Oregon Hikers

We took a somewhat impulsive trip, based on a weather window, to Smith Rock and the Painted Hills at the end of last week, staying in Prineville. At the Painted Hills, we did all five little trails. There were a few other travelers, the place being one of Oregon’s Seven Wonders, but we had the picnic area to ourselves.

On the way back, we hit the wall of rain and spitting snow at Santiam Pass.

Carroll Rim:


Painted Hills Overlook:


Painted Cove:


Leaf Hill:


Red Scar Knoll:

Great photos! I love the colors… One of my favorite places for photography.

Killer photos!

Beautiful shots and perfect timing, you beat the rain/whatever. Your weather forecaster must be professional.

bobcat wrote: ↑

May 6th, 2022, 9:03 am

all five little trails

The little/short trails is actually what has kept me from visiting the Painted Hills more. Driving all that way, I tend to expect a good hike, and despite the views, I have only visited one unit, and that was because I was on the way to where I spent the night to see the total eclipse a few years ago.

Gotta get over that.

drm wrote: ↑

May 7th, 2022, 10:25 am

The little/short trails is actually what has kept me from visiting the Painted Hills more.

There are quite a few nearby trails to fill out a day if you're staying in the area, including in the Mill Creek Wilderness and on Sutton Mountain.

I was with my wife, who was satisfied with the painted landscape, but I had my eyes on a couple of obscure routes only another three miles or so up Burnt Ranch Road: Pat's Cabin (9 1/2 miles r-t) and the Rocky Trail (5 1/2 miles). Both are in wilderness study areas proposed for national monument status. Pat's Cabin first requires a ford of Bridge Creek, which may be difficult in the spring.