East Trailhead to Mount Pisgah Summit

The East Trailhead is located within the Howard Buford Recreation Area. There is a designated parking area at the trailhead. Be aware that parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended.

This hike is approximately 8.5 kilometers (5.3 miles) round trip and generally takes around 2 hours and 35 minutes to complete. This duration can vary based on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the summit views.

The trail starts along a BPA service road through a wet prairie before beginning a gentle climb. After a junction with Trail 4, the incline becomes steeper and rockier, passing through an oak forest and crossing a power line. It then follows an open hillside prairie, climbing steeply until it reaches the summit. Much of the path is gravel, but expect a continuous ascent.

As you ascend, you'll pass through an oak tree savannah, which features wild irises in April, and grassy fields. The East Trailhead route offers splendid long-distance views of the valleys and mountains to the southeast of Mount Pisgah. From the Mount Pisgah Summit, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Eugene, the expansive Willamette Valley, Pleasant Hill, and on clear days, distant snow-covered peaks like Diamond Peak and the Three Sisters. A metal map at the summit helps identify landmarks.

Due to its steep and continuous ascent, this trail is generally rated as moderate to hard. While relatively short, the significant elevation gain makes it a challenging hike, perhaps less suitable for absolute beginners looking for a gentle stroll.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on trails within the Howard Buford Recreation Area. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please remember to pack out any waste.

The trail is accessible year-round. Spring offers blooming wild irises and lush greenery, while fall provides vibrant foliage. Summer can be warm, so an early start is advisable. Winter hikes are possible but check conditions for ice or mud. It's a popular choice for quick workouts or after-work excursions throughout the year.

Yes, there is a parking fee required to park at the East Trailhead within the Howard Buford Recreation Area. You can usually pay at a self-service station at the trailhead. Check the local park authority's website for current fee structures and payment methods.

Yes, this route utilizes several official trails within the Howard Buford Recreation Area. You'll primarily follow sections of Trail #2 and Trail #4, and also briefly encounter parts of the Summit Trail, Trail #6, Trail #46, Trail #1, Trail #24, and Trail #3 on your way to the summit.

Hikers should be mindful of potential hazards such as poison oak, especially in grassy areas along the trail. Ticks can also be present, so it's wise to check yourself and your pets after your hike. While much of the trail is gravel, some sections can be rocky and steep.

The route from the East Trailhead to Mount Pisgah Summit is primarily an out-and-back trail if your goal is solely the summit. You will return along the same path you ascended.