Malheur and Umatilla National Forests
The 25,000 acre Vinegar Hill-Indian Rock Scenic Area is a 10 mile long ridgeline which makes up the summit of the Greenhorn Range in the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon. The range gets its name from the large monolith to the east of Vinegar Hill which is composed of green serpentine. Outcrops of serpentine, rhyolite, basalt, granite, and shale can be seen. Agates can also be found onsome of the rocky slopes. Because of the metamorphic nature of the range, numerous old mines can be found across the area. Several trails crisscross the scenic area with Trail 251 staying largely to the crest of the Greenhorn Range between Vinegar Hill (8100') on the east and Indian Rock on the west.
Both peaks afford great 350 degree views. The Aldrich and Strawberry Mountains can be seen to the south, Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson are visible to the west, while the Elkhorn Mountains can be seen nearby to the east. The lookout atop Vinegar Hill was demolished in 1971 the lookout atop Indian Rock is currently used. The upper slopes of the ridge are largely open and are filled with wildflowers in the meadows and rockier slopes. Many of the wildflower species found west of the Rock Mts can be be found in the region. Also look for numerous elk and mule deer and the occasional mountain goat as well as upland game birds.
Although the south-vacing slopes of the upper ridgeline should become snow free by early- to mid-June most years, the area probably isn't accessible until late June to early July due to downed trees or snow patches across the access roads.
Drive east from John Day, OR for approximately 30 miles. At Austin Junction, turn left (north) onto Oregon State Highway 7 for about one mile, then left (northwest) onto Grant County Road 20 (Middle Fork Road). Drive west for about 13 miles on this paved highway before turning right (north) onto FS Rd 45. Follow FS Rd 45 uphill 10 miles to the western boundary of the scenic area, eventually reaching FS Rd 45.537. Turn right (east) and drive to the lookout atop Indian Rock or Head O Boulder Camp, a distance of about 2 miles. The road should be passable for low-slung passenger vehicles, but contact the Malheur National Forest offices to determine the current road conditions (especially early in season). Camping, pit toilets and water are available at Head O Boulder Camp.
Access for Vinegar Hill:
Drive east from John Day, OR for approximately 30 miles. At Austin Junction, turn left (north) onto Oregon State Highway 7 for about one mile, then left (northwest) onto Grant County Road 20 (Middle Fork Road). Drive west for about 2 miles then turn right (north) onto gravelled FS Rd 2010 (Vincent Creek Road). This road is generally maintained for about 7 miles. After that point, the road becomes much rougher. It is recommended that passenger vehicles park at this point. From the end of the maintained road the distance by 4WD road to the summit is about 6 miles. For backpackers, there are several hunting camps that can be used along the 4WD road near Black Butte. Water is available from seeps next to the road at Camp Simms. Contact the Malheur National Forest offices to determine the current road conditions (especially early in season).
Additonal Access Routes:
Black Eye Trailhead: Drive west about 8 miles on the Middle Fork Road (Grant County Rd 20) and turn north onto FS Rd 4550. After about 2.5 miles, turn right onto FS Rd 4559 and follow 3 miles it to the trailhead. The trailhead is undeveloped and parking is limited. Turning a stock trailer would be impossible here. The trailhead provides access to Trails 243 and 256.
Sunrise Butte Trailhead: From the Middle Fork Road (Grant County Rd 20), drive north on FS Rd 4550. After a mile and a half, keep left at the junction with FS Rd 4559, staying on FS Rd 4550. After about 2.5 miles, turn right (north) on FS Rd 4555. Proceed uphill on this road to the trailhead near the Stalter Mine. The trailhead provides access to Trail 255.
Trailhead for Trail 242: From the Middle Fork Road (Grant County Rd 20), drive north on FS Rd 4550. After a mile and a half, keep left at the junction with FS Rd 4559, staying on FS Rd 4550. After about 2.5 miles, continue straight at the junction with FS Rd 4555. Continue on FS Rd 4550 which winds for several more miles. Immediately after crossing Badger Creek, turn right (north) onto spur road 4550.749 and drive uphill about 2 more miles to the trailhead. An alternate access route for this trailhead would be to continue west on Grant County Rd 20 and turn right (north) onto FS Rd 45. After about 3 miles, turn right at Coyote Meadows onto FS Rd 4550. This road winds eastward for about 3 miles to the junction with spur road FS Rd 4550.749.
