Malheur River Trail #303

Area Status: Not Cleared
  

Follow the Malheur River Trail as it traverses along the steep canyon walls before dropping to scenic river banks of the Malheur Wild and Scenic River, lined with old growth pine, larch, and fir trees.  Designated as a Wild and Scenic River this remote trail provides travelers with unrivaled rugged beauty as well as solitude.  Stop and fish for red band trout or look for eagles and osprey while negotiating this 7.6 mile trail.

This is not a loop trail.  Visitors beginning at the Malheur River Trailhead will have a steep hike up out of the canyon to Hog Flat Trailhead.  The trail receives light use and has not been maintained.  Watch for rattlesnakes in the summer and fall.  The trail is open to hiking and stock use only no OHV or bicycles are allowed on this trail. 

Printable Trail Map

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Please remember that if you pack it in, please pack it out with you.
Usage: Light
Restrictions: Motorized and mountain bike use prohibited.
Closest Towns: Seneca, OR

General Information

Directions:

Directions to Malheur River Trailhead:

From Seneca, OR., follow Forest Road 16 approximately 14.5 miles to the junction with Forest Road 1643.  Follow Forest Road 1643 approximately 9 miles to the junction with Forest Road 1651, turn left onto Forest Road 1651 continue for 0.9 miles to the trailhead.

Directions to Hog Flat Trailhead:

From Seneca, OR., travel east on Forest Road 16.  Follow Forest Road 16 approximately 14.5 miles to the junction with Forest Road 1643, turn right onto Forest Road 1643.  Follow Forest Road 1643 approximately 15.3 miles to the junction with Forest Road 142.  Follow forest Road 142 approximately 1.2 miles to the trailhead.


Activities

River and Stream Fishing

The fishing is good along this trail.  Rainbow and Bull Trout live in this river.  Bull Trout are ESA threatened and must be released back into the river if caught.  For fishing regulations and license information please visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Malheur River Trail #303

Day Hiking

The easiest hike is to start at the south end and go down into the canyon to hike north along the trail. In the opposite direction you'll have a steep hike up out of the canyon. This is not a loop trail, so parking a shuttle vehicle will facilitate your hike. Watch for rattlesnakes in the summer and fall.

Areas for Day Hiking at Malheur River Trail #303

Horse Riding

Riders can enjoy a beautiful trip on the Malheur River Trail as it traverses along the steep canyon walls before dropping down to the scenic river banks of the Malheur Wild and Scenic River, lined with old growth pine, larch and fir trees. 

The easiest ride is to start at the south end and go down into the canyon to hike north along the trail.  In the opposite direction you'll have a steep ride up out of the canyon.  This is not a loop trail, so parking a shuttle vehicle will facilitate your ride.  Watch out of rattlesnakes in the summer and fall.

Viewing Wildlife

The trail sets along the Malheur Wild and Scenic River.  Many variety of animal can be seen in the area.  Deer and elk can be seen throughout the year in the area, many variety of birds and squirrels can be seen from spring into late fall in the area. 

Viewing Scenery

There are many scenic views available along this trail.  Hikers will enjoy a diverse experience on this trail.  Steep canyons that drop into scenic rivers set along old growth pine, larch, and fir trees, this trail is a perfect place for viewing scenery.

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
7.6 miles

  Latitude : 
44.086567

  Longitude : 
-118.580017

  Elevation : 
4800 - 5000