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Phillips Lake Recreation Area

A family-friendly reservoir located just 20 miles southwest of Baker City, the Phillips Lake Recreation Area has fishing, boating, hiking and mountain biking opportunities for all ages.

Phillips Lake reservoir is a popular recreational site in the southern Elkhorn Mountains. The Shoreline Trail circumvents the reservoir, totaling 16 miles and offers hiking and biking for all ages and abilities. Anglers will find a variety of fish to catch and the season is open year-round (yes, this is a popular ice-fishing location too)! The area also provides access to camping (with amenities), boating, and bird watching.

The closest towns are Sumpter, Granite, Unity, Herford and Baker City. The nearest hospital and medical services are thirty minutes away, in Baker City.

Anthony Lakes operates in partnership with the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest under a special use permit, and is an equal opportunity provider.

  • Social Security Point Trailhead Click to learn more about trailhead amenities, trails, and current conditions.

    Trailhead Amenities

    Vault Toilet
    Cell Service
    Water
    Garbage

    Driving Directions

    Directions to Social Security Point Trailhead

    1. From Baker City, Oregon travel south on Highway 7 (also known as the Elkhorn Scenic Byway) towards John Day, Oregon for about 20 miles to Forest Road 300;
    2. The entrance to the trailhead is signed on the left side of the highway;
    3. Travel down Forest Road 300 for 0.5 miles to the trailhead near the toilet building;
    4. The Phillips Lake North Shoreline Trail #1608 goes east or west from this area.

    Phillips Lake North Shoreline Trail #1608

    Trail Description

    The Phillips Lake North Shore trail traverses the northern banks of Phillips Reservoir connecting Mason Dam Boat Launch, Union Creek Campground, Social Security Point, Mowich Loop to a western access point near Hudspeth Lane. Throughout the year trail users will encounter outstanding views while traveling through young growth ponderosa pine forests, grasslands, meadows and historic rock dredge piles bordering the reservoir. Numerous coves and inlets provide opportunities for viewing waterfowl, shorebirds and deer. As a year-round facility, visitors can enjoy the trail for hikes, on their mountain bikes or on cross-country skis.

    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

    View Conditions

    Reported Trail Conditions

    Phillips Lake North Shoreline Trail #1608

    • 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.

  • Dean Creek Trailhead Click to learn more about trailhead amenities, trails, and current conditions.

    Trailhead Amenities

    Vaulted Toilet
    Cell Service
    Water
    Garbage

    Driving Directions

    Directions to Dean Creek Trailhead

    1. From Baker City, Oregon travel south on Highway 7 towards John Day, Oregon for 22 miles;
    2. Once past the upper end of the Phillips Lake turn left on Hudspeth Lane and go 1.2 miles to Forest Road 2220;
    3. 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;
    4. 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

    1. 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);
    2. This road junction is before the top of the hill;
    3. Turn left on Forest Road 1145 going about 0.5 miles and crossing Mason Dam;
    4. Once across the southern end of the dam, the trailhead parking area is on the left near an information board;
    5. 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

    View Conditions

    Reported Trail Conditions

    Phillips Lake South Shoreline Trail #1610

    • South shoreline and Deer lick are completely clear of snow. Some standing water and muddy areas. One downed tree across a corner near Dean Creek trailhead.

  • 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

    1. From Baker City, Oregon travel south on Highway 7 towards John Day, Oregon for about 15 miles;
    2. 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.

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