Running for 28 miles along the elkhorn range at an average elevation of 7,200 feet, this scenic trail takes you past some of the tallest peaks of oregon s blue mountains. Overview some trails are physically difficult, with long, grinding climbs. Here at the elkhorn mountains bed and breakfast you can hike, bike, snow shoe, ski, ride your atv or utv, or just sit and relax by pine creek that runs through the property. Located near the elkhorn range, elkhorn wildlife area is best known for the rocky mountain elk and mule deer herds that use it during the winter. The elkhorn valley recreation site, located within the little north santiam recreation area, offers overnight camping and day use recreation opportunities along the a beautiful stretch of river east of salem. The elkhorn mountains are a mountain range, part of the blue mountains, in the northeastern. All trails certified as dogfriendly, dogfun, and dogsafe. The elkhorn crest trail tightropes across the elkhorn range of eastern oregon near baker city. Mountain biking irresponsibly during the covid19 pandemic puts you and others at risk. From this ridge you can scramble of multiple peaks, including the highest in the ridge. Elkhorn mountains, oregon on route east to glacier national park, marley and i stopped for two nights of backpacking in the elkhorn mountains of eastern oregon. Alpine trail in eastern oregon is a backpackers paradise. These are my goto for backpacking and camping year round.
Explore the best trails in elkhorn, wisconsin on traillink. Click on any trail to see a full writeup complete with photos, gps maps, elevation profiles, directions, and all the other information needed to locate and enjoy these hikes. Running for 28 miles along the elkhorn range at an average elevation of. The elkhorn mountains have two distinct geologic areas, which provides for an interesting experience while hiking the trail. To keep deer and elk from feeding on agriculture lands when they come down from snowcovered higher elevations, odfw operates 10 feeding sites on the area to feed 1,400 elk and 800 deer during the winter months. This story is featured in montana outdoors novemberdecember 2010 issue. Steens mountain 2,967 m 9,733 ft, 8th elkhorn and greenhorn mountains. William sullivans oregon hikes william sullivan, author with 12 published books on oregon travel, history and hiking, writes for oregon. Ken keffer is a naturalist and environmental educator who grew up camping and hiking in wyomings bighorn mountains. For the peakbaggers out there, the elkhorns contain. The trail offers panoramic views of the baker valley, the distant wallowa mountains and the blue mountains. The elkhorn crest trail is a national recreation trail and the highest trail in the blue mountains, crossing alpine and subalpine life zones up to 8,200 elevation. Background information there are two lists that pertain. The elkhorn crest trail is both, but thats not all.
Oregon camping guide home oregon camping guide oregon camping guide 20 of oregons best camping spots whether you want to wake up to the sound of the roaring pacific ocean, enjoy serene lake views, or backpack through one of our 11 national forests, oregon is the place for you. For the best details, see william sullivan s book 100 hikes in eastern oregon. The elkhorn mountains are a mountain range in southwestern montana, part of the rocky mountains and are roughly 300,000. Elkhorn elkhorn is a modern two bedroom unit of a duplex cabin with a king bed in one bedroom, a king bed that can be split into two twins in the second bedroom, two bathrooms and a separate living room with pullout sofa bed and stone fireplace. Geological survey, geographic names information system, unless otherwise indicated. This 106mile loop is a voyage through gold booms, ghost towns and the enchanting natural beauty of the elkhorn mountains. The elkhorn crest trail runs along the elkhorn ridge of the blue mountains in eastern oregon. Northern oregon from majestic mount hood to the green and sprawling willamette valley, oregon s mount hood territory is a place to be explored. Swimming, rock jumping, fishing, hiking accommodations. Backcountry roads settle you into a 19th century mining landscape before you reach historic fraternity hall and gillian hall nestled within the privately owned town of elkhorn. Elkhorn mountains mountain biking trails trailforks. As per summit post, it is the 34th highest summit in oregon. Elkhorn peak, at 8,931 feet, is the secondhighest peak in the elkhorn range and the thirdhighest peak in oregons blue mountains.
