Malheur National Forest - Princess Trail #251

Area Status: Unknown

This 9.3 mile trail provides access to the Vinegar Hill-Indian Rock Scenic Area, which is non-motorized. During the summer months this trail offers visitors a beautiful, quiet place to hike in areas that offer scenic vista's, as well as cooling shade from patches of timber. This trail's highest use period is in the fall during big game hunting seasons. Parking is VERY limited. The last 5 miles of Forest Service Road 2010 are not maintained for passenger vehicles. Vehicles with 4X4 capabilities are recommended.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Visitors should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. Please remember that if you pack it in, please pack it out with you.
Usage:	Light
Restrictions:	Motorized use prohibited.
Closest Towns:	John Day, OR

General Information

Directions:

From John Day, OR., travel east on US Highway 26 for approximately 30 miles to US Highway 7, at Austin Junction. Drive north on US Highway 7 for one mile to County Road 20. Drive northwest on County Road 20 for approximately 2 1/2 miles to Forest Service Road 2010. Drive north on Forest Service Road 2010 for approximately 13 miles to the junction of Forest Service road 2010 and 2010148. To access the west trailhead at Head O Boulder Camp, continue driving northeast on County Road 20 from US Highway 7 for approximately 13 miles to Forest Service Road 45. Drive north on Forest Service road 45 for 10 miles to Forest Service Road 4500537. Drive east on Forest Service Road 4500537 for approximately 2 miles to Head O Boulder Camp.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

The Princess Trail is one of three destinations on the Malheur National Forest (McClellan Mountain Trail, & North Fork Malheur Trail) selected by the Eastern Oregon Trail Alliance (EOTA) and the US Forest Service to best serve the needs and interests of mountainbikers.

While this trail offers phenomenal terrain for the adventurous cyclist to explore, this is a multiuse (motorized use prohibited) route. Cyclists will encounter terrain which exceeds ideal grades and switchbacks and turns exceeding ideal turning radiuses. Down trees are very likely to be encountered intermittently. This is not a looped route, however, those experienced in route finding and up for a spectacular and arduous adventure can fabricate loop routes utilizing surrounding USFS gravel roads and single track trails.

This trail is shared with other visitors including horseback riders; use caution and courtesy when sharing the trail.

Cyclist rides her fat tired mountain bike along the Princess Trail, over rock debris. Map with elevation profile of Princess Trail with suggested roads for creating a looped bicycle tour