Green Ridge

Overview

Green Ridge is a long continuous ridge immediately to the east of Camp Sherman. It begins near Black Butte and extends over 15 miles to the north. It features up close views of Mt. Jefferson and Three Fingered Jack to the west and expansive views of the valley to the east (including Lake Billy Chinook). 

Overview of routes

(1) Castle Rocks from Green Ridge (22 miles; +2170')

(2) Castle Rocks from Lower Bridge (36 miles; +4170')

(3) Green Ridge (34 miles; +2800')

(4) Dirty Freehub routes 

My recommendations among these routes are #1 and either #3 or Into the Horn (by Dirty Freehub).

(1) Castle Rocks from Green Ridge (22 miles; +2170')

This route starts on Green Ridge and heads north to visit a dramatic rock formation. The starting location is a gravel parking area at 44.55789, -121.58908. 

There are two ways to get from Camp Sherman to the starting location. One option is to drive north on NF 14 for 6.8 miles, turn right on NF-1490 and drive about 6 miles while gaining 1800' in elevation (see map). Allow at least 40 minutes of drive time. Please be aware that NF-1490 is a steep and rough road, and low clearance vehicles are not recommended. My Subaru Outback was capable of handling this route. Another option is to take the Allingham Cutoff Road to NF-11 and then NF-1150 using this route. Allow at least 50 minutes.

(2) Castle Rocks from Lower Bridge (36 miles; +4170')

This route is the same as the one above, except it begins at the Lower Bridge Campground. This adds over 1900' of climbing from Lower Bridge to the starting point for the route above.

(3) Green Ridge (34 miles; +2800')

This route is a modified version of Dirty Freehub's Into the Horn route (which is 43 miles; +3470'). The main differences are that this route visits the interesting rock formations at Castle Rocks and it involves 5 fewer miles and 670' less in climbing.

To get to the starting location from Camp Sherman take the Allingham Cutoff Road to NF 11. It is a 12.6 mile drive (see map).

(4) Dirty Freehub routes

Dirty Freehub has a wealth of well-documented routes in Oregon and beyond. Here are two of their routes that include Green Ridge:

Into the Horn (43 miles; +3470')

Green Ridge Lookout (31 miles; +3170')