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:
Painted Hills 4-29-22
- dmthomas49
- Posts: 267
- Joined: May 16th, 2013, 6:51 am
Re: Painted Hills 4-29-22
Great photos! I love the colors… One of my favorite places for photography.
"The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness."
— John Muir
— John Muir
- MarkInTheDark
- Posts: 220
- Joined: August 11th, 2008, 3:58 pm
- Location: Portland, OR
Re: Painted Hills 4-29-22
Killer photos!
Re: Painted Hills 4-29-22
Beautiful shots and perfect timing, you beat the rain/whatever. Your weather forecaster must be professional.
Re: Painted Hills 4-29-22
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.
Re: Painted Hills 4-29-22
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.
Re: Painted Hills 4-29-22
OR: Just continue up the road and hit the blue basin area... that's a neat often overlooked area
drm wrote: ↑May 7th, 2022, 10:25 amThe 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.
- BurnsideBob
- Posts: 538
- Joined: May 6th, 2014, 3:15 pm
- Location: Mount Angel, Oregon
Re: Painted Hills 4-29-22
Agree with Markesc, the Blue Basin Loop is very dramatic. 3.1 miles with 800 feet of vertical. We did it May 26 and found wildflowers in bloom but grasses seeded out and starting to cure. Although generally north facing, this will be a warm hike during summer.
Burnside
Burnside
I keep making protein shakes but they always turn out like margaritas.