Western Rim National Recreation Trail #1774

The Western Rim National Recreation Trail (#1774) is a long ridgetop trail along the westen rim of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. The trail begins in the south at the P.O. Saddle Trailhead and goes along the Hells Canyon Wilderness boundary ending at Dug Bar on the Snake River. The scenery is constant and spectacular with views of the Hells Canyon Wilderness and the Snake River Canyon. Due to the location of the trail, it travels along forest roads and areas that have different motor-vehicle allowances and restrictions.

The southern section starts at PO Saddle and enters into the wilderness past Saulsberry Saddle, then goes across Freezeout Saddle to Jim Springs on the Hat Point Road (Forest Service 4240) near Saddle Creek Campground. This trail section goes in and out of the Hells Canyon Wilderness so is closed to all motor-vehicle use and bicycles.
The next section follows the Hat Point Road (Forest Road 4240) for over 7 miles to Warnock Corral Trailhead, and is open to motor-vehicle use and bicycles.
From Warnock Corral the trail becomes part of a motorized trail to Lord Flat. A memorable vista is from Somers Point looking down the canyon to the Snake River below. Lord Flat also has an active backcountry airstrip that is utilized by several private planes during hunting season. This trail section is closed to all motor-vehicles beginning in the late summer 3 days prior to archery season through the final elk hunting season. Since the trail is located near the Hells Canyon Wilderness, please use caution if you take any side trips as the wilderness is closed to all motor-vehicle uses and bicycles.
The northern section of the trail is from Lord Flat down Summit Ridge to the Dug Bar Trailhead on the Snake River. It goes in and out of the Hells Canyon Wilderness and the entire section is closed to all motor-vehicle uses and bicycles.
All motor-vehicle use off of these designated routes (cross country travel) is prohibited.

Water on the trail is scarce and unsafe to drink if not previously treated.

Difficulty level: Due to length of the trail it varies from 'easy' to the 'difficult' level.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Current Conditions
Reservations:	This site is not reservable.
Fees:	Fee required at PO Saddle, Freezeout and Warnock Corrals Trailheads. $5/vehicle/day, or Northwest Forest Pass, or any form of the America the Beautiful National Pass.
Open Season:	Varies
Usage:	Light
Restrictions:	General rules of use and restrictions apply for this developed recreation site. Wilderness Regulations apply within Hells Canyon Wildernes. Motorized vehicles, bicycles, carts, hang glider and other mechanical equipment is prohibited in the Wilderness area.
Closest Towns:	Joseph, Oregon (51 miles); Imnaha, Oregon (30 miles)
Water:	No
Restroom:	No
Passes:	A valid Recreation Pass is required at PO Saddle Trailhead, Freezeout Trailhead and Warnock Corrals Trailhead. You will need to display a valid day pass (or annual pass) for each day your vehicle is at a recreation site where a fee is required.
Operated By:	Forest Service
Information Center:	Wallowa Mountains Office

General Information

Directions:

Directions and access to the trail can be reached from the P.O. Saddle Trailhead, Saddle Creek Campground, Warnock Corral Trailhead, and Dug Bar Trailhead.

Activities

Day Hiking

Backpacking

Horse Riding

Viewing Scenery

OHV Trail Riding

OHV and motor vehicle use restrictions.

PO Saddle to Hat Point Road (Forest Service 4240): Closed to all motor-vehicles and bicycles.
Hat Point Road (Forest Road 4240) to Warnock Corral Trailhead: Open to motor-vehicles and bicycles.
Warnock Corral Trailhead to Lord Flat: Closed to all motor-vehicles beginning in the late summer 3 days prior to archery season through final elk hunting season.
Lord Flat to Dug Bar Trailhead on the Snake River: Closed to all motor-vehicles and bicycles.
All motor-vehicle use off of these designated routes (cross country travel) is prohibited.