This is an B level Mazama Hike that occurs in a non-wilderness area. B level hikes are moderate or more challenging hikes with either less than 15 miles in distance with between 1,500 and 3,000 feet elevation gain or between 8 and 15 miles in distance with less than 1,500 feet of elevation gain.

Please check out the details tab to learn more about this specific hike, including the route name and meeting location.

Activity Notes

This gentle hike traces a stretch of the John Day River passing through Cottonwood Canyon State Park. We will hike out and back along a former ranch road, through sagebrush flats, to an old cattle corral nestled beneath columnar basalt cliffs.   9 miles, 100 feet elevation,  250 drive miles.

Meet at the trailhead at J.S. Burres State Wayside.

Driving directions to the trailhead: Take I-84 east to Exit 104. Take Highway 97 south toward Bend. Drive 7.5 miles and turn left onto old Highway 97 toward Wasco. Go 1.8 miles into Wasco, and make a right on Clark Street. In 0.2 miles, turn left for Highway 206E, toward Condon, and Cottonwood Canyon State Park. Continue for 15 miles, descending into Cottonwood Canyon, and crossing the John Day River, before turning left into the large gravel parking lot of  J.S. Burres State Wayside.

Please be sure to pack a facemask and to review the Mazama COVID policies.

Other Information
General Route Info Will vary based on route chosen. Check the Activity & Leader Notes.
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