3-Fingered Jack Saddle

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Features Commonly Backpacked · Views · Wildlife

A short but steep hike to a saddle featuring great views of 3-Fingered Jack, north to Mt. Jefferson and south to Mt. Washington and the 3 Sisters. Mountain goats can often be seen on and around 3-Fingered Jack.

This trail is an extension of the Glacier View Trail. It is a heavily used trail but is not officially maintained by the USFS. Because it is not an official USFS trail, options exist as to which path you choose. One trail continues up the spine of the glacial silt mounds which continue all the way up to the saddle.

Another trail tends to follow the east side of these mounds, sometimes joining the other trail along the spine, sometimes dipping into the ravines along these mounds. As you approach the saddle one trail continues up the spine in a very steep section, or you can follow an easier switchback route along the east side of the mounds.

Although the hard-packed glacial silt can be slick on slopes, there is no great danger of injury hiking along either of these trails but care must be taken.

Once you reach the saddle great views abound of nearby 3-Fingered Jack, north to Mt. Jefferson and south to Mt. Washington, the 3 Sisters and Broken Top. You can wander around the area to the east of the saddle (many camping spots can be found here) for more views.

Mountain goats are commonly seen on 3-Fingered Jack's slopes.