Location and surroundings
Fields Peak is located in the United States, in the state of Oregon and Grant County. Within the regional mountain hierarchy, it belongs to the North American Cordillera, Intermountain West, Columbia Plateau, South Columbia Plateau, and ultimately the Aldrich Mountains. Standing at 2,244 m, it holds the rank of the highest of 27 named peaks in the Aldrich Mountains. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rugged high-desert terrain, forested slopes, and expansive views across the regional plateaus.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate vicinity of Fields Peak features several surrounding summits and passes. The nearest elevations include:
- Moon Mountain (peak), 2,147 m, 2.9 km E
- Second Peak (peak), 2,022 m, 3.6 km NE
- First Peak (peak), 1,802 m, 4.3 km NE
- McClellan Mountain (peak), 2,147 m, 4.4 km E
- Riley Mountain (peak), 1,904 m, 5.8 km E
- Riley Creek Butte (peak), 1,861 m, 6.7 km SE
- Horseshoe Butte (peak), 1,317 m, 7.6 km NW
- Cinnabar Mountain (peak), 1,879 m, 8.5 km E
Standing at 2,244 m, Fields Peak outranks all of these immediate neighbors, establishing itself as the dominant summit in the immediate vicinity.
The view from the summit
From the high point of Fields Peak, several other prominent regional elevations are visible within a 25 km radius. The highest peaks in this wider perimeter include Aldrich Mountain at 2,127 m, situated 15.9 km W; Ingle Mountain at 2,063 m, located 10.0 km E; and Coal Pit Mountain at 2,054 m, positioned 12.4 km E. Further afield, observers can spot Flagtail Mountain at 2,005 m, 17.0 km S; Dry Creek Butte at 1,974 m, 8.4 km W; and Black Butte at 1,896 m, 24.4 km NE. These distant giants shape the expansive horizon visible from the top.
The range
The Aldrich Mountains form the immediate range for Fields Peak, nested within the South Columbia Plateau, Columbia Plateau, Intermountain West, and North American Cordillera. This range contains 27 named peaks, of which Fields Peak is the highest. The highest point of the range itself is Fields Peak, making it the principal summit of the system. The range spans across the local region in Oregon, contributing to the complex topography of the American Northwest.
Access and starting points
Access to Fields Peak is facilitated by local forest roads and trailheads. According to OpenStreetMap data, there is 1 car park located within 2 km of the summit, with the nearest positioned 1.9 km S of the top. The common starting point for an ascent is the McClellan Trailhead, situated 1.9 km S of the top at an elevation of about 1,680 m. From this starting location, visitors follow paths leading toward the summit across the regional terrain managed under the federal forest designation.
Climate and weather
Climate figures for Fields Peak are estimates derived from NASA POWER climate data covering the period from 2001 to 2020, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation. At the top, the mean temperature reaches its warmest in July at about 14 °C and drops to its coldest in January at about -5 °C. Monthly mean temperatures remain above freezing at the summit from April through October. Precipitation in the surrounding area averages about 450 mm annually, with December being the wettest month at about 70 mm and July the driest at about 10 mm. Typical weather hazards in this region include sudden afternoon storms, high winds on exposed ridges, and rapid temperature fluctuations.
Best time to visit
The optimal window for visiting Fields Peak aligns with the months when the summit experiences mean temperatures above freezing, spanning from April to October. During this period, July offers the warmest conditions with an average of about 14 °C, while July is also the driest month with only about 10 mm of precipitation, making summer and early autumn ideal for hiking and climbing. Spring and late autumn can bring unpredictable weather, while winter months present harsh sub-zero temperatures and snow accumulation, requiring specialized alpine equipment and winter navigation skills.
Nature and wildlife
The environment surrounding Fields Peak is protected within the Malheur National Forest. The typical vegetation of this elevation and region includes mixed coniferous forests, montane shrublands, and open alpine meadows that bloom during the warmer summer months. Wildlife inhabiting these forested slopes and high-elevation zones includes mule deer, elk, black bears, coyotes, and a variety of resident and migratory bird species adapted to the mountainous terrain of eastern Oregon.
Guides and organised ascents
For visitors seeking professional assistance, hiring a certified mountain guide is advisable for unfamiliar terrain or adverse weather conditions. In the United States, the national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, which is a member of the IFMGA/UIAGM. The national alpine club is 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 include professional instruction, safety equipment, and logistical support, with prices depending on the duration, group size, and specific route. Permit rules in the United States vary by jurisdiction; some peaks require climbing registration or permits from the land agency, such as Denali or Mount Rainier, while visitors should always check local regulations for specific national forest areas.
Safety and preparation
Ascending Fields Peak demands proper physical preparation, sturdy footwear, navigation tools, and adequate clothing to handle sudden weather shifts typical of the Oregon high country. Climbers must carry sufficient water and emergency supplies, as natural water sources can be unreliable. In the event of an emergency, the standard emergency number for mountain rescue in the United States is 911, which connects callers to dispatchers who alert local search and rescue teams typically managed by the county sheriff.
Interesting facts
Fields Peak holds several notable geographic distinctions within its range. It ranks as the highest of 27 named peaks in the Aldrich Mountains, establishing itself as the undisputed high point of the range. The nearest higher peak or equal elevation point is part of its immediate neighborhood, while the peak itself serves as the defining elevation benchmark for the surrounding upland system in Grant County, Oregon.
FAQ
How high is Fields Peak? Fields Peak reaches an elevation of 2,244 m.
Where is Fields Peak located? It is located in the United States, in the state of Oregon, Grant County, and forms part of the Aldrich Mountains.
Is Fields Peak the highest mountain in its range? Yes, it is the highest of 27 named peaks in the Aldrich Mountains and serves as the high point of the range.
What are the nearest peaks to Fields Peak? The nearest peaks include Moon Mountain at 2.9 km E, Second Peak at 3.6 km NE, First Peak at 4.3 km NE, and McClellan Mountain at 4.4 km E.
Is there water on the way to Fields Peak? Natural water sources along the trail are limited, so hikers should carry an adequate supply of 1.5 to 3 litres of water per person for the trip.
How long does it take to walk up Fields Peak? Based on an estimate using Naismith's rule from distance and height gain, walking from the McClellan Trailhead (1.9 km S of the top at about 1,680 m, covering about 2.5 km and 560 m up) takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours.
What is the mobile phone coverage like on Fields Peak? Mobile coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator; however, 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and visitors should download offline maps before setting out.