TRULY SPECTACULAR ALPINE HIKING SECTION of Mighty Three Fingered Jack Mountain! | 4K | PCT | Oregon

This was a Day-Hike in Central Oregon, part of the 24-mile Three Fingered Jack Loop, starting from the Santiam Pass Pacific Crest Trailhead (NO Recreation.gov permit required, self issue @ Trailhead) and hiking north past the Climber's Trail & the base of Three Fingered Jack ultimately up to what I call the “Moneyshot”, the highest point of the entire 24-mile Loop, an epic Three Fingered Jack Mountain Face Viewpoint Zone at the top of a switchback-laden Pass that serves ultimately as our turnaround spot for the 14 Mile, 1600 FT Elevation Gain Hike. I would recommend doing this earlier in the day with fluids on your person because the vast majority of this 5 - 7 hour hike is FULLY EXPOSED to the SUN. The temperature was classic late Summer weather, in the 40's early in the morning with a high in 70's in the heart of the day. This was hiked on 9/9/2022 and there were fortunately no mosquitoes. As far as road conditions, in my opinion, any car can easily make it, the road most definitely does not require 4-Wheel Drive, it is highway to a paved parking lot, no real off road or challenging road driving required - do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year.

Two Approaches to Conquering the EPIC Three Fingered Jack Loop:
1) Backpack the entire 24-Mile Loop!
or
2) Break it Up into 3 Day-Hikes to Capture the Highlights:
A) (THIS PLAYLIST) Santiam Pass / PCT Trailhead staying West down the PCT to the "Moneyshot View" as Natural Turnaround Point, approximately 14 Miles, 1600 FT Elevation Gain Minimum
B) (THIS PLAYLIST) Santiam Pass / PCT Trailhead turning East down Old Summit Trail to Square Lake, Booth Lake to First Creek, approximately 11 Miles, 1400 FT Elevation Gain
C) Jack Lake Trailhead to Turquoise Cirque to Wasco Lake, up Minto Pass to Wasco Overlook, on to Burnout Zone, do hidden Waterfall on Return to Trailhead, approximately 12.7 Miles, 1700 FT Elevation Gain Minimum, can Extend, ***Please Note PERMIT REQUIRED for Hike Option C***.....Playlist Link:
   • Three Fingered Jack Loop - Jack Lake ...