Trail #242: This is a short access trail (about 1-2 miles in length) which climbs from the trailhead to reach the Squaw Trail #251 several miles to the south east of Indian Rock. I don't have any other information about the trail at this time, so check with one of the Malheur National Forest offices before you attempt this one.
Blackeye Trail #243: This trail travels in a generally west to east direction for 2.4 miles (one way) across the middle slopes of the Greenhorn Mts just uphill from the southern boundary for the Vinegar Hill-Table Rock Scenic Area. Elevation ranges from 5600-6400'. The trail stretches between FS Rd 4559 in the west and FS Rd 2010.219 in the east. The trailhead at FS Rd 4559 may give closer access to Vinegar Hill for hikers with regular passenger vehicles who find the upper sections of FS Rd 2010 too daunting.
Accessible from late June to October, use is very light during the summer and higher during the fall hunting season. Hiking, mountain biking and horse use are allowed while ATVs are prohibited. The trail is a good one for seeing a wide variety of mammals and birds as well as numerous wildflowers.
Squaw Trail #251: The trail is also known as the Princess Trail. Accessed from about one mile west of the summit of Vinegar Hill or from the summit of Indian Rock. The trail travels about 9.3 miles between the two peaks, roughly following the crest of the Greenhorn Mts. The trail can be done as a moderate day hike (out and back as far as you can safely go) from either trailhead or a more difficult back packing trip combined with numerous opportunities for off trail hiking along open slopes. The elevation ranges from about 7000-7400'. The trail should be useable from late June to October. Hiking, horse use and mountain biking are allowed activities. ATVs are prohibited.
This is a very scenic hike, especially when combined with a visit to one of the high peaks at either end. The ridgeline is mostly grassy to rocky, open alpine and subalpine slopes. Views southward should include a good look into the upper Middle Fork John Day River basin as well as good view of the Strawberry and Aldrich Ranges about 45 miles away. The open slopes should have a good variety of wildflowers as should the riparian habitats of the occasional streams that run through the area.
Tempest Mine Trail #256: This trail follows an old (closed) road bed northward along Granite Boulder Creek to the old Tempest Mine. The trail is 3.5 miles long (one way), beginning at about 5200' and climbing to near 7000'. Accessible from late May to November, use on this moderate trail is light for most of the summer but heavier during the fall hunting season. Hiking, horse use and mountain bikes are allowed while ATVs are prohibited.
The Tempest Mine Trail is quite photogenic and offers a view of wildflower slopes and possible sightings of many bird and mammal species.
South Fork Desolation #3001 (Umatilla National Forest): This trail runs in a generally northwest southwest direction between FS Rd 45 to the west to the Squal Trail #251 in the east, several miles west of Vinegar Hill. The trail follows the upper course of South Fork Desolation Creek, passing numerous meadows for much of its 8.1 mile length and ranges in elevation from 5100-7400'. The trail is a moderate day hike (out and back as far as you want) or can be a more difficult back packing trip.
To reach the trailhead, follow FS Rd 10 east from US Highway 395 near Dale, OR for about 22 miles. then head south on FS Rd 45for about one-quarter of a mile to the trailhead. Parking and dispersed camping are available near the trailhead. A Northwest Forest Pass is required at the trailhead.
Desolation Meadows - Wetland wildflower viewing
Trail #3012 - Travels north from Indian Rock (7353') to Jump Off Joe Camp (6500').
Trail #3020 - Travels south from FS Rd 10 at the Desolation Forest Service Station to Trail #6141. The trail passes through Desolation Meadows and passes closely to the north of Lost Lake. The upper end of the trail crosses the end of FS Spur Rd 10.400 which would give closer access to the ridgeline in the middle of Trail #6141.
Trail #6141 - Follows a ridgeline from FS Rd 45 to the Squaw Trail #251. It skirts the western boundary of the southern unit of the North Fork John Day Wilderness.
Olive Lake Campground: 6000'. Has 11 tent sites and 3 tent/trailer sites. No water is available. The site has access to the trailhead for Trail #3035 which ascends to Trail #6141 along the western boundary of the southern unit of the North Fork John Day Wilderness.