Located just 12 miles west of the mining town, granite, this campground is situated high in the blue mountains of eastern oregon in the umatilla national forest on the edge of a beautiful lake. The peak is about 900 feet above the elkhorn crest trail and is. The shadow appears to be a human face in late december and january on a clear day. If you know how they go please email me and i will post it on this page. Many of these ranges extend into the neighboring states of california, idaho, nevada, and washington. As the trail rolls along repeatedly crossing the north fork john day wilderness, enjoy dramatic views, varied geology, and wildflowers in july. His adventure memoir, listening for coyote, the story of his mile hike across the state, was chosen one of oregons 100 books. Noah peters, 7, celebrates hiking to black lake in the elkhorn mountains of eastern oregon. There are many hikes in the elkhorn mountains, both easy and difficult. Elkhorn valley is an excellent basecamp for trips along the little north fork santiam including opal creek. It is the highest trail in the blue mountains and runs along the elkhorn mountain ridgeline across subalpine forests and grasslands. Take a short drive to historic baker city and visit many of the shops, museums, art galleries, restaurants, or brew pubs. There are many ways to dayhike, backpack and mountain bike the. The complete guide to more than 490 hikes moon outdoors.
Once youre done on hager, visit the other charms of this area. The first list is the historic one before the idea of prominence caught on at least at the level of interest seen today. A historical perspective of vancouver island mountains, lindsay elms, misthorn press. To keep deer and elk from feeding on private agricultural lands when they migrate down from snowcovered higher elevations, the oregon department of fish and wildlife operates 10 feeding sites on. This list contains all the summits in the elkhorn mountains that are named or have at least 300 feet of prominence and are over 8,000 feet in elevation. Elkhorn welcome to the elkhorn wildlife area wildlife area northeast region oregon department of fish and wildlife oregon department of fish and wildlife 61846 powder river lane north powder, or 97867 541 8982826 visitors guide located near the elkhorn range, elkhorn wildlife area is best known. For many years i focused on climbing the cascade peaks, and neglected oregon s rich variety of geology and ecosystems. The elkhorn mountains are a mountain range, part of the blue mountains, in the northeastern part of oregon in the united states. As a wildlife biologist and environmental educator he has worked extensively throughout the united states from alaska to maryland and new mexico to ohio.
Elkhorn peak hiking in portland, oregon and washington. Oct 29, 2019 5 gear essentials for backpacking oregons elkhorn crest trail. Welcome to the oregon hikers field guide a guide for hiking in oregon and southern washington. Metro portland washington park portlands old town oregon coast cascade head cape disappointment tillamook head cape lookout historic astoria heceta head lighthouse oregon dunes shore acres state park. This photo taken on july 9, 2015, shows a view of rock creek butte, the tallest peak, at 9, 106 feet, in the elkhorn mountains of eastern oregon west of baker city.
Panoramic views of the baker valley and the wallowa mountains meet the eye to the east, while the endless folds of the blue mountains fade away to the south and west. Kemr digital radio is a broadcasting service for the jefferson county montana community to hear local news and broadcasts of local high school sports and events. Oregon has six distinct ranges, though the top five peaks in the state are in the cascade range. The stunning elkhorn crest national recreation trail takes a high ridge along the length of the elkhorn range past some of the highest peaks in oregon s blue mountains. Hike the elkhorn crest trail, marble pass trail head, elkhorn. Tallest mountain in oregon the armchair mountaineer. The lookout at the summit can be rented from november 15 through may 15, but requires snow travel and is a very difficult trip. Hiking central oregon this collection of hikes is listed from north to south, but the table may also be sorted alphabetically or by distance to help you pick your next hike. Guide to hiking the elkhorn mountains statesman journal. A backpackers guide to eastern oregons elkhorn crest trail. Jul 24, 2015 guide to hiking the elkhorn mountains. How controversial hunting regulations restored big bulls to the elkhorn mountains. Journey into the elkhorn mountains of eastern oregon zach urness, statesman journal published 12. Aug 02, 2015 this photo taken on july 9, 2015, shows a view of rock creek butte, the tallest peak, at 9, 106 feet, in the elkhorn mountains of eastern oregon west of baker city.
