Joaquin Miller Trail #219

Area Status: Open

The trail leads through a scenic grove of old growth ponderosa pine located on a bench approximately 2 miles from the trailhead. This stand is part of the Canyon Creek Natural Area, within Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, which a portion of this trail borders.  Joaquin Miller Trail is a great starting point to explore the wilderness, connecting with other trails for a short day hike or multiday backpacking trip.  Visitors can connect with East Fork Canyon Creek Trail #211, Canyon Mountain Trail #218 that leads to Pine Creek Trail #201 which travels through Wild Cat Basin and over to Roads End Trailhead.  This trailhead connects to many more trails that lead to more popular destinations like Strawberry and High Lakes. 

Joaquin Miller Trail Brochure

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Please remember that if you pack it in, please pack it out with you.
Usage: Light
Restrictions: Wilderness Regulations apply. Motorized and mountain bike use prohibited.
Closest Towns: John Day, OR
Information Center: Prairie City Ranger District

General Information

Directions:

From John Day, OR., travel south on US Highway 395 to the junction with County Road 65. Follow County Road 65 south for approximately 4 miles to the junction with Forest Road 6510. Turn left onto Forest Road 6510, the trailhead is at the end of the road.


Parking:

Parking space at the trailhead is limited and turning stock trailers may be difficult.  Passenger vehicles are encouraged to park to allow room for vehicles pulling stock trailers to turn around.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Backpacking

Joaquin Miller Trail is a great starting point to explore the wilderness, connecting with other trails a great multiday backpacking trip.  Visitors can connect with East Fork Canyon Creek Trail #211, Canyon Mountain Trail #218 that leads to Pine Creek Trail #201 which travels through Wild Cat Basin and over to Roads End Trailhead.  This trailhead connects to many more trails that lead to more popular destinations like Strawberry and High Lakes.

The trail access is on the southwest end of the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness.

Horse Riding

There is limited room at the trailhead for parking stock trailers.  Please remember that during the summer months trails are logged out and maintained, however due to summer storms visitors with stock animals may come across blown down trees that will block the trail. 

Riders can enjoy both multi and single day rides through the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness.  Starting at Joaquin Miller Trail #219 ride to the junction with the East for of Canyon Creek Trail #211 allowing for a longer ride.  Stay on the Joaquin Miller Trail to the junction with the Pine Creek Trail #201 from this trail riders can head west towards Canyon Mountain Trail #218 or head east and connect to many other trails for a multiday ride further into the wilderness.

This trail is used by hikers, please be prepared to share the trail.

Please use certified weed free hay while on the forest, remove any unused hay when leaving the area.

Big Game Hunting

Big game hunting is very popular during fall through the early winter in the area.  Rocky Mountain Elk and mule deer are the primary big game hunted.  For regulations and license information please visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Viewing Wildlife

Visitors to the area have the opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife. Big game animals in the area include Rocky Mountain Elk, mule deer, black bear and cougar.  Bird watchers can see a variety of birds from spring to early winter in the area.  Smaller creatures such as squirrels and chipmunks can be seen all along the trail.  A wonderful trail to enjoy seeing and hearing the creatures of the forest.

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
6.0 miles

  Latitude : 
44.289344

  Longitude : 
-118.8926

  Elevation : 
5600 - 7700