Mount Jefferson

Mount Jefferson was an exhilarating hike with lots of bouldering and a fairly steep climb, but the incredible views and relatively short distance made it all worthwhile.

We hiked up and back using the Caps Ridge Trail, which spans 2.5 miles. One advantage of this hike is the ample parking available, though it’s important to note that the dirt road we parked on (Jefferson Notch Rd) is closed during winter. The hike begins with a steady incline, followed by a stair-like climb as you gain elevation. Once you’re above treeline, the bouldering and steep ascents commence. There’s a trail sign when you’re 0.4 miles from the summit, but be prepared for that stretch to feel much longer. While challenging, the views at the top are certainly worth the effort.

I recorded this hike on my watch, and it indicated an elevation gain of 2,823 feet. It took us 5 hours to complete the hike, with a moving time of 3 hours and 37 minutes. The total distance recorded was 5.71 miles.

This hike is moderately dog-friendly. My pups had no issues with the bouldering, but I could see how the large rocks and 4-foot vertical jumps might pose a challenge for some dogs. As with most hikes in the Presidential Range, be mindful of your pup’s paw pads and ensure they are comfortable with rock scrambling before embarking on this adventure.

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