Elkhorn mountains travel and recreation map map january 1, 2002 see all formats and editions hide other formats and editions. He is the author of the book hiking southern oregon and can be. The stunning elkhorn crest national recreation trail takes a high ridge along the length of the elkhorn range past some of the highest peaks in oregons blue mountains. Ellen morris bishop visit tropical islands sequestered in the wallowa mountains, ancient volcanoes in the depths of hells canyon, and cascade valleys carved by glaciers towering far above your head. Enjoy conquering historic hiking trails or take on mount hood on skis for an experience not soon to be forgotten. The highest point in the range is rock creek butte, which is 9,106 feet 2,776 m above sea level. Elkhorn wildlife area visitors guide oregon department. The geology is notably different than the popular volcanic hikes found in the. There are at least 100 mountain goats that roam the area and its amazing to watch. Mountain biking on the elkhorn crest trail is becoming more and more popular. This chapter taken from the book 100 hikestravel guide. A 16 mile single track trail that traverses the ridgeline of the elkhorn mountain, through subalpine prairies and forests, with 360 degree views of baker valley and the wallowa mountains to the east and the blue mountains to the west. A scenic place to camp with alpine lake and rocky mountain peak views. Riding injuries put unnecessary stress on medical systems that need all available resources to fight the virus, and group rides increase your chances of exposure.
Ap heres a guide to almost all of the best easy, moderate and challenging hikes at anthony lake and the elkhorn mountains. This is a view of the elkhorn mountains from baker city, oregon. Eastern oregons elkhorn crest trail is a backpackers. A guide to hiking elkhorn mountains in eastern oregon outdoors. The complete guide to more than 490 hikes moon outdoors hill, sean patrick on. Boasting 28 campsites, olive lake campground includes access to 7 toilet facilities, hiking trails, scenic area trails, and a lake with a boat ramp, and. While dayhiking and backpacking are the most popular uses, the fastestgrowing activity on the elkhorn crest is mountain biking. W hether youre looking for a short and fitnessworthy hike, a day fishing trip, or a family trip, van patten lake vpl in the elkhorn mountains of oregon offers it all.
Exit the trail by hiking angell pass to the anthony lakes trailhead. Alpine trail in eastern oregon is a backpackers paradise originally published august 3, 2015 at 7. Guide to backpacking oregons elkhorn crest trail field mag. It is an inactive volcanic mountain range with the highest point being crow peak at 9,414 ft 2,869 m, right next to elkhorn peak. One of oregons most beautiful backpacking routes, the 22. A guide to hiking elkhorn mountains in eastern oregon. The elkhorn mountains have got to be the most underrated chain in oregon, with awesome high lakes, gorgeous glaciercarved valleys, and mountain goats dotting the high alpine ridges. The geology is notably different than the popular volcanic hikes found in the pacific northwest. These are the elkhorns, the highest among several uplifts. For the peakbaggers out there, the elkhorns contain of. Water sources and flat campsites are limited along on the trail, so it is a good idea to plan on visiting the many lakes along the way. Digital versions of sullivans books are now available from amazon kindle for 9. The elkhorn crest trail follows the granite spine of the elkhorn range, a range of the blue mountains found in northeastern oregon. The lake is accessed by a trail just short of 3 miles in distance, and ft.
In between exciting jefferson high school panther events, kemr brings you great entertainment with interesting music and old time radio theater. From prairie to alpine, mayflies to mountain goats, and scenic driving to tortuous climbing routes. In the late 1800s, baker city was dubbed the queen city of the mines. Ap heres a guide to almost all of the best easy, moderate and challenging hikes at anthony lake and the elkhorn. Jul 24, 2015 journey into the elkhorn mountains of eastern oregon. There are at least 50 named mountain ranges in the u. The byway follows or7 through ranchlands, turning west along the powder river. Elkhorn crest trail in northeast oregon is a unique pathway the. Most of oregon s highest peaks are in the blue and wallowa mountains in the northeast corner of the state, rather than in the more familiar cascade range.
