Contact Info
3285 11th St.
PO Box 947
Baker City, OR 97814
- Phone:
- 541-523-4476
Basics
- Length:
- 2.6 miles
- Difficulty:
- Difficult
- Time:
- 2.5 - 3.5 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 6160 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 6160 feet to 7700 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 1540 feet
- Usage:
- Moderate
- Season:
- Summer to Fall
Description
The North Powder River Trail, which is actually an old wagon road, provides access to the headwaters of the river, the Elkhorn Crest Trail and the Lost Lake Trail. The first mile contours up along the northwest slope above the river, beneath large trees and across open sagebrush and grass-covered slopes. The upper half of this portion passes a boulder-filled stream bed. Beyond the Lost Lake Trail junction (1621) the road improves somewhat continuing up toward the crest. The trail crosses a number of seasonally wet meadows and spruce/fir-covered benches with wide-ranging views of the entire river drainage. Campsites are plentiful in these upper benches and meadows.
Restrictions: Motor vehicles under 40" wide only from the end of North Powder River Road.The North Powder trail junctions with other trails that are not open to motorized use.
Details
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Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Primary access is by way of the North Powder River Road #7301. Take U.S. Highway 30 from Baker City to Haines. Turn west on County Road 1146, following the Elkhorn Drive Byway. Turn on the Muddy Creek Road then right (north) at the junction with County Road 1144. From there take County Road 566 (Bulger Flat) which turns into Forest Road 7301 (this road is suitable for 4-wheel drive vehicles only) to the trailhead at the end (25 miles from Baker City). Beyond this point, only motor vehicles under 40" wide are allowed.
This trail may also be reached by taking Forest Road 5505 north out of Bourne to Cracker Saddle (44 miles from Baker City).
