This hike on the eastern side of the Blue Mountains National Park near the township of Richmond was round two of our fight with Patterson Hill. A few months ago, we attempted to climb the hill from a different route. Unfortunately, that trek came to an abrupt halt at an impassable section—we needed to cross the river, but it was too deep.
This time, we were determined to make it, choosing a path that promised better access. Though not a long hike, it proved physically demanding, involving two river crossings, plenty of off-track scrambling and rock hopping, and two short but extremely steep climbs.
Patterson Hill – One of the Best Hikes in the Blue Mountains
- When: 19 October 2024
- Where: Eastern side of the Blue Mountains National Park. Starting and finishing at the trail head on Cabbage Tree Rd.
- Weather: Slightly cloudy in the morning with increasing cloud and rain in the afternoon. A low temperatur of 59 F (15 C) and a high of 77.8 F (26 C)
- Departure: From Cabbage Tree Rd at 9:50 am and arrived back at the trail head at 5: 50 pm
- Length: 7.4 miles, 11.9 km
- Elevation gain: 1620.7 ft, 493 m
- Duration: 7 hours, including breaks
The Start
Our group of 19 set off around 9:50 a.m., following a short drive to the trailhead. The hike began with some bush bashing to reach our first track—a narrow dirt trail that soon led us to Vale Lookout. Here, we had our first view down into the gorge where the Grose River runs, and where we planned to stop for lunch.
Patterson Hill loomed ahead, our elusive goal. A second lookout offered an even better view of the river snaking through the gorge below.
Morning Tea at the River
The track took us down to the river, where we searched for a shallow, sandy crossing point. Fortunately, our hike leader had done his research—after a dry week, the river was low and passable. We removed our boots and socks, rolled up our pants, and waded through the refreshingly cool water. It was the perfect spot for a quick break and morning tea.
Hiking Along the River
After cooling off, I soaked my cap and microfibre towel to wear around my neck for the next stretch. We set off again, this time navigating a rocky, off-track route along the river’s edge. Soon, we needed to cross the river again to get back to the side leading to Patterson Hill.
At this point, the group split. Some chose to head downstream to find an easier crossing, while I opted for the more adventurous route—boulder hopping over large, slippery rocks, with water splashing up between them. It was tricky but exhilarating.
Once across, we continued rock-hopping along the riverbank until we reached our lunch spot at the confluence of the Grose River and Cabbage Tree Creek.
The Climb Up Patterson Hill
After lunch, the real challenge began: the steep ascent of Patterson Hill. This off-track section had us navigating narrow ledges and more boulders. The climb itself was short but brutal, what I like to call “sharp.”
Halfway up, a bull ant decided to bite me—an unpleasant surprise, with a sting that definitely added to the challenge! Eventually, we reached the summit, marked by a large cairn with a small wooden cross dangling from it. We paused at the top to recover, just as a light rain began to fall. It was a welcome relief after the tough climb.
The Final Stretch
Our descent took us down another side of the hill, off-track again, looping around the base of Patterson Hill as we made our way back towards the Grose River. From there, we faced the final and toughest climb of the day—the ascent out of the gorge. This section, known as “The Wire,” is a steep, exposed rock face. Despite its name, there was no wire to hold on to—just sheer determination to get through the grueling climb.
Having attempted this route on a previous hike, I knew what to expect, but it didn’t make it any easier. Finally, we reached the top and finished the last stretch along a fire trail, making it back to the cars by 4:50 p.m., utterly spent but triumphant.
My Final Thoughts
This was one of the toughest hikes I’ve done in a while. The mix of river crossings, rock scrambling, off-track sections, and slippery boulders tested both my endurance and focus. The two steep climbs elevated the physical demands, but the sense of accomplishment at the end was well worth it. Would I do it again? Absolutely.
While this wasn’t a hike known for its sweeping views, the physical challenges and sense of being deep in the wilderness made it just as rewarding. Happy hiking!