Trailhead Amenities
Vaulted Toilet
Cell Service
Water
Garbage
Driving Directions
Directions to Dean Creek Trailhead
- From Baker City, Oregon travel south on Highway 7 towards John Day, Oregon for 22 miles;
- Once past the upper end of the Phillips Lake turn left on Hudspeth Lane and go 1.2 miles to Forest Road 2220;
- Turn left on Forest Road 2220 going past the Southwest Shore Campground and Millers Lane Campground for 1.9 miles to the Forest Road 2220 and 1160 road junction;
- Turn left at the road junction and go 0.1 miles to the Trailhead.
Phillips Lake South Shoreline Trail #1610
Trail Description
The Phillips Lake South Shoreline trail begins on the south side of Mason Dam and ends near Southwest Shore Campground. The trail traverses the southern banks of the lake (actually a reservoir) through grasslands and young ponderosa pine trees. It is a scenic trail and offers outstanding views of the lake and the Elkhorn Mountains for summer and winter travelers. Numerous coves and inlets provide opportunities for viewing waterfowl, shore birds, and occasionally deer and elk. The multi-season trail is popular with hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.
Current Conditions
This trail is generally clear of snow from May to mid October. Expect winter debris (down trees, etc) in the early season.
Trip Types
Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding, Snowshoeing, XC skiing
Map
Jeep Ride Trail #1610
Trail Description
The Jeep Ride trail is accessible from both the Mason Dam and the Dean Creek trailhead. Only recommended as an out-and-back ride unless you go out with someone experienced in this area.
Current Conditions
This trail is generally clear of snow from May to mid October. Expect winter debris (down trees, etc) in the early season.
Trip Types
Hiking, Mountain Biking
Map
Rim Rock Trail #1639
Trail Description
The Rim Rock trail is accessible from both the Mason Dam and the Dean Creek trailhead. Only recommended as an out-and-back ride unless you go out with someone experienced in this area.
Current Conditions
This trail is generally clear of snow from May to mid October. Expect winter debris (down trees, etc) in the early season.
Trip Types
Hiking, Mountain Biking
Map
Deer Lick Trail #1636
Trail Description
A fun alternate route along the South Shore that gives you a short steep climb and a fast downhill.
Current Conditions
This trail is generally clear of snow from May to mid October. Expect winter debris (down trees, etc) in the early season.
Trip Types
Hiking, Mountain Biking
Map
Coyote Cove Trail #1637
Trail Description
A short steep descent connecting to Jeep Ride, Rim Rock, and South Shore trails.
Current Conditions
This trail is generally clear of snow from May to mid October. Expect winter debris (down trees, etc) in the early season.
Trip Types
Hiking, Mountain Biking
Map
Southeast Shore Trailhead
Click to learn more about trailhead amenities, trails, and current conditions.
Trailhead Amenities
Vault Toilet
Cell Service
Water
Garbage
Driving Directions
Directions to Southeast Shore Trailhead
- From Baker City, Oregon travel south on Highway 7 towards John Day, Oregon for about 16.5 miles to the Black Mountain Road (also known as Forest Road 1145);
- This road junction is before the top of the hill;
- Turn left on Forest Road 1145 going about 0.5 miles and crossing Mason Dam;
- Once across the southern end of the dam, the trailhead parking area is on the left near an information board;
- The trail starts at this eastern access point near the lake.
Phillips Lake South Shoreline Trail #1610
Trail Description
The Phillips Lake South Shoreline trail begins on the south side of Mason Dam and ends near Southwest Shore Campground. The trail traverses the southern banks of the lake (actually a reservoir) through grasslands and young ponderosa pine trees. It is a scenic trail and offers outstanding views of the lake and the Elkhorn Mountains for summer and winter travelers. Numerous coves and inlets provide opportunities for viewing waterfowl, shore birds, and occasionally deer and elk. The multi-season trail is popular with hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.
Current Conditions
This trail is generally clear of snow from May to mid October. Expect winter debris (down trees, etc) in the early season.
Trip Types
Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horse Riding, XC skiing, Snowshoeing
Powder River Trailhead
Click to learn more about trailhead amenities, trails, and current conditions.
Trailhead Amenities
Vaulted Toilet
Cell Service
Water
Garbage
Driving Directions
Directions to Powder River Trailhead
- From Baker City, Oregon travel south on Highway 7 towards John Day, Oregon for about 15 miles;
- The trailhead for this site is in 2 sections – an upper parking area and a lower parking area.
The lower parking area is adjacent to Highway 7, and the upper parking area can be reached by going another 1/2 mile up the highway and turning left on Forest Road 1145. Travel 0.3 miles on Forest Road 1145 to the upper parking area.
Both parking areas are connected by the trail.
Powder River Interpretive Trail #1613
Trail Description
The Powder River Interpretive Trail is located in the Powder River Recreation Area below Phillips Lake. This accessible trail can be reached from the upper and lower Powder River Trailhead parking areas (see directions below). This unique facility provides easy access to the outdoors through trails connected by bridges on both sides of the river. Anglers may fish for trout from two platforms or the two bridges. Hikers and wildlife viewers can experience a closeness to nature while resting on the riverside benches, or learning more about the site from the 2 interpretive sites. Wildflowers are plentiful in June and July.
Current Conditions
This trail is generally clear of snow from May to mid October. Expect winter debris (down trees, etc) in the early season.
Trip Types
Hiking, Fishing
While you're recreating in this region, please consider fueling up and winding down at our local food and drink establishments. This will not just enhance your vacation, but contribute directly to the great community that is taking care of these trails.
Food & Drink in Sumpter & Granite
Food & Drink in Baker City
Food & Drink in Unity & Herford
Trail is dry with an exception to muddy crossings across the two meadow areas. Numerous trees across the trail between Mason Dam boat launch and Union creek campground.
The western portion or the trail connecting social security point to Hudspeth trailhead has high water across the trail with a total depth of about 10 inches.