Tidbits Mountain

Overview

Tidbits Mountain, located in the Old Cascade Range between Eugene and Bend, OR, gets its name from the "tidbits" of rock pinnacles on its summit ridge (according to Sullivan-see book page). It sits just north of the Blue River Reservoir, a popular boating/recreation area and has views of the Cascade Range from Hood to Diamond Peak as well as the surrounding lower mountains. There are two main rock pinnacles at the summit, the higher of which has the remains of an old lookout on it. There are two main trails to the summit, one from the east at just over 2 miles long and one from the west at about a mile and a half. Both travel through some amazing old growth fir forests with monster trees. Note that snow lingers on the trails into July.

There is also supposed to be a trail between the two rock pinnacles but after much searching, I could only find small faint patches of it and spent more time getting back to the main trail than it was worth.

For info on the east trail see the route on this page. For info on the west trail, go here.

Getting There

From the west (Interstate 5) in Eugene/Springfield, OR, take Highway 126 east for about 44 miles to Road 15 near the 44 mile marker. Turn left here (heading to Blue River Reservoir). Go about 5 miles and the paved road changes to gravel (Road 1509). Take Road 1509 about 8 miles until you see a green water tank on the left hand side of the road. About a half mile past this watch for Road 877 on the left. Take this, it goes uphill right away, for about a quarter of a mile and park on the left hand fork lot with the little brown hiker sign. The trailhead is apparent.

From the east (Bend, OR), take Highway 20 to the Y junction where 20, 22 and 126 split and continue on 126 to the turnoff mentioned above near milemarker 44. You can shorten this route in summer when Road 242 is open. To do this, take 242 in Sisters to where it reconnects with 126, 5 miles east of McKenzie Bridge, OR.

Red Tape

Amazingly enough, there are no fees or permits required to hike this mountain from the Tidbits Mountain Trail on the east side of the mountain. I do not have any info regarding the shorter trail from the west.

When To Climb

June/July through October. The trail can be covered in some pretty steep snow outside of this time.

Camping

There is camping located on the Blue River Reservoir at the Mona Campground.

Also check here for more info on that same campground.

Mountain Conditions

Blue River Ranger District
541-822-3317

Services

Coming from the west there is gas in most of the little towns along Highway 126 (Leaburg, Vida) but watch for the sign that says no gas for the next 50 miles after that.

Best food in these little towns (my opinion) used to be a small diner near Nimrod, OR (not on the maps and yeah, that name is correct - it's a few miles west of Blue River, OR) called Mom's that had awesome burgers and pies! Unfortunately, it is now closed. SP'ers now recommend Vida Cafe for food and Finn Rock for dining. Feedback is invited!

Images

View Tidbits Mountain Image Gallery - 12 Images