Oregon · Hiking

Joseph Branch Community Trail

62.9 mi
one way
2,203 ft
climb
4,148 ft
high point
Point to point
route
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
best months

Joseph Branch Community Trail is a long, hard hike in Oregon, starting just 0.2 miles from the town of Elgin. It is a point-to-point route of about 63 miles, with a total elevation gain of 2,203 feet. The trail rises from a starting elevation of about 2,668 feet to a high point of 4,148 feet, and it also includes a total descent of 948 feet. The route is rated hard, and it takes about 22 hours to complete. Bikes are allowed, so it works for riders as well as hikers. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Elgin show July and August highs in the mid-80s with only four or five wet days a month, while winter brings highs around 40 degrees and rain on 12 to 14 days a month. That station sits well below the trail, so temperatures on the route run cooler. Paddlers will find several creeks within a short drive. Phillips Creek is about 5 miles away, Willow Creek about 6 miles, and Dry Creek and Clark Creek both within 8 miles.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct

    Best time to visit Joseph Branch Community Trail

    Best months: April–June and September–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      40° / 24°

      13 wet

    2. Feb

      45° / 25°

      12 wet

    3. Mar

      53° / 28°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      60° / 32°

      12 wet

    5. May

      69° / 39°

      12 wet

    6. Jun

      76° / 44°

      9 wet

    7. Jul

      86° / 47°

      5 wet

    8. Aug

      87° / 46°

      4 wet

    9. Sep

      78° / 40°

      5 wet

    10. Oct

      63° / 32°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      48° / 28°

      13 wet

    12. Dec

      39° / 23°

      14 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Elgin, OR, 0.4 mi away at 2,697 ft. The station sits about 1,500 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors