(Trails #212 & #216)

Leader: Jean Wood (Now the forest botanist for the Umatilla NF, was a district botanist for the Malheur NF for 4 years)

The Fields Peak trail climbs approximately 2000 feet in just under 3 miles, from mixed conifer forest to open, subalpine ridges. Near the top, mt. mahogany and subalpine fir communities alternate with high meadows where bunchgrasses mix with lupines, castillejas, balsamroot, columbines, and erigerons. Luina serpentina is a local endemic with a very narrow range in the Aldrich Mountains. We will see it on our drive to the trailhead, along with masses of Philadelphus lewisii (which should be in bloom in June). The trail is moderate to difficult, and driving time from John Day is about one hour paved and gravel roads.

Access: From John Day, travel west on US Highway 26 for approximately 18 miles to Forest Service Road (FSR) 21. Drive south on Forest Service Road 21 for approximately 8 miles to Forest Service Road 2100115. There will be a sign along the road indicating the direction to McClellan Trailhead. Drive east on Forest Service Road 2100115 for 1/4 mile to Forest Service Road 2160. Drive south on Forest Service Road 2160 for a short distance to Forest Service Road 2160041. Continue driving south on Forest Service Road 2160041 to the trailhead. Parking is available to several passenger vehicles and stock trailers. The elevation variation is 5600'-7400'. Round trip trail mileage is 8-11 miles (if hiked to McClelland Mt.).

May 26, 2002 FS Rd #21 at the northern boundary (beneath Horseshoe Butte)