AYM: Cottonwood Canyon / Gooseneck Ridge Loop

Activity Notes

One of Oregon?s great adventures takes hikers up and over Cottonwood Canyon, where you will be greeted with views of the surrounding canyonlands, farms and wind turbines. It?s a long drive from Portland but this hike is worth it. We?ll make a mostly-off trail loop up and over Gooseneck Ridge on the west slopes of Cottonwood Canyon, before returning along the Pinnacles Trail that follows the John Day River. The off-trail part of this hike is mostly easy with one difficult spot in the middle where hikers must cross a steep ravine. Expect epic views, early spring wildflowers, wildlife and few people ? but also bracing winds, steep slopes and a very long day. Hike: 8.8 miles, 1,800 feet elevation gain. Drive: 240 miles round-trip.  $2 for members, $4 for non-members. Meet at Gateway Transit Center at 7:30AM.