Mount Bailey is a stratovolcano located in the Cascade Range of Oregon. At 8,363 feet, it stands as one of Oregon’s tallest peaks and its crater contains a lake named Carl Lake. Mount Bailey offers beautiful hiking trails and scenic views, but also holds some mysteries and secrets waiting to be discovered.
Geography
Let’s start with some riddles about the geography and location of Mount Bailey:
Riddle 1
I’m found within the Cascade volcanic arc, nestled near Diamond Peak. You can view me from the Willamette Pass Ski Area, I tower not too far. What mountain am I?
Answer:
Mount Bailey
Riddle 2
I stand tall as part of a volcanic chain, stratospheric heights I have to my name. Between Middle and Canyon Creeks I situate, spot me from Route 58 if you can navigate. What peak am I?
Answer:
Mount Bailey
Riddle 3
From this Oregon mountain you can see the peaks of the Diamond Lake area. I am located about 20 miles from Crater Lake National Park, between the towns of Oakridge and Willamette Pass. Name me if you can!
Answer:
Mount Bailey
Hiking
Let’s move on to some riddles about hiking Mount Bailey’s trails:
Riddle 4
Weave your way 1.5 miles gaining over 1,000 feet in elevation, to reach my namesake tarn first before additional steep ascent. Push through the pain until you summit the top, for gorgeous 360 degree views you cannot stop. What trail am I?
Answer:
Mount Bailey Trail
Riddle 5
Follow me 7.4 miles as I wind through forest and meadows so green. I offer vistas of Diamond Peak as his icy face is routinely seen. Creek crossings and steep sections will challenge your team, as you make your way to Mount Bailey’s summit gleam. What trail am I?
Answer:
Timpanogas Trail
Riddle 6
Hike me out and back for 11 scenic miles, through wildflower filled meadows I ramble in style. I intersect the Mount Bailey Trail near Carl Lake blue, where breathtaking views of the Cascades come into view. What hiking trail provides this pleasant detour?
Answer:
Carl Lake Trail
Geology
Let’s explore some geological riddles about Mount Bailey:
Riddle 7
My outside is hardened magma that cooled so slow, giving me texture rough and porous to show. Glaciers shaped valleys, cirques, horns and aretes, while lava inside me continues to be a threat. What type of volcano am I?
Answer:
Stratovolcano
Riddle 8
I’m a crater lake that fills an old eroded vent, found near Mount Bailey’s highest ascent. This Oregon peak keeps me sheltered within, as I reflect its image on my waters so serene. What am I called?
Answer:
Carl Lake
Riddle 9
We stand as sisters, jagged and proud, carved by ice ages and erosion endowed. Mount Bailey and I protect Carl Lake blue, found in the Diamond Peaks, our volcano view. Who am I?
Answer:
Mount Yoran
Wildlife
Let’s learn about wildlife with these Mount Bailey riddles:
Riddle 10
Spots and streaks pattern my fur coat truly insane, through Oregon’s forests I stealthy remain. Climbing Mount Bailey grants sightings seldom had, so glimpse me quick before I vanish from your rad. What elusive cat am I?
Answer:
Snow leopard
Riddle 11
On Mount Bailey in summer months I wander, lazily munching leaves as I meander. Look for my wooly coat and horns on high, I avoid humans as I amble on by. What animal am I?
Answer:
Mountain goat
Riddle 12
Our noisy honks echo as we fly overhead, migrating to lands where marshy meals are fed. Spot us crossing Mount Bailey wearing Vs in line, we’ll return next spring once food sources align. What birds are we?
Answer:
Canadian geese
Plant Life
Let’s learn about Mount Bailey’s flowers and trees:
Riddle 13
In July I erupt in colors galore, blanketing Mount Bailey’s mountain floor. My stems are tall topped with blossoms so gay, I come in purple, pink, white and grey. What lovely wildflower am I?
Answer:
Fireweed
Riddle 14
My vibrant pink blooms signal summer’s start, clinging to creek banks I stand apart. My genus name means “beautiful woman” in Greek, gazing at me surely feels mystique. What Cascade plant with healing roots am I?
Answer:
Oregon rhododendron
Riddle 15
In fall my leaves turn a golden hue, decorating Mount Bailey’s forested view. Deer and elk snack upon buds from my twigs, while knowing my bark helps Native children dig. What tree’s roots boast medicinal traits?
Answer:
Ponderosa pine
History
Let’s explore some history about Mount Bailey:
Riddle 16
This railroad carried ore, lumber and more, steam engines chugging past my slopes of yore. Its tracks long gone, once connected hills to town, carrying skiers where powder could be found. What historic railroad am I?
Answer:
Willamette Pacific Railroad
Riddle 17
This Civil War soldier became my namesake, fighting bravely for the Union at stake. Bailey Butte first honored him so true, but he deserved a taller peak for the view. Who is this towering mountain named after?
Answer:
George Lewis Bailey
Riddle 18
We flowed fierce as rivers of hot steaming rock, Mount Bailey erupting from violent shock. Ash circulated worlds, blocking out the sun, devastating landscapes when we were done. What ancient eruption cloaked the Earth?
