Strawberry Mountain Wilderness

Sheep Rock is a serpentine exposure between Baldy Mtn. and Strawberry Mtn.(3.2 mi. up; 6.4 mi. rt., moderately strenuous). This trail leads through alpine meadows and wild onion fields in the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness. Good views of the western face of Strawberry Mountain are available. Water might be limited along the trail (so carry plenty) which is very steep at the lower end. Variations in elevation on the trail are 4600'-7200'. This trail passes through a variety of habitats (scabland, mature ponderosa pine with pinegrass, curl-leaf mtn. mahagony with Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass, including the edge of the Wildcat Fire, which provides an opportunity to see naturally recovering vegetation following wildfire in a wilderness setting. The trailhead is a relatively short drive from John Day (30 min.)

Trail Length: 6.4 miles, one way to Trail #364A (about 2 miles one way to Sheep Rock).

Elevation: 4600-7200'

Rating: Difficult

Season: June to November

Allowed Activities: Hiking and horse use. ATVs and mountain bikes prohibited.

Use: Light

Take US Highway 26 east from John Day to Indian Creek Road (County road 55). Follow County road 55 south about 3 miles, then County road 71 about 2 miles and Forest Service road 7101 about 3 miles. Passenger cars are fine on this improved gravel road although a couple sections might be a bit lumpy. Parking is limited at the trailhead. The trail begins on the right hand side of the road, just past the Forest Service boundary at the left hand curve.

The trail climbs steadily through much of its length. The trail climbs at first through open forest just below the open east-faing slopes of Sheep Rock. Look for possible routes to climb cross country over the rocky slope to the summit of Sheep Rock (6300'). Good views west to Baldy Mt. and east to Strawberry Mt. are afforded from the top of Sheep Rock. Where the trail crosses Sheep Creek at about 1.5 miles, consider walking uphill along the water course to an area of seeps to look for wetland plants.

Much of the remainder of the hike crosses wooded slopes on the west side of Strawberry Mt. Several small streams may need to be crossed with the last two, East Fork Indian Creek and Indian Creek perhaps the largest to cross. The climb up to the junction with Trail 364A from Indian Creek may be difficult early in season due to snow patches holding on late on the north-facing slope. This should be considered a full day hike for most hikers.

Hike east along 364A to Trail 201 and then north to the Strawberry Mt. Summit on Trail 368 for a very long day hike, or one could make a loop hike to Wildcat Basin by using Trails 364A and 201 before returning back to the trailhead.