Fort Hoskins to Summit
About Fort Hoskins to Summit
This route traverses Starker Forests' Upper Marys River Tree Farm between Fort Hoskins Historical Park and the community of Summit. It features classic coast range forest scenery, a scenic vista, and the easy rolling gravel of Hoskins Road. The route is 22 miles, with 1920' of climbing, and is 71% unpaved.
Essential information
Starting location: Fort Hoskins (see location) (see parking options)
Distance & drive time (from downtown Corvallis): 19 miles; 25 minutes (see route)
RWGPS route map: 22 miles; +1920'; 71% unpaved
Permit needed: Starker Forests recreation permit (for Upper Marys River Tree Farm) (free)
Places on the route
This Benton County park is the site a fort that was established in 1856 to monitor a newly created coastal Native American reservation. Today, the park offers a scenic hillside setting featuring a historical landmarks, a picnic shelter, hiking trails, and restrooms. The park is open from dawn to dusk. The 19 mile drive from downtown Corvallis takes about 25 minutes.
This Starker Forests tree farm is located in the triangle between Blodgett, Summit, and Fort Hoskins. Adjacent Starker tree farms include Eisele Summit (to the west) and Tum Tum (to the south).
Summit is a small unincorporated community northwest of Blodgett on Hwy 180. The name of the town likely refers to its being the high point on the Portland and Western Railroad that goes between Albany and Toledo. The community has a Grange Hall and a Community Center. There are no commercial businesses. Since the late 1970s, the community has held a Summit Summer Festival (in recent years, on the third Saturday in August).