calipidder - May 23, 2019 4:31 pm Date Climbed: May 23, 2019
Flowers are just starting
Did the loop counterclockwise from Tombstone Pass. Lots of nice flowers starting to pop out down low, but the open slopes below Cone Peak were still pretty bare. Still some snow patches on the north side of Iron Mountain, but the trail stays pretty level as it contours around the peak so it wasn't hard to lose. The last switchback to the summit of Iron Mountain was still snowcovered so we just made a straight line up the rock to the top.
Nick Turtura - Mar 27, 2015 12:48 am Date Climbed: Mar 26, 2015
Family Fun
Brought the family along on this one. No snow anywhere. Could see from Diamond to Raineer! Great little peak.
mastercoog - Feb 20, 2012 8:27 pm Date Climbed: Jun 25, 2009
Iron Mountain
Hiked as a day trip from Tombstone Pass parking area. Great view and easy climb. This is one almost anyone can do. I say almost because my friend got scared and did not make it up. Plus late in the summer lots of salmon berries to eat on the way.
Bombchaser - Feb 19, 2010 12:02 am Date Climbed: Feb 17, 2010
Seven Summits
Climbed Iron Mountain, then Cone Peak, then South Peak, Then Echo Mountain, then North Peak, then back over Echo Mountain, then back over South peak. Lots of snow along the entire route. Snow was hard frozen in shaded areas and soft in sunny area. Temperatures were warm, 30's - 40's. The ridge between Echo Mountain and North Peak very icy and had a good amount of fall hazard. Crampons and ice axe would be advised. I did this in trekking poles and ice axe to cut wieght, but it was a little trecherous.
Dennis Poulin - Aug 16, 2009 5:45 pm Date Climbed: Aug 14, 2009
Tombstone Pass Route
Tagged Echo, South Echo, Cone, and Iron Mountain on this hike on a mostly cloudy day.
tanzenfrosch - Jun 21, 2009 12:45 am Date Climbed: Jun 20, 2009
Fog!
Getting ready for the South Sister next month and decided to do one that I've been told had lots of wild flowers. It did though it was rainy and wet along with VERY fogy and cloudy. Got kind of cold but once we started walking warmed up. No view really because it was in a cloud but it was still a nice hike, very green!
nicozone - Jun 20, 2009 8:56 pm Date Climbed: Jun 20, 2009
A misty summer hike
We were suppose to do this with a large group as early as possible and in the nice sunny summer weather, but in the hour and a half drive from Corvallis we passed through clouds, rain, mist, and ended with a slight drizzle in the trailhead parking lot. The trails are mostly well maintained, but get pretty rock-filled by the halfway point.
We did it in a group of 5 and with a heavy mist hanging over the entire mountain. There wasn't a single break in order to see the sights at the summit. But the mountain landscape up there has some interesting rock formations. The ranger station on the summit has been reduced to just a wooden platform that is under construction, but at least that provides a nice place for a quick lunch.
Pretty quick hike up. Totally lost the trail about 100 yards in, but just hiked straight up, ended up between the summit crag and the other spire. Hung out for about 30 minutes on top and snowboarded down. Great weather, mid 50's and sunny.
Bombchaser - Nov 23, 2008 9:02 pm Date Climbed: Nov 23, 2008
Nice hike
Nice hike. Fairly easy trail leading to summit. Quick access to summit, and dramatic views of the surrounding Cascade peaks. There was approximately six inches of snow covering the trail.
outdoorgirl - Apr 12, 2007 2:29 am Date Climbed: Nov 18, 2006
Great Lookout!
Wishing to do neighboring Cone Peak, but too late! Nice views from the lookout at the top.
Karl Helser - Nov 20, 2006 3:13 pm Date Climbed: Nov 18, 2006
Signs of wildlife...
Colleen & I tagged this short trip on this rare dry day. Views were as far as St Helens. There was at least 10 inches of snow with lots of sign of wildlife. We ascended via the main trail and descended via cross-country. Lots of elk track, cat track (looked like a small cougar) and while descending cross-country we followed a couple of bear (looked like a small adult & a cub). This time of the year, start early if you want to include Cone Peak...
Route Climbed: Cone Peak loop Date Climbed: July 2005
Absolutely worth the effort, especially during June and July to see the profusion of wildflowers! I strongly recommend doing the entire route, i.e., start at Tombstone Pass parking area, go uphill (very well-graded) to Cone Peak, DON'T TRAMPLE THE WILDFLOWERS, then proceed on to Iron Mountain. After visiting the summit, descend to the old Santiam Wagon Road trail, which runs parallel to (and on the south side) of Highway 20 back to the Tombstone Pass parking area. There is a parking area near the Iron Mountain trail proper, but (a) that's cheating; and (b) you'll miss out Cone Peak.
Route Climbed: iron mountain trail. Date Climbed: march 13th 2005.
