North Fork Malheur Trail #381

Area Status: Open

The trail has a foot bridge that crosses the North Fork Malheur Wild and Scenic River at the trailhead, then goes along the west side of the river into an incredible remote canyon. The remote canyon allows visitors to see beautiful geological features. In the spring and early summer visitors can see beautiful wildflowers.

Rattle snakes are known to inhabit the area please use caution when recreating.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Please remember that if you pack it in, please pack it out with you. This trail travels through the area of the Black Butte Fire of 2021. Please use caution while hiking, backpacking and trail riding in the area. You may come across fallen trees, overgrown sections of trail, lack of shade, fire weakened trees, and landslides.
Usage:	Light
Restrictions:	Motorized use prohibited.
Closest Towns:	Prairie City, OR

General Information

Directions:

From Prairie City, OR., turn onto South Main Street. Follow South Main Street to the junction with Bridge Street. Turn left onto Bridge Street and continue past the cemetary, the road then becomes County Road 62. Follow County Road 62 approximately 19 miles to the junction with Forest Road 16. Turn east onto Forest Road 16 and follow for approximatley 11 miles to the junction with Forest Road 1675. Follow Forest Road 1675 for approximatley 2 miles to the campground.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

Visitors to the area can enjoy a beautiful mountain bike ride through an incredible canyon. This 12.4 mile trail allows visitors access through a remote area, giving the opportunity for solitude. Traveling along the beautiful North Fork Malheur Wild and Scenic River.

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

The North Fork, Malheur River Trail is, perhaps, our best suited trail for mountainbiking. Developed camping opportunities can be found at the trail’s northernmost trailhead, as well as dispersed sites along the trail’s length. The trail is predominantly composed of mellow, rolling grades; one of few singletrack opportunities in the area well-suited for singlespeed riders. Segments of this trail can be chunky with rock debris and roots. Occasional, steep trailside embankments, pose high consequence should a rider take an ill-timed spill.

Rattle snakes are found in the area please be prepared and be heads up as you are riding through the area.

Fat tire bicycle rests on wooden bridge over the North Fork of the Malheur Scenic Riverway

River and Stream Fishing

Fishing is good in the North Fork of the Malheur River. Anglers can catch Rainbow Trout, which are able to be kept. Bull Trout can also be found in the North Fork of the Malheur River however these fish are ESA Threatened and must be released back into the river. For more information on fishing seasons and regulations please visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Day Hiking

Cross over the foot bridge the spans the North Fork Malheur Wild and Scenic River at the trailhead to access this beautiful trail. This 12.4 mile trail leads hikers through a beautiful and remote canyon. In the spring and early summer hikers can enjoy beautiful wildflowers. Throughout the year hikers may see a variety of wildlife which range from big game such as Rocky Mountain Elk and Mule deer to a large variety of birds including turkey, grouse and even water foul such as ducks and geese.

Horse and mountain bike riders also use this trail so please be heads up and be prepared to share the trail.

Be aware that rattle snakes are in the area, please use caution and be prepared.

Rocky bend of the wooded North Fork of the Malheur Scenic River. Shale debris lines the shore

Horse Riding

Horse riders can enjoy a beautiful ride through a beautiful canyon that is remote. The trail follows along the North Fork Malheur Wild and Scenic River. In spring and early summer riders should be prepared for wet and muddy conditions. Also in spring and early summer riders can enjoy beautiful wildflowers. Throughout the year hikers have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife that range from big game such as Rocky Mountain Eld and Mule deer to a variety of birds including turkey, grouse and water foul such as ducks and geese.

The trail is used by hikers and mountain bike riders, please be prepared to share the trail.

Rattle snakes live in the area, please use caution while riding the trail.

Viewing Wildlife

The opportunity for wildlife viewing along the North Fork Malheur Trail is excellent. A wide variety of animals call the area home including big game animals such as Rocky Mountain Elk and mule deer. Many types of birds can be seen throughout the length of the trail ranging from sparrows to larger preditory birds such as hawks and eagles. Smaller creatures can be seen near the trail such as squirrels and chipmunks. Enjoy a beautiful hike, keep your eyes open and you will see a multitude of wildlife. Please be aware that rattle snakes also call the area home, while hiking be heads up.