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Map Key

11.5

Miles

18.4

KM

79%

Runnable

7,925' 2,415 m

High

4,879' 1,487 m

Low

2,509' 765 m

Up

3,127' 953 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

28%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Views

Description

I learned about this trail from the book "Hiking Oregon's Eagle Cap Wilderness" written by Fred Barstad. The 2nd edition was released in 2002 and at that time the easiest way to access 1944 was to start from the Buck Creek Trailhead and run the Elk Creek Trail 1944A (alternative) then onto 1944. The driving directions listed and map here shows starting from that same TH but makes no reference to 1944A so apparently trail numbers have changed a bit over time.

I did about 3.75 miles to the junction with the China Ridge Trail 1906, and then up 1906. Therefore my experience and photos are limited the western portion of the 1944 trail. As you can see in the trail profile only a few sections are a steep grade, and I found it a pleasant journey overall.

There are views of the Elkhorns to the west, and from farther up the trail views of Burger Butte and China Cap. I suppose that even more spectacular sweeping views are available if you run higher. We headed up China Ridge 1906 but unfortunately my running buddy became ill before we reached the ridge top, so we turned back. I suspect he had a bit of altitude sickness.

I certainly did enjoy the absence of people on this run. It was October 9, 2014 so fall colors were beautiful, bugs were gone, and weather comfortable.

Contacts

Shared By:

Richard Rubicam

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#30214

Overall
  3.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#985

in Oregon

#30,214

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5 Views Last Month
445 Since Jan 14, 2020
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Photos

Tamaracks in their glory. Location on map is approximate.
Jan 13, 2020 near Union, OR
China Cap. Location on map is approximate.
Jan 13, 2020 near Union, OR
China Ridge. Location on map is approximate.
Jan 13, 2020 near Union, OR
View of the Elkhorns to the west. Location on map is approximate.
Jan 13, 2020 near Union, OR

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