At this time of year it is unusual to hike into this area without ski's or snow shoes but february and march of 2005 was part of a unusually light snow year. It was virtually non existant except for an occasional north facing slope in the shade. I took advantadge of this and had an almost late spring day in the mountains. the only problem was there was no wildflowers in bloom. It was my first time here and I will have to return when the flowers are in bloom. It also does look like a fun ski.
Route Climbed: Iron Mountain Trail Date Climbed: October 3, 2004
We were only car at trailhead. I probably would have taken 2 hours to get to summit, but Jill led so we made it in an hour. Shorts & t-shirts - beautiful day.
Route Climbed: Iron Mtn Trail Date Climbed: February 7, 2004
Darn snowshoes are hard to walk in :-) Nobody ever said all women are graceful. I think I spent more time on the ground than actually walking. But it was well worth it. I'd never snowshoed before. Not the greatest views from the top. Sir Tom showcased his never-failing athletic prowess with another great save of the digital camera. Anyway, it was very steep! And the snow was very deep! This was worse than the scree up Thielsen or St. Helens in the summer. One step up and three feet back down. You got nowhere fast. It was great fun and I'm ready for the next one!
Route Climbed: Iron Mtn. trail Date Climbed: Febuary 7, 2004
First hike of the new year, back from winters hibernation. Annaleise and I climbed this one with snowshoes in fresh DEEP snow. Snowed pretty much the whole climb, with some occasional sun breaks. Decided to ditch the trail at the first meadow and head straight up. Steep, steep. steep, and deep, deep, deep! We struggled up to just below the summit cliffs to enjoy our first well-deserved snack break when I dropped my digital camera. I watched in horror as it quickly picked up speed and began tumbling down the steepest, longest section of the climb. I shot down the mountain after it, sliding most of the way, and luckily found it in some tree branches 100 ft. below. Unfortunately I left my gloves, poles, and Cliff bar up top, which made for a cold tiring slog back up. Finally made the summit, beautiful under several feet of snow. Enjoyed some short, but fun glissades on the way down. Great short winter climb.
rmick25 - Sep 22, 2022 7:24 pm Date Climbed: Jul 17, 2022
AgainCone peak and Iron finally
calipidder - May 23, 2019 4:31 pm Date Climbed: May 23, 2019
Flowers are just startingDid the loop counterclockwise from Tombstone Pass. Lots of nice flowers starting to pop out down low, but the open slopes below Cone Peak were still pretty bare. Still some snow patches on the north side of Iron Mountain, but the trail stays pretty level as it contours around the peak so it wasn't hard to lose. The last switchback to the summit of Iron Mountain was still snowcovered so we just made a straight line up the rock to the top.
Nick Turtura - Mar 27, 2015 12:48 am Date Climbed: Mar 26, 2015
Family FunBrought the family along on this one. No snow anywhere. Could see from Diamond to Raineer! Great little peak.
mastercoog - Feb 20, 2012 8:27 pm Date Climbed: Jun 25, 2009
Iron MountainHiked as a day trip from Tombstone Pass parking area. Great view and easy climb. This is one almost anyone can do. I say almost because my friend got scared and did not make it up. Plus late in the summer lots of salmon berries to eat on the way.
bellinghamclimber - Jul 3, 2011 11:22 pm Date Climbed: Jul 2, 2011
Gorgeous OvernightGorgeous hike with only a little bit of snow left at this point in the year. Camped on the saddle between Cone Peak and South Echo.
DigityDan - Oct 20, 2010 8:19 pm
NiceNice view
Bombchaser - Feb 19, 2010 12:02 am Date Climbed: Feb 17, 2010
Seven SummitsClimbed Iron Mountain, then Cone Peak, then South Peak, Then Echo Mountain, then North Peak, then back over Echo Mountain, then back over South peak. Lots of snow along the entire route. Snow was hard frozen in shaded areas and soft in sunny area. Temperatures were warm, 30's - 40's. The ridge between Echo Mountain and North Peak very icy and had a good amount of fall hazard. Crampons and ice axe would be advised. I did this in trekking poles and ice axe to cut wieght, but it was a little trecherous.
Dennis Poulin - Aug 16, 2009 5:45 pm Date Climbed: Aug 14, 2009
Tombstone Pass RouteTagged Echo, South Echo, Cone, and Iron Mountain on this hike on a mostly cloudy day.
tanzenfrosch - Jun 21, 2009 12:45 am Date Climbed: Jun 20, 2009
Fog!Getting ready for the South Sister next month and decided to do one that I've been told had lots of wild flowers. It did though it was rainy and wet along with VERY fogy and cloudy. Got kind of cold but once we started walking warmed up. No view really because it was in a cloud but it was still a nice hike, very green!
nicozone - Jun 20, 2009 8:56 pm Date Climbed: Jun 20, 2009
A misty summer hikeWe were suppose to do this with a large group as early as possible and in the nice sunny summer weather, but in the hour and a half drive from Corvallis we passed through clouds, rain, mist, and ended with a slight drizzle in the trailhead parking lot. The trails are mostly well maintained, but get pretty rock-filled by the halfway point.
