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Governor Kulongoski's Recommended Hikes
Eastern Oregon
Saddle Creek
 
Directions: Take State Highway #350 from Joseph, OR approximately 30 miles to Imnaha. At the town of Imnaha, turn right onto County road #727 and travel approximately 12 miles to Forest Road #4230 and travel 3 miles to the Freezeout Trailhead.
Length: 10.7 miles
The Hike: From Freezeout Saddle this trail affords you excellent views of Hells Canyon and the Seven Devils Mountains. In the early spring, many wildflowers may be seen along the trail. The trail offers an opportunity to view both elk and deer, as well as other kinds of wildlife.
 
 
 
 
Imnaha River Trail
 
Directions: Take State Highway #350 from Joseph, OR approximately 30 miles to Imnaha. At the town of Imnaha, turn left onto paved County Road #735, which turns into a steep, narrow dirt road, Forest Road #4260. This road is a one-lane, rough, rugged road and is slippery when wet. High clearance vehicles are recommended, but passenger cars could travel this road under dry conditions. Cow Creek Bridge is approximately 14 miles from the beginning of the dirt surface. The trailhead is located on the left side of the road as you approach the Cow Creek Bridge.
Length: 5 miles
The Hike: The lower Imnaha River is dramatic with its steep, jagged canyon and white water. Remnants of an old mining town from the late 1800s and early 1900s are still visible at Eureka Bar/Mountain Chief complex, near the mouth of the Imnaha River. This trail also offers excellent wildlife viewings: keep an eye out for the bighorn sheep that reside in the area.
 
 
 
 
Nee-Me-Poo National Historic Trail
 
Directions: Take State Highway 350 from Joseph, OR approximately 30 miles to Imnaha. At the town of Imnaha, turn left onto the paved County Road #735 which turns into a steep, narrow dirt road, Forest Road #4260. This road is a rough, rugged road and is slippery when wet. High clearance vehicles are recommended, however passenger cars could travel this road under dry conditions. The trailhead is approximately 25 miles from the beginning of the dirt road. There is limited parking and no facilities available at the trailhead until you reach Dug Bar.
Length: 5 miles
The Hike: Hikers have an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Chief Joseph and his people. The view from Lone Pine Saddle of the Snake River Canyon and the Imnaha River drainage is outstanding, adding a dimension of space and beauty for hikers. The trail offers an opportunity to view elk, deer, and bighorn sheep, as well as other kinds of wildlife.
 
 
 
 
Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge
 
Directions: From Lakeview, where complex office is located in the Post Office Building, US-395 north, right on OR-140 east for 19 miles, left at refuge sign through Plush, and right at sign to refuge. (The view of Warner Valley on the road up the mountain escarpment is quite dramatic).
Length: Varies
The Hike: The trails through Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge are not maintained, but exploring them can make for a fun afternoon. The refuge is home to antelope and sage grouse (among other creatures) and some of the views are stunning.
 
 
 
 
Bowman Trail
 
Directions: From State Highway #82 in Lostine go south on the Lostine River Road #8210. The trailhead is located 14 miles south of the junction with State Highway #82. The first 6 miles are paved and the last 7 miles are graveled.
Length: 7.4 miles
The Hike: This route provides access to Chimney, Hobo, Laverty and Wood lakes, as well as Brownie Basin and North Minam Meadows.
 
 
 
 
Strawberry Lake
 
Directions: From Downtown Prairie City, Oregon, Head south southeast on County road 60 for 11.5 mile to the Strawberry Campground. There is a large sign marking the trailhead parking spot on the right and across the road from the campground. Trail #375 starts at the end of the road.
Length: 3 miles
The Hike: Beautiful Strawberry Lake sits at the base of Strawberry Mountain. This trail takes you to the lake itself then loops around it.
 
 
 
 
Ice Lake
 
Directions: From Enterprise, Oregon take State Highway #82 through Joseph and past Wallowa Lake. The trailhead is at the end of the road, approximately one mile past the lake.
Length: 7.9 miles
The Hike: This trail offers a spectacular view of the Matterhorn, Hurwal Divide, and Craig Mountain. The first mile of #1820 trail is fairly steep, taking in a series of switchbacks. At the top of the hill, take a look back for a wonderful view of Wallowa Lake and the valley.
 
 
 
 
Red Mountain Lake Trail
 
Directions: From Baker City, take U.S. Highway 30 from Baker City to Haines. Turn west on County Road 1146, following the Elkhorn Scenic Byway. Turn on the Muddy Creek Road and right (north) at the junction with County Road 1144 (Foothill Road).   From there take County Road 566 (Bulger Flat) west, which turns into Forest Road 7301 (this road is suitable for 4-wheel drive vehicles only). The trailhead is on the left side of the road (24 miles from Baker City).
Length: 1.3 miles
The Hike: The trail climbs through a dense spruce, larch, and fir forest on the southeast slope above the North Powder River. An occasional break in the trees displays views to the timbered slopes along the north and main forks of the river. The lake lies beneath the sheer walls of Red Mountain.
 
 

 
 
Anthony Lake
 
Directions: From Baker City, Oregon, take U.S. Highway 30 to Haines, turn west on County Road 1146, follow the Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway signs to Anthony Lakes (32 miles). Start at Anthony Lake Guard Station. There are parking areas at several points around the lake.
Length: 1 mile
The Hike: The mile-long graveled loop trail around the lake follows the shoreline, offering an easy lake front walk to visitors of all ages and walking abilities. The peaceful setting features a picnic area, gazebo and historic rock fireplaces built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Hiking Around Oregon

Oregon Coast
Southern Oregon
Eastern Oregon
Crater Lake and the Rogue River Valley
Umpqua River Area
Willamette Pass
McKenzie River Area
Santiam Pass
Central Oregon
Molalla River Area
Willamette Valley
Mt. Hood Area
Columbia River Gorge
 
Page updated: October 22, 2006

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