Ive hiked extensively in the elkhorn mountains, which are a few miles southeast of town. Sahale mountain is what it says on the map but most call it sahale peak. Explore a magnificent recreation and wildlife resource at the doorstep of helena, montanas capital city. With more than 104 elkhorn trails covering 1049 miles, youre bound to find a perfect trail like the lower yahara river trail or new berlin recreation trail. The elkhorn mountains are a mountain range in southwestern montana, part of the rocky mountains and are roughly 300,000 acres 1200 km. Elkhorn crest trail is certainly one of the most scenic trails ive ever been to, i will. The nearest weather station for both precipitation and temperature measurements is mason which is approximately 17 miles away and has an elevation of 3,900 feet 3,544 feet lower than elkhorn mountains.
The elkhorn crest contours below rock creek butte about a mile west of the junction with twin lakes trail. This photo taken on july 6, 2015, shows the hoffer lakes, which are a one mile hike from anthony lake in the elkhorn mountains of eastern oregon west. Aug 10, 2016 we started our ascent up to the elkhorn crest national scenic trail, with no real goals in mind. Just a generation ago, a hunter would have been hardpressed to find a mature male elk in the elkhorn mountains.
They are one of the most diverse and interesting landscapes in northeast oregon with glaciated alpine mountains, dramatic river canyons and remote roadless areas yet most hiking activity is confined to just two sites. Elkhorn mountains is a mountain in montana and has an elevation of 4944 feet. From marble pass until summit lake, the ancient red and black rock is interspersed with a type of quartz called chert that, according to oregon geologist ellen morris bishop, is composed from the skeletons of single. This guide is written and maintained by hikers from the oregon hikers forum, and is a place to learn about great hikes and destinations our beautiful region from the people who know the area best. We were supposed to hike 10 miles back to the anthony lakeelkhorn crest trail head and be done. Rock creek butte 9,106 ft and elkhorn peak 8,931 ft. Sullivan is the author of 18 books about oregon and many articles, including monthly oregon trails columns for the eugene and salem newspapers. The high point of the elkhorn range, 9,106foot high rock creek butte, is also the high point of the blue mountains in oregon. Elkhorn crest hike hiking in portland, oregon and washington.
Below are weather averages from 1971 to 2000 according to data gathered from the nearest official weather station. It threads through the basalt blue canyon and enters the wallowawhitman national forest, where grasslands and juniper hills give way to ponderosa pine forest the powder rivers mason dam forms 2,235acre phillips lake, a popular spot for boating, fishing and waterfront. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. It is the highest point in the elkhorn mountains at 9106 you can summit but we didnt, opting to continue on the crest trail. Theyre an island range, and run about 30 miles northsouth, with the tallest peaks at around 9,400. Elkhorn crest trail mountain biking trail baker city. Journey into the elkhorn mountains of eastern oregon. The elkhorn mountains are partly within the wallowawhitman national forest and the north fork john day wilderness see also. Living in helena, mt, presents a wealth of hiking options. Elkhorn mountain is a dramatic summit rising out of the elk river valley in the northern sector of strathcona provincial park, vancouver island, british columbia. Shop for washington and oregon hiking guidebooks at rei free shipping on all orders. The elkhorn crest trail tightropes across the elkhorn range of.
After traveling through the high deserts and sagebrush country east of the cascade range, some alpine scenery was a welcomed change. The trail itself is a 23mile oneway backpack, but the two highest peaks in the range, rock creek butte and elkhorn peak can be reached in a day hike. A jagged line of mountains looks like so many sharks teeth west of interstate 84 in eastern oregon, between baker city and north powder. All this sits within view of i84 near the baker city, and most folks just drive on by, missing some stunning scenery and an excellent chance at seeing. Elkhorn mountains is covered by the bourne, or us topo map quadrant. Hike the elkhorn crest trail, marble pass trail head.
Yes, more famous strawberry mountain is only second highest in the blues. Abert rim, hells canyon, elkhorn mountains, and three fingered jack. Elkhorn mountains is a mountain in oregon and has an elevation of 7425 feet. The elkhorn mountains are partly within the wallowawhitman national forest and the north fork john day wilderness. Twin lakes and the elkhorn crest national scenic trail trip.
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