Not for novice hikers! This loop hike at Oregon’s second-largest state park, two hours east of Portland, involves off-trail scrambling, descending a steep ravine, traversing angled slopes, straddling basalt boulders, and the like. Be tick-safe, rattlesnake-aware, and wind-ready. For our efforts, we’ll see bighorn sheep, windmills, and lots of John Day River geology. 

Activity Notes

Gooseneck Loop starts out on a short easy trail, but very soon we'll be on rocky terrain, off-trail. There are few route-finding issues since I've done this hike so many times and we may find part of the route well-marked. But the interesting part is always choosing a path down to the Pinnacles Trail, which will be our return route. 

Everyone who does this hike needs hiking boots and also experience scrambling in varied terrain. Poles are highly recommended.

This is the first of two eastern Oregon hikes I'm leading that weekend. If you plan to sign up for both, please see the leader notes for camping information. 

Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 122 miles
Driving Time from Portland 2 hours
Distance - Round Trip 8 miles
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
Interesting Features Basalt Columns, Spectacular Views
Relevant Books PDX Hiking 365
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