I went to Bend to visit my in-laws over the weekend and had time for one summit. Figured I would get my monies worth and go for a ten pointer I knew I could activate, Mount Bachelor.
I activated Mount Bachelor in 2018. For that activation I took the lift to the Pine Marten Lodge and hiked to the summit from there. I told myself the next time I activated this one I would start my hike from the bottom.
According to the Mount Bachelor website hiking from the Sunrise base area is no longer permitted. Hikers should start their hike from West Village and use the new trail. So that's what I did. I met others on the trail that did start from the Sunrise base area. YMMV.
The trail is pretty easy to follow. There were lots of signs. Signs are not on the whole trail but it will be obvious. Hiking footwear and poles recommended. Be careful climbing the lava rock on your way up.
My Garmin read 8.4 miles roundtrip. 2,763 ft gain. Most of the gain comes in the last 1.5 mile or so on your way up.
I plan to do this hike again next year. Maybe it will get easier the 3rd time.
