Monument Rock Wilderness
Malheur N.F.
View south across Rock Cr. to Monument Rock
on the right horizon. Photographed July 6, 2002. Plants in view include spurred
lupine, blue stickseed, and Oregon sunshine.
The Monument Rock Wilderness is a 31 square mile wilderness located
about 26 miles to the southeast of John Day, OR. Monument Rock, Bullrun Rock,
and Table Rock are part of a broad plateau covered with a mix of habitats, including
rabbitrush, some conifer (the area was burned several years ago), and good stands
of riparian habitat, including quaking aspen. The lookout atop Table Mt. includes
good 360¾ views of the area and is a good spot to begin a trip to this wilderness.
Descending back down the rough access road to the lookout, park about 1/2 mile
below the lookout at a prominent switchback in the road. An old dirt road travels
about 2 miles south through the wilderness to Bullrun Rock. Bushwhacking about
a mile to the southwest leads to Monument Rock, which is topped by an old rock
cairn, which was perhaps built by early sheepherders. Springs at the heads of
Bullrun Creek and Rock Creek provide water in spring and fall. The riparian areas
of these 2 streams provide an interesting set of plants in contrast to the more
arid selection of plants in the surrounding area.
A view north from Monument Rock to Lookout Mt. (at center).
Photographed July 6, 2002.
Access:
The wilderness may be accessed from US Highway 26 by turning
south in downtown Prairie City at a sign for Depot Park. After 0.4 miles, turn
left at a stop sign and continue on what becomes County Road 62. After about
8 miles, turn left onto FS Rd #13. Continue on this paved road for about 11.5
miles until an intersection with FS Rd #1370 (gravel) is reached. Turn left
(east) onto Rd #1370. After about 4.4 miles, turn left to remain on Rd #1370.
After another 1.5 miles, turn right following a sign denoting Table Rock L.O..
After 0.2 miles, pass the entrance to Elk Flat Spring CG on the right (outhouses).
The remaining 3.8 miles become narrower and rocky. Early season visitors may
have difficulty with low slung passenger cars until the road is graded. Approximately
3.8 miles from the campground a switchback to the left is reached. park here
for the hike into the Monument Rock Wilderness, or proceed left up the hill
to Table Rock Lookout.
Access by vehicle is limited from late May (at the earliest) to late Fall due
to snowfall. I'm guessing that good wildflower displays normally begin in mid
to late June and these can extend into early September, at least after winters
with high snowfall.
Partial Plant Lists for Hikes in the Monument Rock Wilderness:
July 6, 2002 Monument Rock Wilderness, Malheur
N. F.
September 5, 1999- Monument Rock Wilderness,Malheur
NF
Masses of spurred lupine line the old access road through
the wilderness...........July 6, 2002.
Paul Slichter