Coalmine Hill Campground

Coalmine Hill is just off the paved Blue Mountain Scenic Byway (also called the Western Route). The Campground serves as access to the Bald Mountain, Hells Half Acre, and Willow Creek trails, offering a 7.5 mile-long loop experience for hikers and equestrians. Once inside the campground's large parking area, there is an information board on the northeast side. Past the information board runs the Bald Mountain hiking trail leading to Gibson Cave, which is 1.25 miles from the parking lot. The cave is really a shallow overhanging shelter with an interpretive sign describing its history.Once you've reached Gibson's cave, continue up the Bald Mountain trail until you reach a nice view point. The mountain's view point overlooks the drainages in between Coalmine Hill (to the northwest) and Little Bald Mountain (to the east), providing fantastic views and tranquility. About five miles southwest of the campground is Penland Lake; follow the Blue mountain Scenic Byway and Forest Service Road 21 and 2103, until you've reached Penland Lake where there are fishing and nonelectric boating opportunities. .

Coalmine Hill Campground provides one larger, separate site near the entrance and the remaining five sites are located along the tree edges of the large parking area. There is one vault toilet and a travel access information board. This campground was constructed to serve double-duty as a snow park in the winter. There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack out all garbage and dispose of it at home.

General Information

Late May

This campground is closed only by snow. However, it is only maintained seasonally from Memorial Day through mid-November. This campground is currently in winterized condition. No services are available at this time. Please practice Know Before Your Go Principles and come prepared with your own supplies. Fees are not charged during while the campgrounds are not being maintained.

This is a fee free campground. All campsites are first come first serve.

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 45.16632115

Longitude: -119.3338404

Directions

From Heppner, Oregon (40 minutes): Head south on Oregon Highway 206 until you've reached the edge of town. Take a left turn onto Willow Creek Road (County Road 678) and continue to make your way to and through the mountains for 22.3 miles. Coalmine Hill Campground will be on the left at the top of Coalmine Hill.

From Ukiah, OR (41 minutes): Head west on Oregon Highway 244 for about two miles. Once you've reached a four way stop, go straight, west bound, and follow Forest Service Road 53 for about 20 miles. Coalmine Hill Campground will be on the right.

Travel Considerations

The campground is not maintained but is still available throughout the winter. Access will be snowmobiles only once the road is not accessible due to snow. It is not maintained during the winter. Please contact the Heppner Ranger District for more information.