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Buck Creek Trail #3073
From Buck Creek Trailhead this more difficult trail enters North Fork Umatilla Wilderness and is open to foot and horse traffic only. It follows Buck Creek for 3.5 miles, crossing the creek once where it merges into Lake Creek Trail. Users should exercise caution on creek crossing during the spring run-off periods.
The trail is easy going as it climbs only 800’ to where it merges with Lake Creek Trail #3079. Lake Creek Trail continues approximately 2 more miles up the Lake Creek drainage before leaving the Wilderness area. Once the trail has left the wilderness area, it continues for another 2 miles until it reaches Forest Service Road #3150. This portion of the trail travels through clearcuts and burned areas.
This trailhead can also access the Ninemile Ridge Trail #3072 and Buck Mountain Trail 3073.
USGS Quad Maps: Bingham Springs. Download free US Forest Service Topo maps here.
View a printable guide for Buck Creek Trail #3073 (PDF file)
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | 05/20/2021: Bottom 2 miles are logged out from the 32 road. Due to flood damage FSR 32 is closed at the cattle guard right before Corporation Work Center (a gate is across the road), however there is a parking lot at the gate where you can park and walk or bicycle to the trails. Forest trails are not maintained and typically not accessible from late fall through late spring due to snow. Please call the local Ranger District Office for up-to-date information. |
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| Open Season: | May |
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: | Wilderness regulations apply. Horse trailers will need to be parked at the Corporation Trailhead. |
| Closest Towns: | Pendleton, OR |
| Water: | Potable water and vault toilets are available at the Umatilla Forks day use area. |
| Restroom: | Potable water and vault toilets are available at the Umatilla Forks day use area. |
| Information Center: | Walla Walla Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:From Pendleton, Oregon: Drive east for 7 miles on Interstate 84 and take Exit 216. Go left (north) for 2 miles to the blinking 4-way stoplight. Take a right onto Mission Road and continue onto Cayuse Road/County Road 931/Emigrant Road. After 1.7 miles turn left onto Cayuse Road (follow Bar M Ranch signs). Travel about 16 miles to where it meets Bingham Road. Turn right onto Bingham Road/County Road 900, cross the railroad tracks, and follow Bingham Road/County Road 900 (NOTE: this road becomes Forest Service Road 32 at the forest boundary) for approximately 9.5 miles. Cross the bridge just past the Umatilla Forks Campground and take the first left onto Forest Service Road 3200-045, approximately ¾ of a mile further. This leads to the Buck Creek Organizational Camp and the trailhead is located at the end of the road.
From Walla Walla, Washington: Take Highway 11 to Athena, Oregon and turn left on Pambrum Road. Travel 5 miles and turn left onto Spring Hollow Road and go 6 miles. Turn left onto Bingham Road/County Road 900, cross the railroad tracks, and follow Bingham Road/County Road 900 (NOTE: this road becomes Forest Service Road 32 at the forest boundary) for approximately 9.5 miles. Cross the bridge just past the Umatilla Forks Campground and take the first left onto Forest Service Road 3200-045, approximately ¾ of a mile further. This leads to the Buck Creek Organizational Camp and the trailhead is located at the end of the road.
There is limited parking at this trailhead. No room for horse trailers--use the Corporation Trailhead.
Activities
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:The trail is easy going as it climbs only 800’ to where it merges with Lake Creek Trail #3079. Lake Creek Trail continues approximately 2 more miles up the Lake Creek drainage before leaving the Wilderness area. Once the trail has left the wilderness area, it continues for another 2 miles until it reaches Forest Service Road 3150. This portion of the trail travels through clearcuts and burned areas.
| Difficulty Level: | More Difficult |
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Backpacking
Recreation areas with activity Backpacking: See activity description under Day Hiking.| Difficulty Level: | More Difficult |
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