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An out-and-back trail that boasts spectacular waterfalls in the spring and a rainbow of foliage colors in the fall.


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Map Key

8.4

Miles

13.5

KM

94%

Runnable

7,365' 2,245 m

High

5,353' 1,631 m

Low

2,073' 632 m

Up

60' 18 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Road access and campground closes in winter conditions.

Need to Know

The campground at the trailhead has restrooms and overnight camping. No parking fee at trailhead.

Description

The trail begins in the grassland hills below Steens Mountain. You'll cross over a few of these hills and have spectacular views of the mountain before you, and the lower desert landscape behind you.

Once you step into the beginnings of the gorge, you'll find a mix of uphill and downhill running leading you at first through a dry juniper forest, and then a lush land filled with aspens. There are several creek crossings, which would be a little difficult in the spring, but are easy to rock-hop across in summer and fall.

Canyon walls tower over either side of you as you run through miles of shimmering aspen and along the sparkling stream. Once a few miles in, you have a clear view of your destination where, at the end of the canyon, the towering walls come together and multiple waterfalls pour down its rocky face during the spring. Summer and fall runners will miss out on the waterfalls, but the stream will likely always be flowing.

The aspen trees flitter in bright yellows, oranges, and reds in early fall seasons, providing their own beauty in the absence of the falls.

At the end of the trail, there is a single route over the north canyon wall, which backpackers will use to venture to the peak of Steens Mountain, Wildhorse Lake, or the Little Blitzen Gorge Trail.

Flora & Fauna

Coyote, deer, antelope, aspen, juniper, trout, bobcat, elk

Contacts

Shared By:

Arthur McMahon

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 5 votes

#8518

Overall
  4.4 from 5 votes
5 Star
40%
4 Star
60%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
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1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#246

in Oregon

#8,518

Overall
5 Views Last Month
718 Since Sep 26, 2018
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
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75%
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25%
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Photos

View from rim looking down into Big Indian Gorge (07-12-2010)
Feb 25, 2021 near Hines, OR
Waterfall in Big Indian Gorge (07-10-2010)
Feb 25, 2021 near Hines, OR
Big Indian Gorge (07-11-2010)
Feb 25, 2021 near Hines, OR
End of Big Indian Gorge. Rim can be attained though climb is steep with no trail (07-12-2010)
Feb 25, 2021 near Hines, OR
Walking toward the face of Big India Gorge in the fall.
Sep 26, 2018 near Hines, OR

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Weather


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