Bandit Springs Loop Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
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- Start point: Bandit Springs Trailhead
- Ending Point: McGinnis Viewpoint
- Hike Type: Loop with spur
- Distance: 3.9 miles
- Elevation gain: 475 feet
- High Point: 4,845 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: Mid-spring into fall
- Family Friendly: Yes, for older kids
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: No
Contents |
Hike Description
On the south side of the Ochoco Divide on Highway 26 is a series of lush meadows fed by mountain springs. The ski trails out of Bandit Springs form a rather confusing complex of corridors that can be used for spring through fall hiking. No maps show all of these trails, all marked by blue diamonds on trees, so pay careful attention to the directions for this short loop in ponderosa pine parklands.
The story goes that in 1863, a gang of robbers stole gold from local claims and/or robbed a bank. They headed for the hills with a hurriedly arranged posse in hot pursuit. The posse found the horses but not the bandits. A few days later, a man perforated with arrows staggered into a stagecoach station and told of being “attacked by Indians.” His bandit colleagues had hidden their gold and stolen cash in a spring in the area, one that gushed forth from beneath a large ponderosa pine. The treasure has not been found to this day.
Walk straight out to the right of the restrooms to meet a road (the 400 spur). Across is a large meadow from which issues the Bandit Springs. A forest of ponderosa pines surrounds the meadow. Turn right on the road, and pass around a closed gate. Continuing up the track past the large meadow, you’ll come to a junction with the Easy Trail. Keep straight (right) on the Ponderosa Loop #801, which like all these trails, is marked by blue diamonds. As you approach the top of a linear meadow, follow the road track up to the left. You’ll see signs of cattle as you head up over a low ridge and come to another junction.
Make a left here, and descend a meadow dotted with small slash piles. You’ll pick up an obvious trail where it enters mixed woods that include Douglas-fir and grand fir. The trail passes a much trampled spring area and rounds a couple of berms to reach a large meadow. Bear right here on an old road bed, and then turn right again on another road bed (this is the Easy ski trail)). At a road junction, bear left. Keep left on the road track as you head up a ridge, now on the Woodpecker Ski Trail.
The trail becomes rocky as you navigate to the west of a ridge crest and then heads up a prominence. The younger trees here consist of Douglas-fir, grand fir, and ponderosa pine. You will start getting some views west across McGinnis Creek to the ridges of the Mill Creek Wilderness. Then the route descends to a junction of ski trails. here you can go right about 300 yards to a viewpoint looking towards a wilderness ridge. Wildflowers sprinkle this open area in late spring, and a couple of junipers attest to a different biome.
Return to the previous junction, and head right down a draw in ponderosa pine woods. The duff tread is springy underfoot and pine cones crunch. When you meet a more defined track, turn left – you’ll soon see you’re on the McGinnis Creek Trail #802. You’ll realize also that you’re close to Highway 26 now. The trail dips and rises, passing across a small meadow before peeling off to the right. Follow the blue diamonds until you reach the big meadow at Bandit Springs. The trail passes across the north part of the lush meadow, reaching a post. From here, scramble up to the 400 road, turn right, and return to the rest area.
Fees, Regulations, etc.
- Restrooms, picnic tables, information display at trailhead
- Trails are poorly marked and confusing; follow directions carefully
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
- Bandit Springs Hiking Trails Map (USFS)
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Ochoco National Forest
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Bandit Springs Loop Hike
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Bandit Springs Loop Hike
Guidebooks that cover this destination
- Day Hiking: Bend and Central Oregon by Brittany Manwill
More Links
- Bandit Springs Sno-Park and Trailhead (USFS)
- Ponderosa Loop Trail (#801) (USFS)
- McGinnis Creek Loop Trail (#802) (USFS)
- Wildflowers of Bandit Springs Ski Trail System (Flora Northwest)
Page Contributors
- bobcat (creator)