We did it in a group of 5 and with a heavy mist hanging over the entire mountain. There wasn't a single break in order to see the sights at the summit. But the mountain landscape up there has some interesting rock formations. The ranger station on the summit has been reduced to just a wooden platform that is under construction, but at least that provides a nice place for a quick lunch.
dirth - Apr 17, 2009 11:23 pm Date Climbed: Apr 16, 2009
Fun Quick Ski TripPretty quick hike up. Totally lost the trail about 100 yards in, but just hiked straight up, ended up between the summit crag and the other spire. Hung out for about 30 minutes on top and snowboarded down. Great weather, mid 50's and sunny.
Bombchaser - Nov 23, 2008 9:02 pm Date Climbed: Nov 23, 2008
Nice hikeNice hike. Fairly easy trail leading to summit. Quick access to summit, and dramatic views of the surrounding Cascade peaks. There was approximately six inches of snow covering the trail.
outdoorgirl - Apr 12, 2007 2:29 am Date Climbed: Nov 18, 2006
Great Lookout!Wishing to do neighboring Cone Peak, but too late! Nice views from the lookout at the top.
Karl Helser - Nov 20, 2006 3:13 pm Date Climbed: Nov 18, 2006
Signs of wildlife...Colleen & I tagged this short trip on this rare dry day. Views were as far as St Helens. There was at least 10 inches of snow with lots of sign of wildlife. We ascended via the main trail and descended via cross-country. Lots of elk track, cat track (looked like a small cougar) and while descending cross-country we followed a couple of bear (looked like a small adult & a cub). This time of the year, start early if you want to include Cone Peak...
greglief - Feb 6, 2006 2:17 pm
Route Climbed: Cone Peak loop Date Climbed: July 2005Absolutely worth the effort, especially during June and July to see the profusion of wildflowers! I strongly recommend doing the entire route, i.e., start at Tombstone Pass parking area, go uphill (very well-graded) to Cone Peak, DON'T TRAMPLE THE WILDFLOWERS, then proceed on to Iron Mountain. After visiting the summit, descend to the old Santiam Wagon Road trail, which runs parallel to (and on the south side) of Highway 20 back to the Tombstone Pass parking area. There is a parking area near the Iron Mountain trail proper, but (a) that's cheating; and (b) you'll miss out Cone Peak.
Aaron Smith - Jan 23, 2006 2:54 pm
Route Climbed: trail Date Climbed: October 8, 2005One of my favorite day hikes.
cascadetraveler - Jan 16, 2006 12:59 am
Route Climbed: iron mountain trail. Date Climbed: march 13th 2005.At this time of year it is unusual to hike into this area without ski's or snow shoes but february and march of 2005 was part of a unusually light snow year. It was virtually non existant except for an occasional north facing slope in the shade. I took advantadge of this and had an almost late spring day in the mountains. the only problem was there was no wildflowers in bloom. It was my first time here and I will have to return when the flowers are in bloom. It also does look like a fun ski.
cjwhat - Oct 4, 2004 11:23 am
Route Climbed: Iron Mountain Trail Date Climbed: October 3, 2004We were only car at trailhead. I probably would have taken 2 hours to get to summit, but Jill led so we made it in an hour. Shorts & t-shirts - beautiful day.
annaleiserabinek - Feb 23, 2004 7:59 pm
Route Climbed: Iron Mtn Trail Date Climbed: February 7, 2004Darn snowshoes are hard to walk in :-) Nobody ever said all women are graceful. I think I spent more time on the ground than actually walking. But it was well worth it. I'd never snowshoed before. Not the greatest views from the top. Sir Tom showcased his never-failing athletic prowess with another great save of the digital camera. Anyway, it was very steep! And the snow was very deep! This was worse than the scree up Thielsen or St. Helens in the summer. One step up and three feet back down. You got nowhere fast. It was great fun and I'm ready for the next one!
Cornvallis - Feb 8, 2004 12:22 am
Route Climbed: Iron Mtn. trail Date Climbed: Febuary 7, 2004First hike of the new year, back from winters hibernation. Annaleise and I climbed this one with snowshoes in fresh DEEP snow. Snowed pretty much the whole climb, with some occasional sun breaks. Decided to ditch the trail at the first meadow and head straight up. Steep, steep. steep, and deep, deep, deep! We struggled up to just below the summit cliffs to enjoy our first well-deserved snack break when I dropped my digital camera. I watched in horror as it quickly picked up speed and began tumbling down the steepest, longest section of the climb. I shot down the mountain after it, sliding most of the way, and luckily found it in some tree branches 100 ft. below. Unfortunately I left my gloves, poles, and Cliff bar up top, which made for a cold tiring slog back up. Finally made the summit, beautiful under several feet of snow. Enjoyed some short, but fun glissades on the way down. Great short winter climb.