Location and surroundings
Rogers Peak sits in Tillamook County, Oregon, in the Northern Oregon Coast Range, which is part of the Oregon Coast Range and the wider Pacific Coast Ranges of the North American Cordillera. It is the highest mountain in the county and the highest peak in the Northern Oregon Coast Range. The mountain is in the Tillamook State Forest, where steep, wooded slopes and ridges dominate the landscape.
Its setting is typical of the coast range: forest cover, short ridgelines, and a wet maritime climate. The summit area is not a high alpine environment, but a temperate coastal mountain landscape with dense vegetation and frequent cloud and rain.
Neighbouring peaks
The closest named peaks around Rogers Peak are:
- Slide Point — 674 m, 3.5 km north
- Red Rock Hill — 742 m, 4.6 km north
- Belding Point — 739 m, 4.9 km northeast
- Kings Mountain — 977 m, 6.2 km southeast
- Pinochle Peak — 944 m, 6.6 km northwest
- Diamond Hill — 578 m, 7.0 km south
- Buck Mountain — 944 m, 7.0 km northwest
- Triangulation Point — 986 m, 8.3 km southwest
Compared with these neighbours, Rogers Peak is the highest point in the immediate area. Several nearby summits are close in height, especially Kings Mountain, Pinochle Peak, Buck Mountain and Triangulation Point, but all are lower.
The view from the summit
Within 25 km, the highest peaks include South Saddle Mountain at 1,048 m, 18.7 km to the southeast; Larch Mountain at 1,044 m, 9.4 km east; and Hembre Ridge at 1,039 m, 17.4 km south. Other high points in range are Woods Point at 940 m, 13.8 km southeast; Round Top at 909 m, 14.5 km east; and Windy Point at 880 m, 22.5 km southeast.
From the summit, these are the main higher or near-higher landmarks in the surrounding hills. The eastern and southeastern skyline is especially important, with several of the tallest nearby summits grouped in that direction.
The range
Rogers Peak belongs to the Northern Oregon Coast Range, the northern section of the Oregon Coast Range. This range is described as having 143 named peaks, and Rogers Peak ranks as the highest among them. The broader coast range lies on the western side of Oregon and forms part of the Pacific Coast Ranges of North America.
The range’s highest point is Rogers Peak itself in the Northern Oregon Coast Range. In that narrower range, it is the top summit and a useful benchmark for the surrounding forested ridges.
Climbing routes
A commonly described hike to Rogers Peak is about 3.5 miles round-trip with roughly 1,100 feet of elevation gain. The mountain is on private timber land, so access conditions can change and visitors should be careful to follow current land-use rules and stay on permitted routes if they are in place.
In practice, it is treated as a straightforward forest mountain outing rather than a technical climb.
Access and starting points
Rogers Peak is about 8 miles north of Lees Camp on Oregon Route 6, with access via North Fork Road. That makes Lees Camp the most useful named reference point for reaching the mountain. The approach is in the forested hills of the Oregon coast side of the range, not in a high mountain road system.
Because the peak lies on private timber land, road access and parking details can vary. Visitors should plan for a rural forest approach and be ready for muddy roads, logging traffic, and changing conditions after rain.
Climate and weather
NASA POWER climate estimates for 2001–2020 suggest that the summit is cool but above freezing on average all year. The warmest month is July, at about 10 °C, and the coldest is February, at about 2 °C. Around the mountain, annual precipitation is about 1,700 mm; December is the wettest month at about 295 mm, while July is the driest at about 15 mm.
The main weather hazards are prolonged rain, slippery forest ground, low cloud, and winter storms. Even in the drier season, the coast range can stay damp, and trails or roads may be affected by mud and runoff.
Best time to visit
At summit level, the mean temperature stays above freezing in every month, but the most comfortable period is usually the drier part of the year. July is the driest month, and late spring through early autumn is generally the easiest time for a hike in this part of Oregon. Winter and late autumn bring much heavier rain and more difficult footing.
For a short forest ascent like Rogers Peak, a dry spell matters more than heat. The best days are usually those with settled weather, firm ground, and good visibility.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain is forested with Sitka spruce, western redcedar, Douglas-fir, and western hemlock. Understory plants include salmonberry, salal, sword fern, Oregon grape, bracken fern, and Coptis laciniata. This is a wet coastal forest environment rather than open alpine terrain.
Wildlife in the area includes weasels, chipmunks, black bears, snowshoe hares, and deer. Birds such as chickadees, kinglets, woodpeckers, jays, brown creepers, and red crossbills are also part of the mountain’s natural setting.
Guides and organised ascents
For a mountain of this height and terrain, a certified guide is usually not necessary for experienced hikers, but it can be useful for visitors who want help with route-finding, forest travel, or local access rules. In the United States, the main guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the American Alpine Club.
Examples of established guiding companies working in the mountains of the United States include RMI Expeditions and Exum Mountain Guides. For a guided outing, visitors usually ask about route choice, group size, equipment, and current land access. No special permit rule is stated for Rogers Peak itself, but some U.S. mountains do require registration or permits on certain routes or in certain areas.
Safety and preparation
Rogers Peak is not a high-altitude climb, but the forested terrain still calls for care. Wet ground, slick roots, steep slopes, and changing weather are the main issues. Good footwear, navigation, and rain protection matter more than mountaineering gear, and the private-land setting means access planning is part of the preparation.
For emergencies in the United States, the mountain rescue number is 911. Dispatchers can alert the local search and rescue team, usually through the county sheriff or a national park system where relevant.
History and name
The mountain was officially named Rogers Peak in 1964. Before that, it was also known as Blue Lake Peak and Nels Rogers Peak. The name honours Nelson S. Rogers, who served as Oregon State Forester from 1940 to 1949 and played a major role in the recovery of the Tillamook Burn area.
The geology of the range is older than the name: the coast range began forming about 40 million years ago in the Eocene, with sandstone, siltstone, igneous rocks, basalt flows, and later sedimentary layers all contributing to the mountains that were uplifted along the subduction margin.
Interesting facts
Rogers Peak is the highest of 143 named peaks in the Northern Oregon Coast Range. It is also the highest mountain in Tillamook County. Nearby higher regional summits are limited; within 25 km, the tallest listed is South Saddle Mountain at 1,048 m, which is still lower than Rogers Peak.
The mountain’s former names, Blue Lake Peak and Nels Rogers Peak, reflect its naming history. Its position in a wet coastal forest, rather than a dry alpine zone, makes it a different kind of summit from the higher mountains of the Cascades.
FAQ
How high is Rogers Peak? It rises to 1,116 m.
Where is Rogers Peak located? It is in Tillamook County, Oregon, in the Northern Oregon Coast Range of the United States.
Is Rogers Peak the highest mountain in its area? Yes. It is the highest mountain in Tillamook County and the highest peak in the Northern Oregon Coast Range.
What are the nearest peaks to Rogers Peak? The closest named peaks are Slide Point, Red Rock Hill, Belding Point, Kings Mountain, Pinochle Peak, Diamond Hill, Buck Mountain, and Triangulation Point.
Is there water on the way to Rogers Peak? The route runs through wet forest, but you should still carry your own supply. For a day hike, plan on about 1.5 to 3 litres depending on heat and length, and treat any surface water before drinking it.
Are there huts on Rogers Peak? 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.
How long does it take to hike Rogers Peak? A commonly described outing is about 3.5 miles round-trip with roughly 1,100 feet of gain from the usual access side, so the real time depends on conditions and pace.
Will my phone work on Rogers Peak? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. On an open top it may be better than in the forested valleys, but it can still fail. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.