Browder Ridge Trail (#3409) is in the Willamette National Forest (Oregon) off Highway 20 in the Tombstone Pass Trail Area. This hike takes you along a mountain ridge with incredible views of the Three Sisters and Diamond Peak from open meadows teeming with wildflowers and butterflies. We camped nearby in September near a creek flowing just enough to provide water for the dogs and a gentle babbling rhythm to sleep by. The next morning we drove to the Trailhead, which we found by heading south from Highway 20 on National Forest Road 15.
The hike from this starting point is moderately difficult. It begins in old growth forest through a stand of impressive, old, moss covered firs. Along the ridge, the forest opens up several times into beautiful fern meadows with abundant wildflowers and butterflies.
Asters, Red Columbines, and Pearly Everlasting were blooming everywhere and we saw many species of butterflies including lilac-bordered coppers, pine whites, and various fritillaries, blues, parnasssians, and skippers.
The views from these meadows are vast. The Three Sisters are in full view. They are the 3rd, 4th, and 5th highest peaks in Oregon. We decided to head north off the main trail towards Heart Lake. This made for a really long hike. If you decide to start from the National Forest Road 15 Trailhead, make sure you take plenty of water and a lunch because you will need it. We are brisk walkers and it took us about 4.5 hours to reach Heart Lake from the NFR 15 Trailhead.
It is possible to fish from Heart Lake and the dogs enjoyed a quick swim before we started heading back. The hike back took about 3 to 3.5 hours.
