You can easily divide the hike into sections by driving up logging roads to trail crossings. There are good views of the Oregon Cascade mountains to the east and the Willamette Valley to the west from several points on the trail. The trail runs through many different types of vegetation, including some fine samples of old growth forest. Since this trail is not in a designated wilderness area, almost all of the ancient forest that used to cover much of this area has been logged.
Wildflowers cover the open areas around the rock outcrops that line the ridge.
We have counted over 80 species of the more common Oregon wildflowers along the trail. Flowering starts in early spring at the lower altitudes, and continues into midsummer at the highest point on the trail. The adjoining section of the Tire Mountain Trail also features rock outcrops and masses of wildflowers. Unfortunately, this beautiful trail is the venue of the Cascade Cream Puff . A group of up to 100 bikers is required to do this not once, not twice, but three times .