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Riding Central Orgegon Horse Trails

Western Ochocos Horse Camps and Trails

The western Ochocos are one of the best places for trail riding in Central Oregon. The snow disappears fairly early here, giving you a great place to ride while the Cascades are still inaccessible. Several bands of wild horses live near Lookout Mountain in an area managed by the Forest Service to maintain the herd size. Look along the trails and near springs for the manure piles that mark their territory.

Allen Creek Horse Camp: This is a nice camp located near the north edge of Big Summit Prairie. There are no official trails in the area, but local forest roads provide good riding opportunities. Dry Creek Horse Camp: Located in the Mill Creek Wilderness area, Dry Creek Horse Camp offers lots of shade and nearby access to several trails in the wilderness area. Corral Flat Trail: Corral Flat is a primitive base camp that offers almost unlimited riding. Trails and dirt roads head off in all directions, making this a popular area for endurance rides. The terrain is park-like, with open meadows, huge ponderosa pines, and early summer wildflowers.
	Cougar Trail: This trail doesn’t appear to get much use, which is a shame because it’s a beautiful ride. The forest is mostly old-growth ponderosa pine, interspersed with some grassy meadows and hillsides. The second half of the trail follows the route of an historic pack trail. Douthit Creek Trail: There isn’t an official trailhead at Douthit Creek, but there are plenty of places to ride near this primitive camping spot. The terrain around Douthit Creek is both beautiful and varied. And the area is home to several herds of wild horses, so keep an eye out and you may spot some. Green Mountain Trail: The trail winds upward through the mostly-ponderosa pine forest. There are nice views of the Three Sisters, Prineville, Mt. Jefferson, and Lookout Mountain between the trees.
Independent Mine Trail: This trail provides a shorter but steeper route to the top of Lookout Mountain. The expansive views from the summit are breathtaking. A short detour to the side of the historic Independent Mine is worthwhile. Lookout Mountain Trail: The vistas from the top of Lookout Mountain are wonderful on a clear day, featuring views of the Cascades, Big Summit Prairie, and the surrounding Ochocos. Wildflowers bloom in profusion in late spring and early summer. Wild horses inhabit the area surrounding the trail. Round Mountain Trail (North): The trail leads through forest, grassy meadows, and a steep hanging meadow. The summit of Round Mountain is the highest point around, and you can see for miles in every direction.
	Twin Pillars Trail: This is a trail of contrasts. The ride begins by traveling through the lush riparian vegetation along Mill Creek, then through an area devastated by the Hash Rock fire in 2000. Finally, the trail reaches the Twin Pillars, which rear their monolithic heads at the top of a steep ridge. These plugs are all that remain of an eroded volcano that was active some 44 million years ago. Wildcat Trail: You should avoid this trail if you are afraid of heights or become nervous traversing steep ridges on a narrow trail. Most of the terrain is lovely and in spots you’ll have views of Round Mountain and Lookout Mountain to the east, and Twin Pillars, Mt. Jefferson, and the Three Sisters to the west. But the trail runs along the sides of some very steep hillsides that would give pause to anyone other than a mountain goat.

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