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Past Activity

Canceled: Cottonwood Canyon State Park

  • Start date: 04/22/2019

  • Start time: 12:00 AM

  • End date: 04/24/2019

  • End time: 11:59 PM

Description:

This is Oregon newest state park. It sit along the John Day River 12 miles southeast of Wasco Oregon and 10 miles from the Columbia River Gorge. I have been here twice so I am familiar with their very basic trail system. This is composed right now of the existing old ranch roads running along both sides of the river. The last time I was there I extended my hiking using animal trails to the top of the canyon. I also started exploring side canyons which I intend to do more of on this trip. In late April we should be seeing wildflowers and several kinds of migrating birds. There are a large number of raptors in the area including Golden Eagles. There are also Big Horn Sheep in this area. I saw 6 the last time I was there. The CG has great showers, no quarters needed. I consider this and exploratory trip. You need to be comfortable off trail on rocky terrain. We will be using both the ranch roads, very easy, and exploring more difficult ground. I will be calling everyone who signs up to discuss any question or concerns.

  • Event Leader: Jane Hackett

  • Event Leader Phone: 541-953-7046

  • Event Leader Email: hackett1575@comcast.net

  • Assistant Leader:

  • Event category: Trips

  • Area Type:

  • Departure Location: Behind McDonalds, 57th and Main in Springfield

  • Rating: Mixed

  • Roundtrip total drive miles: 450

  • Season: 2019

  • Permits Required:

  • Event Status: Passed

  • Supplies and Equipment Required: Bring all the food you will need for the trip. Do not bring extra water the CG has water. Tent etc. for 2 night camping. Good boots and warm cloths and sleeping bag. April can bring pleasant days and very cool nights.

  • participant prerequisites:

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 15

  • Member Fees: 2

  • Elevation Gain: 1200

  • Non-Member Fees: 10

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

Cottonwood Canyon State Park is the newest state park in Oregon. Located along the John Day River, the former ranch is remote and unspoiled with cliffs lining both sides of the river. The park is still being developed but has many useful features - a solar powered recharging station, showers and flush toilets, 4 cabins, an information building, hiker-biker campsites, a group campsite as well as multiple regular campsites. The weather was just right - not too hot and not too cold.  Due to a wet spring, the John Day was very high and milk chocolate brown. Much to our surprise, the river covered parts of the trails but the intrepid hikers were not deterred. On Day 1, we hiked the Hard Stone Trail. When confronted by the river, we hiked up a canyon. Only one rattlesnake was spotted but it was more interested in heading away from us. Once again on Day 2, the river changed our hiking course as it covered our intended path along the Lone Corral Trail. We hiked up the hills and cliffs behind the campground with wildflowers and vistas galore. On the third day, we hiked the Pinnacle Trail as well as climbing up the steep side canyons. The afternoon and evening hours were less relaxing due to a strong evening downriver wind. Picture putting up tents in that scenario! We became more clever and parked the vehicles in a way to provide a windscreen so we could eat without items blowing away. Truly spectacular country!