Adventure Hike: Criterion Ranch Loop

Activity Notes

*Note: moved from Sunday, April 12 due to leader illness.

Looking for a fantastic spring adventure? Join hike leader Matt Reeder for a long loop up, over, and through the Criterion Tract south of Maupin. This is one of Oregon's finest hikes, but requires navigation skills and some easy off-trail travel. On clear days you can see from Mount Adams to the Three Sisters and look down into the deep, serpentine canyon of the Deschutes River. With any luck, the wildflowers in this canyon will be at peak, and the leader will point out as many as he can. Matt has done this hike many times and knows the area very well, and he's looking forward to sharing it with his fellow hikers. 

Do not sign up for this hike unless you have the stamina to hike 13 miles across a wide variety of trails and terrains and are comfortable with navigating off-trail at times. Also plan on a very long drive - the trailhead is more than 2 hours from Portland. 

• Hike: 13 mile loop, 1,900 feet elevation gain. 
• Drive: 236 miles round-trip (2 hours and 20 minutes via either The Dalles or Mount Hood). Carpooling from Portland is possible. 
• Meet at the public bathroom and small parking lot across from the grocery store in Maupin at 8:30 AM, or at the trailhead at 8:50 AM. We will be on the trail by 9:00 at the latest. 
• Plan on an extremely long day, and expect to be home after dark. 
• There are several small campgrounds on the Deschutes River near the trailhead if you'd like to camp.