Earth Day in Spring Basin Wilderness - 04/22/2021
Posted: April 27th, 2021, 3:02 pm
My partner and I took a jaunt out to the Spring Basin Wilderness on Earth Day, as part of an extended weekend trip to the Painted Hills and other parts of central Oregon.
3.33 miles, 1100 ft gain.
We generally followed the beginning of the Spring Basin Loop hike mentioned in the Field Guide, taking off from the unofficial trailhead just north of the official one.
Wildflowers were abundant, ticks were nonexistent, and when we caught the top of the ridge after 1 mile the Hedgehog Cacti were in full bloom.
We didn't feel like taking the whole trek to Horse Mountain, so we gained a high point about 1/2 mile north of where the trail meets the ridge. It's marked with a large cairn.
The views looking south over the Spring Basin Wilderness were very enticing. I'll need to plan a couple days to extend my visit next time.
This was also one of the beta tests for car camping in the GTI. It's snug, but it can be done!!! We found an amazing spot on BLM land to set up for the night. Minus the wind, it was incredible.
3.33 miles, 1100 ft gain.
We generally followed the beginning of the Spring Basin Loop hike mentioned in the Field Guide, taking off from the unofficial trailhead just north of the official one.
Wildflowers were abundant, ticks were nonexistent, and when we caught the top of the ridge after 1 mile the Hedgehog Cacti were in full bloom.
We didn't feel like taking the whole trek to Horse Mountain, so we gained a high point about 1/2 mile north of where the trail meets the ridge. It's marked with a large cairn.
The views looking south over the Spring Basin Wilderness were very enticing. I'll need to plan a couple days to extend my visit next time.
This was also one of the beta tests for car camping in the GTI. It's snug, but it can be done!!! We found an amazing spot on BLM land to set up for the night. Minus the wind, it was incredible.