Overview
Strawberry Mountain rises to 9,038 feet above the surrounding high desert of eastern Oregon, standing as the highest point in the Strawberry Range and one of the most prominent summits in the state's interior. The summit trail departs from the same Strawberry Campground trailhead as the Strawberry Lake Trail and covers 6.3 miles to the top, passing through the full spectrum of the wilderness from ponderosa pine to alpine tundra.
The view from the summit is exceptional on clear days: the Three Sisters, Mount Jefferson, and the eastern Cascades to the west; the Wallowa Mountains to the northeast; Steens Mountain rising from the Alvord Desert to the south. The hike earns its distance and elevation gain.
The trail is managed by Malheur National Forest within the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness.
The Route
Trailhead to Strawberry Lake (Mile 0 to 1.9)
The first leg follows the Strawberry Lake Trail, gaining 700 feet to the lake at 6,365 feet. This section is described in detail in the Strawberry Lake Trail guide. The lake is a natural rest stop before the harder upper section.
Strawberry Lake to Little Strawberry Lake (Mile 1.9 to 3.2)
Above Strawberry Lake, the trail climbs more steeply through subalpine terrain to Little Strawberry Lake at about 7,100 feet. This smaller, rockier lake is set in a granite bowl and often has ice on the surface until late July.
Little Strawberry Lake to Summit Ridge (Mile 3.2 to 5.5)
The trail gains the main ridge line through a series of switchbacks on loose talus and gravel. The vegetation transitions to krummholz and then to alpine tundra. Views open dramatically in all directions from the ridge.
Ridge to Summit (Mile 5.5 to 6.3)
The ridge walk to the summit is exposed and involves some light scrambling over andesite boulders. The true summit is marked with a wooden post. Return via the same route.
When to Hike
July through August is the primary season. The summit ridge is exposed and receives afternoon thunderstorms regularly in summer. Start no later than 6 a.m. to ensure summit arrival before noon.
September offers the clearest air and best long-distance views. Temperatures are cooler and afternoon storms less frequent. The summit can receive snow as early as late September.
Before July, the upper ridge and summit typically hold significant snow. Navigation skills and an ice axe may be required before mid-July.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 3 liters of water for this long summit day. Water is available at Strawberry Lake and Little Strawberry Lake but treat or filter everything. Individual hydration needs vary significantly with pace and temperature.
Emergency gear is worth carrying on this remote summit: wind layer, rain shell, emergency bivy, headlamp. The summit ridge is fully exposed. Download offline topo maps; trail signs above Little Strawberry Lake are minimal.
Trailhead Access
Same trailhead as the Strawberry Lake Trail: 12 miles south of Prairie City on Forest Road 6001. No permit required (as of 2026). No amenities beyond the adjacent Strawberry Campground. Prairie City provides limited services.
Nearby
The Strawberry Lake Trail covers the first leg of this route and is worth doing as a standalone for those not ready for the full summit. The Canyon Creek Meadows Trail provides a different perspective on the wilderness from the northern side.
Check current road conditions and fire restrictions at Checking Conditions Before You Go before this demanding hike. Review Leave No Trace 7 Principles for wilderness travel.