Rock Creek Lake Trailhead
The Rock Creek Lake Trailhead is a very small rustic site with no amenities. The access road to the site is suitable for high clearance four wheel-drive vehicles only. You will pass Killamacue Trailhead on the way.
The steep and strenuous trail (#1626) provides an especially varied and scenic route to the heart of the Elkhorn range climbing through a forested slope in the first two miles and then skirting the eastern edge of Rock Creek basin.
Two large meadows interspersed with spruce/fir bogs fill this basin, providing ample campsite areas. Views of the basin and the West Fork Rock Creek drainage are displayed from the upper section of the trail. A smaller, seasonally wet meadow marks the approach to Rock Creek Lake.
The lake lies in a talus basin beneath Rock Creek Butte (9,105') and Spirit Rock. Snow pockets remain year-round on the southeast side of the lake.
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | Current Conditions |
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Reservations: | This site is not reservable. |
Area Amenities: | Parking |
Fees: | No fees or passes are required for this site. |
Open Season: | June |
Usage: | Light |
Restrictions: | General rules of use and restrictions apply for this developed recreation site. |
Closest Towns: | Baker City, Oregon (24 miles) |
Water: | No |
Restroom: | No |
Operated By: | Forest Service |
Information Center: | Whitman Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:From Baker City, Oregon, travel north on Highway 30 for about 10 miles to Haines, Oregon; In Haines turn left (west) on Anthony Lakes Highway towards ski area for 1.7 miles to Pocahontas Road; Turn left on Pocahontas Road and go 0.2 miles to South Rock Creek Road; Turn right on South Rock Creek Road and go about 5 miles to the Forest Boundary (near end of pavement); South Rock Creek Road turns into Forest Road 5520 at the Forest Boundary so continue on Forest Road 5520 for about 2.7 miles to Eilerson Meadows; Continue on Forest Road 5520 at right road fork before Eilerson Meadows and go about 1.5 miles to Forest Road 250; Turn left off Forest Road 5520 onto Forest Road 250 and go 0.1 miles to trailhead.
Advisory: Forest Road 5520 is a narrow, rough graveled and dirt road suitable for high clearance four wheel drive vehicles. Forest Road 250 going into the trailhead is an out sloped, narrow road with limited turn-around and no trailer turn-arounds.
Activities
Day Hiking
Backpacking
Amenities
Parking: | Very small area for 1-2 vehicles; no trailer turn arounds |
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