Contact Info
3285 11th St.
PO Box 947
Baker City, OR 97814
- Phone:
- 541-523-4476
Basics
- Length:
- 3.5 miles
- Difficulty:
- Difficult
- Time:
- 3 - 4 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 5800 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 5800 feet to 7680 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 1880 feet
- Usage:
- Moderate
- Season:
- Summer to Fall
Description
The steep and strenuous trail No. 1626 provides an especially varied and scenic route to the heart of the Elkhorn range climbing through a forested slope in the first two miles and then skirting the eastern edge of Rock Creek basin. Two large meadows interspersed with spruce/fir bogs fill this basin, providing ample campsite areas. Views of the basin and the West Fork Rock Creek drainage are displayed from the upper section of the trail. A smaller, seasonally wet meadow marks the approach to Rock Creek Lake.
The lake lies in a talus basin beneath Rock Creek Butte (9,105') and Spirit Rock. Snow pockets remain year-round on the southeast side of the lake.
Restrictions: Closed to all motorized vehicle use.
Details
Length:
Difficulty:
Time:
Trailhead Elevation:
Elevation Range:
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Map + Directions
Basic Directions
From Baker City, Oregon, take U.S. Highway 30 to Haines, turn west on County Road 1146. 1 ½ miles out of Haines, take a left on County Road 552 and follow it to the right (west). About 4 miles after the pavement ends, it turns into Forest Road 5520. Take the 5520-100 road to the right and across the bridge. Stay left on the 100 road. The trailhead is 23 miles from Baker City. The last 4 miles of the road are recommended for 4-wheel drive vehicles only.
