hike maupin
The high desert weather in the Maupin Area makes this a great place for hiking. The White River empties into the Deschutes and has a magnificent series of waterfalls that are accessed by a trail from White River Falls State Park. There is also an access road that follows the Deschutes River, providing many opportunities for hikes up side-canyons through the incredible landscape. Also, many trails on the Eastside of Mt. Hood National Forest are only a short drive away. Just south on Hwy 197 from Maupin is the BLM’s Criterion Area that offers rugged day hikes with spectacular mountain scenery. Please observe rules and regulations, stay on designated trails, be alert and courteous, minimize your impact, and avoid muddy areas. Please Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly.
Great Hikes Around Maupin
White River Falls State Park
One of Oregon’s secret hideaways is located just east of Tygh Valley along Highway 216, at the White River Falls State Park where the White River plunges down a 90-foot drop over a sheer basalt shelf. For more information contact Oregon State Parks.
Criterion Ranch (BLM)
The Criterion Tract is a moderate to challenging backcountry hike, as the routes are not maintained and may be difficult to locate. The landscape features diverse vegetation and a wildlife. Access points along Highway 197 can be found using the this BLM Criterion Tract map. There are no services so be sure to bring all necessary items with you.
Mt Hood National Forest – Barlow District
Maupin is only 20 minutes to the east side of the Mt. Hood National Forest – Barlow District. You will need a Northwest Forest Pass for day use and overnight use. Passes can be purchased online or at a forest ranger office.
Below are a few recommended places to go on hikes. For a full list of trails, visit the Mt. Hood National Forest website.
- Rock Creek Reservoir Day Use Area is just a short drive from Maupin and offers day use trails, fishing and camping. Open mid-April through early September.
- Clear Creek Trail #487 – This is a 1.9-mile trail that follows the south side of Clear Creek through rolling terrain for approximately 1 mile. Best time is April through October.
- Zig Zag Trail #678 – The trail is short and lightly used. It begins off Oregon Hwy 35 at an elevation of 2,950 feet and climbs to over 4,000 feet, It’s free of snow from May through October.
- Little Badger Trail #469 – A 7.6-mile trail that runs along a ridge through the Badger Creek Wilderness. This trail climbs in elevation from 2,160 to 5,400 feet and is generally snow-free from May to September.
For more information on hikes contact the Barlow Ranger District at 780 NE Court St. Dufur, Or 97021 541-467-2291.
