Archer Mountain Trail
![](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Table of contents
Archer Mountain Trail is a hard 66.0 km hike that sees light-moderate traffic. This hike is adventurous and will leave you with a good sweat on. The trail itself is rocky, a bit rough, and sometimes overgrown. It’s not the most pleasant trek, but the view at the top is amazing and worth it. While dogs are allowed on this trail, users report that it’s not a great trail for them. Consider leaving your pups at home for this one.
Route Description for Archer Mountain Trail
Archer Mountain isn’t the easiest or smoothest trail to climb, but you’ll be glad you did in the end. Prepare for a rocky, overgrown trail with plenty of steep sections. Persevere to the top and you’ll enjoy a wide-open view of the Columbia River Gorge.
This trail isn’t very well-suited to children or dogs. Bring poles and wear sturdy boots if you have them.
From the end of Smith-Cripe Road, hike past the gate and go left through the meadow. Stay right at the fork and then follow the clear trail on your right. There is signage here. The route crosses a stream on a log bridge and then takes you through a series of steep switchbacks. At the next junction, you’ll stay right (unless you want to pop out to Scott Point, which has a nice view. It’s a short side trip).
Hike straight up through the next junction. At the fork where the trail evens out a touch, go left. The final portion of this trail is exposed and you should take care navigating it. You wouldn’t want to fall here. From the summit, you’ll follow the same route back down to the trailhead. There are also opportunities for loop hikes using the connecting trails.
Getting to the Archer Mountain Trail Trailhead
The trailhead for the Archer Mountain Trail is on Smith-Cripe Road.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
May-November
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Archer Mountain Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Lost Lake Loop Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/OR-Mount-Hood-National-Forest-Lost-Lake-Loop-Hike-1709x633-1.jpg)
Lost Lake Loop Hike
Mount Hood National Forest
![Lost Lake Butte Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/OR-Mount-Hood-National-Forest-Lost-Lake-Butte-Trail-1709x633-1.jpg)
Lost Lake Butte Trail
Mount Hood National Forest
![Bluff Mountain Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Bluff Mountain Trail
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
![Starway Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Starway Trail
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
![Silver Star and Ed’s Trail Loop](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Silver Star and Ed’s Trail Loop
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
![Silver Star Mountain via Grouse Vista Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Silver Star Mountain via Grouse Vista Trail
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
![Cape Horn Loop Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Cape Horn Loop Trail
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
![Hamilton Mountain Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Hamilton Mountain Trail
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
![Three Corner Rock Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Three Corner Rock Hike
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
![Beacon Rock Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/US-WA-Gifford-Pinchot-National-Forest-Beacon-Rock-Trail-1709-633.jpg)
Beacon Rock Trail
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
![Hamilton Mountain and Rodney Falls Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Hamilton Mountain and Rodney Falls Hike
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
![Hidden Falls via Tarbell Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Hidden Falls via Tarbell Trail
Gifford Pinchot National Forest