For the best of both Oregon worlds, beat a hasty retreat to Bend, a central city home to a culturally-oriented community and close to ski slopes, raftable river, ragged mountains, golf courses, top climbing spots and peaceful forest.
The area is signed. Limited parking, toilets, and maintained Campground is located near the trailhead. The 23 miles of trial follows the river near the bottom of the North Fork drainage.
The trail, located in the North Fork John Day Wilderness, is popular for its fishing, hunting, hiking, and pack saddle recreational opportunities. Closed to all motorized and mechanized equipment, including mountain bikes and carts. Trailpark Pass required at the trailhead, and camping fee pass required in campground.
Details
Length:
22.9 miles
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Time:
Multi-Day
Trailhead Elevation:
5200
Elevation Range:
3350 feet to 5200
Elevation Change:
-1850
Usage:
Moderate
Season:
Spring to Fall
Useful Map(s):
USGS: Desolation Butte SW
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
From Ukiah, head southeast on Forest Road No. 52 approx. 40 miles to the North Fork John Day Campground.
Southwest OregonEugene is a sleepy town known for its laid back culture. It is close to the famous Oregon Coast as well and home to several world-class wineries. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Oregon's Mt Hood Territory Northern Oregon
Oregon's Mt Hood Territory
Northern OregonFrom majestic Mount Hood to the green and sprawling Willamette Valley, Oregon's Mount Hood Territory is a place to be explored. Enjoy conquering historic hiking trails or take on Mount Hood on skis for an experience not soon to be forgotten. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Baker County Eastern
Baker County
EasternBaker County is your Base Camp for experiencing Eastern Oregon. Base Camp Baker answers the question: "what is there to do in Baker County?" If you're in the market for a little time away from it all, we invite you to visit Baker County, Oregon, where Our History is Your Story! Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Corvallis Willamette Valley
Corvallis
Willamette ValleyWhile traveling to Oregon be sure and stop by Corvallis in the very heart of the Willamette Valley, near great outdoor recreation and within 90 miles of Portland and the Oregon Coast. Come enjoy great cuisine and fine local wine, listen to some live music, browse the farmers market, or stroll one of our many beautiful parks. Corvallis is a place made different, come visit us. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Specialty Guides
Holiday River Expeditions Utah, Colorado and Idaho
Holiday River Expeditions
Utah, Colorado and IdahoOur rafting journeys include the Colorado, Green, San Juan, Yampa and Salmon River. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have the following visitor guides in Oregon. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive.
Eugene, Cascades & Coast Southwest Oregon
Eugene, Cascades & Coast
Southwest OregonEugene is a sleepy town known for its laid back culture. It is close to the famous Oregon Coast as well and home to several world-class wineries. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Oregon's Mt Hood Territory Northern Oregon
Oregon's Mt Hood Territory
Northern OregonFrom majestic Mount Hood to the green and sprawling Willamette Valley, Oregon's Mount Hood Territory is a place to be explored. Enjoy conquering historic hiking trails or take on Mount Hood on skis for an experience not soon to be forgotten. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Baker County Eastern
Baker County
EasternBaker County is your Base Camp for experiencing Eastern Oregon. Base Camp Baker answers the question: "what is there to do in Baker County?" If you're in the market for a little time away from it all, we invite you to visit Baker County, Oregon, where Our History is Your Story! Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Corvallis Willamette Valley
Corvallis
Willamette ValleyWhile traveling to Oregon be sure and stop by Corvallis in the very heart of the Willamette Valley, near great outdoor recreation and within 90 miles of Portland and the Oregon Coast. Come enjoy great cuisine and fine local wine, listen to some live music, browse the farmers market, or stroll one of our many beautiful parks. Corvallis is a place made different, come visit us. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Specialty Guides
Holiday River Expeditions Utah, Colorado and Idaho
Holiday River Expeditions
Utah, Colorado and IdahoOur rafting journeys include the Colorado, Green, San Juan, Yampa and Salmon River. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. Click on any state to see what's available.
Alaska
Arizona
California
Canada
Colorado
Idaho
Michigan
Montana
Nevada
New Mexico
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Texas
Utah
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