Oregon · Hiking

Oregon Desert Trail

0.8 mi
one way
643 ft
climb
4,365 ft
high point
Point to point
route
Apr–Jun, Sep
best months

The Oregon Desert Trail is a short, easy hike on Bureau of Land Management land in the Vale Malheur Field Office, about 0.77 miles long and rated easy. It starts at roughly 3,690 feet and climbs to about 4,365 feet, with the steepest stretch near the end of the route. The climb is back-loaded, so the most gain comes in the last part of the hike. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show May highs around 71°F and September highs around 78°F, while July averages about 91°F and winter highs sit in the upper 30s. Juniper Gulch Trail is about 0.7 miles away, and Timber Gulch Trail and Dago Gulch Trail are each about 1.3 miles off. Climbers can find Einstein, The about 3 miles away.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Apr–Jun, Sep

    Best time to visit Oregon Desert Trail

    Best months: April–June and September. 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

      39° / 22°

    2. Feb

      44° / 24°

    3. Mar

      54° / 28°

    4. Apr

      62° / 32°

    5. May

      71° / 39°

    6. Jun

      80° / 44°

    7. Jul

      91° / 49°

    8. Aug

      89° / 47°

    9. Sep

      78° / 39°

    10. Oct

      63° / 31°

    11. Nov

      48° / 25°

    12. Dec

      38° / 21°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Rockville 5 N, OR, 8.7 mi away at 3,670 ft. The station sits about 700 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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