The Baneberry Trail #812 is a short loop trail that climbs through forest and has a number of interpretive signs that provide information about the historical mining activities of the area as well as ecological information. There is a diverse flora of meadow and forest floor plant species, enough so that one can spend several hours at this location. An old road continues downhill toward historic mining buildings from near the begining of the loop trail.
This trail is accessed from the trailhead on FS Road 4205. The first third of a mile, one hikes an old road to the beginning of the Baneberry Trail, which is a path through the woods and past small meadows and riparian areas. The trail is a loop with several interpretive signs and benches along the route. The full roundtrip distance from the parking area is about a mile and a quarter. Elevation gain is about 150-200' with the high point near 5950'.
From Prineville, drive east on US Highway 26 for about 13 miles. Turn right onto Crook County Road 123 (signed for Walton Lake) at the beginning of the steeper grade as US 26 begins climbing to the Ochoco Summit. Drive east along County Road 123 for about 7 miles, passing a small rest area (and interpretive site with a vault toilet) at about 6.5 miles. At the Y, stay right onto FS Road 42. Continue on FS Road 42 as it winds uphill to the east for about 7 miles (watch for horses or game on the roads). Road 42 reaches the crest of a pass at 7 miles where you will veer right onto a primitive dirt road (FS Rd 4205). Drive uphill for a mile to the signed trailhead on the left. There is a side road to the left where several vehicles may be parked.
AWD passenger vehicles will have no problems accessing the trailhead. Low-slung 2WD vehicles might have difficulty if heavily loaded.
There are no developed facillities at this trailhead although the flats opposite the trailhead are used occasionally as a primitive campsite.
July 10, 2017: Baneberry Trail #812 (Ochoco National Forest)