Location and surroundings
Coffin Rock belongs to the North American Cordillera, descending through the Intermountain West, the Columbia Plateau, and the Blue Mountains down to the Southern Blue Mountains. Situated in the United States, within the state of Oregon and Wheeler County, the mountain ranks 232nd out of 237 named peaks in its immediate mountain range. The surrounding terrain is shaped by regional plateau geology and dry highland ecosystems.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate vicinity of Coffin Rock features several nearby peaks and passes:
- Coyote Mountain, 931 m, 1.8 km E
- Sand Spring Butte, 878 m, 3.1 km S
- Amine Peak, 1,059 m, 4.0 km E
- Wagner Mountain, 1,016 m, 4.2 km W
- Black Top, 1,136 m, 7.2 km NE
- Byrds Point, 731 m, 7.3 km SE
- Sheep Mountain, 945 m, 7.5 km N
- Currant Peak, 646 m, 8.0 km NW
The view from the summit
From the top of Coffin Rock, visitors can look out toward several prominent higher elevations within a 25 km radius. The highest peaks within this distance include Stephenson Mountain at 1,769 m located 24.5 km S, Tracy Mountain at 1,539 m situated 20.9 km S, and Rancheria Rock at 1,496 m lying 21.7 km NE. Additionally, Corral Mountain at 1,478 m stands 21.7 km E, Sutton Mountain at 1,430 m is found 23.8 km SE, and Box Springs Butte at 1,429 m rises 21.2 km SW.
The range
The range hierarchy for Coffin Rock extends from the widest to the narrowest as the North American Cordillera, Intermountain West, Columbia Plateau, Blue Mountains, and finally the Southern Blue Mountains. The highest peak of the Southern Blue Mountains is Rock Creek Butte, reaching 2,776 m and located 179 km east of Coffin Rock. Within the 237 named peaks of the Southern Blue Mountains, Coffin Rock holds the 232nd position by elevation.
Climate and weather
Based on estimates from NASA POWER climate data spanning 2001 to 2020 with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation, the mean temperature at the top reaches its warmest in July at about 21 °C and its coldest in December at about 0 °C. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 400 mm a year, with December being the wettest month at about 60 mm and July the driest at about 5 mm. Typical regional weather hazards include sudden temperature drops, strong winds on exposed ridges, and seasonal dry spells.
Best time to visit
The months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit include January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. Combined with the drier summer months such as July, these periods offer the most accessible conditions for travel in the region. Winter months bring colder temperatures around freezing and higher chances of precipitation, requiring appropriate cold-weather preparation.
Nature and wildlife
The landscape around Coffin Rock features typical flora and fauna of the Intermountain West and Columbia Plateau transition zones. Vegetation includes drought-tolerant shrubs, grasses, and scattered woodland patches adapted to the approximately 400 mm of annual precipitation. Local wildlife encompasses small mammals, birds of prey, and native herbivores common to the dry upland terrain of Oregon.
Guides and organised ascents
While lower elevations and straightforward terrain in the United States often require no formal technical guidance, certified professionals remain advisable for remote or unfamiliar routes. Visitors looking for professional support turn to organizations represented by the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member, and the American Alpine Club. Established guiding companies operating within the country include RMI Expeditions based in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides based in Moose, Wyoming. Guided ascents typically depend on factors such as duration, group size, and logistical requirements. Regarding regulations, some peaks in the United States require climbing registration or permits from the land agency, such as Denali with its 60-day advance requirement and Mount Rainier for routes on glaciers or above high camps.
Safety and preparation
Ascending peaks of this height and terrain demands proper physical preparation, reliable navigation tools, and adequate supplies to handle sudden weather shifts. In the event of an emergency, the general emergency number for mountain rescue in the United States is 911, through which dispatchers alert the local search and rescue team, usually run by the county sheriff or national park.
Interesting facts
Coffin Rock stands as the 232nd highest of 237 named peaks in the Southern Blue Mountains. Its nearest higher neighbor is Coyote Mountain at 931 m, located just 1.8 km to the east. The high point of the entire Southern Blue Mountains, Rock Creek Butte, lies 179 km to the east.
FAQ
How high is Coffin Rock? Coffin Rock has an elevation of 732 metres.
Where is Coffin Rock located? It is located in the United States, in the state of Oregon and Wheeler County.
Which mountain range does Coffin Rock belong to? It belongs to the North American Cordillera, Intermountain West, Columbia Plateau, Blue Mountains, and Southern Blue Mountains.
What are the nearest peaks to Coffin Rock? The nearest peaks include Coyote Mountain at 1.8 km E, Sand Spring Butte at 3.1 km S, and Amine Peak at 4.0 km E.
Is there water on the way to Coffin Rock? OpenStreetMap shows no dependable water sources or huts along the immediate slopes, so visitors should carry 1.5 to 3 litres of water for the day, depending on heat and length.
Are there huts on Coffin Rock? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
What is the mobile phone coverage like on Coffin Rock? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator; maps should be downloaded before setting out, noting that 112 reaches emergency services over any available network.