Answer:
The Columbian Eruption
Climate
Let’s explore Mount Bailey’s climate with a few riddles:
Riddle 19
My winds blow frigid, whipping brutal and raw. I’ll freeze you fast with ice and snow, brrr be prepared to thaw! Though I recede each spring as wildflowers awake, my winter wrath on Mount Bailey is no mistake. What season am I?
Answer:
Winter
Riddle 20
Crystal glaciers carved this Oregonian peak, scraping rock cliffs with icy fingers so to speak. Now smaller than centuries ago for sure, I still exist as altitude keeps temps pure. What chilly feature sculpts Mount Bailey’s height?
Answer:
Glaciers
Riddle 21
I dowse Mount Bailey in cherished late spring drink, quenching wildflower buds so they blossom pink. Linger I may if winter precipitation allows, replenishing Carl Lake where chipmunks carouse. What liquid element do I refer?
Answer:
Melted snow
Recreation
Let’s explore Mount Bailey’s recreation with a few recreational riddles:
Riddle 22
Gaze down this lush skiable slope, spotting Chair 4 riders as they cope. From Mount Bailey’s peak I seem within reach, though expert skills you must teach. Ski me cautiously as I am prone to slide! What infamous Diamond Peak run am I?
Answer:
The Cliff
Riddle 23
Calm waters reflect mountain views I hear, relax beside me with a cold pint of cheer! Found near the Timpanogas trailhead I lie, a popular pitstop where adventures refuel high. What alpine lake am I?
Answer:
Mildred Lake
Riddle 24
My winding dirt road leads you to the trail, bouncing past Bailey Creek without fail. Turn off Route 58 and you’re nearly there, just keep left at the junctions with care. Where does this bumpy thoroughfare begin?
Answer:
Timpanogas Sno-Park
Conclusions
Let’s conclude our Mount Bailey riddles with a few final brain teasers:
Riddle 25
This organization built Mount Bailey’s first trail, carving switchbacks with agricultural flair. volunteers labor still on upkeep yearly, their dedication is volunteerism purely. What outdoor group maintains paths today?
Answer:
Eugene Mountain Rescue
Riddle 26
Cinder cone, shield or strato I may format, blasting volatile lava until I’m dormant. Created by tectonics as plates divide, I loom tall where two meet side by side. What geologic feature am I?
Answer:
Volcano
Riddle 27
This 7.4 trek passes wildflower filled meadows, challenging hikers with steep rocky shadows. Reaching my summit will fill you with pride, as gorgeous views of Mount Bailey by your side. What connecting trail leads the way?
Answer:
Timpanogas Trail
Riddle 28
I’m an evergreen conifer that endures winter extremes, sporting needles in bundles to protect my schemes. Admire my scaly bark and cones so stout, often found after fires when I sprout. What hardy Oregonian tree am I?
Answer:
Ponderosa pine
Riddle 29
We replicate cells crafting crimson petals fine, luring hummingbirds to drink our nectar divine. Lifting your spirits is our garden goal, painting Mount Bailey as returning warmth cajoles. What vibrant cascading bush are we?
Answer:
Scarlet gilia
Riddle 30
This national forest surrounds Mount Bailey’s peak, covering 1.7 million acres for nature freaks to seek. Explore my trails to summit canyon views, watching wildlife and wildflowers suffuse. What verdant recreational paradise am I?
Answer:
Willamette National Forest
Riddle 31
I’m an evergreen tree that loves the altitude, towering tall providing firewood interluded. Admire my scaly reddish bark so fine, perfect habitat for squirrels who dine. What native Oregonian tree thrives on Mount Bailey?
Answer:
Ponderosa Pine
Riddle 32
This sparkling lake mirrors Mount Bailey’s image clear, fill your water bottle while you rest here. Trout swim within my cold alpine waters, tempting anglers to become my catching martyrs. What glacial tarn reflects the mountain high?
Answer:
Carl Lake
Riddle 33
In July we bloom colorful as can be, purple and pink blossoms wild and free! Look for our tall stems near Mildred Lake, we proliferate rapidly without mistake. What vibrant flowers grow acres wide?
Answer:
Fireweed
Riddle 34
Glinting white under sunny blue skies, geometric patterns before your eyes. Crystallized frozen water we amass, sculpting Mount Bailey as centuries pass. What do we build that hikers travel upon?
Answer:
Glaciers
Riddle 35
I’m an organization of volunteer rescuers, helping lost hikers and injured mountaineers. We built Mount Bailey’s first rugged trail, working tirelessly though funds tend to fail. Who are we that maintain these trails?
Answer:
Eugene Mountain Rescue
Riddle 36
This peak was first named Bailey Butte true, for a Union soldier brave and true. But he deserved higher heights from which to view, so Mount Bailey became the deserved new due. Who was this civil war soldier it honors?
Answer:
George Lewis Bailey
Riddle 37
Cinder cone, shield or strato my shape might be, exploding lava and ash violently. Created by plates where two collide, I form where hotspots propel magma inside. What menacing landform am I?
Answer:
Volcano