing is mostly limited to the summer. Snow usually stays high up until late July or early August. Approach roads are usually snowed in in the winter and early spring and late fall.

Camping

Camping is allowed in the Gearhart Mountain Wilderness, but there are few water sources (creeks). The Corral Creek Campground (.2 miles before the trailhead on Road 012) has 6 free sites. Bring a lot of water.