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

Every March I lead this off-trail adventure, and after we hiked 6.4 miles in 2020, it was my last Mazamas lead for five months. This time we will adhere to Mazamas' Covid19 policies; see the next paragraph. What hasn't changed is that half of this hike is off-trail. This means boots and poles are required, and I seek folks with experience traversing steep dirt, grass, and rocks. The Cottonwood Canyon area is spectacular, but this should be no one's first hike of 2021!

Please note that the Mazamas are adhering to all state and local regulations in offering our activities. Review our policies here: mazamas.org/covid19. You will be required to wear a mask within 6-ft of another person and to always have a mask at the ready in case we pass by others on the trail. We actively discourage carpooling at this time. If you are sick, you are asked to stay home.

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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