Marys Peak facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Marys Peak
Viewing Marys Peak from the Willamette Valley.
Highest point
Elevation	4,101 ft (1,250 m) NAVD 88
Prominence	3,357 ft (1,023 m)
Listing	Oregon county high points
Geography
Location	Benton County, Oregon, U.S.
Parent range	Central Oregon Coast Range, Oregon Coast Range
Topo map	USGS Lorane
Climbing
Easiest route	trail from Mary's Peak Road

Marys Peak (formerly Mary's Peak and sometimes still spelled this way) is a mountain in Benton County, Oregon, United States, just southwest of Philomath. "The native Kalapuya called the Peak tcha Timanwi, or 'place of spiritual power.'" It is the highest peak in the Oregon Coast Range. It is also the highest point in Benton County, and ranks eleventh in the state for prominence. The current name, given by recent white settlers of European ancestry, may have been inspired by Mary Lloyd, who came to Oregon in 1845, and was known as the first white woman to cross the Marys River, which has its origin on the mountain, though there are alternate theories about the name.

On a clear day at the top of the peak, facing east, northeast, and southeast, one can see the cities and suburbs of the Willamette Valley, as well as the Cascade Range. To the west, the Pacific Ocean is visible on clear days.

The road to the peak now remains open in the winter. During the 2010–2011 winter, the Forest Service announced that it will leave the gates open to facilitate travel to the summit. The road will not be maintained, so a lifted 4x4 or four wheel chains are required for motor access during the winter months.

On June 15, 2019, the Oregon Geographic Names Board unanimously endorsed a proposal to give 10 unnamed creeks that flow down Mary's Peak Native American names. The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde and Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians were enlisted to be involved in representing the ancient indigenous groups and selecting the new names. The names proposed for adoption are in the languages of the Kalapuya, Wusi’n and Yaqo’n people who originally inhabited the land. Approval from the national board may take up to a year.

View from a meadow atop Marys Peak.

Images for kids

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  View of a meadow atop Marys Peak.