Located at the far southwestern corner of the Steens Mountain Cooperative
Management and Protection Area, the Threemile Creek Trail is a moderate hike
with an elevation gain of 1,516 feet.

The Steens area encompasses an extraordinary landscape with deep glacier
carved gorges, stunning scenery, wilderness, wild rivers, a rich diversity of
plant and animal species, and a way of life for all who live there.

The Threemile Creek trail is located 25.5 miles south of Frenchglen, Oregon on
Highway 205. The trailhead is in a parking area adjacent to highway 205. The
trail enters Threemile canyon and follows Threemile Creek about 2.5 miles in
an easterly direction until it comes out on the plateau above the canyon.

The best Time of the year to experience the Threemile Creek trail is from
March to November.

<p>Located at the far southwestern corner of the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area, the Threemile Creek Trail is a moderate hike with an elevation gain of 1,516 feet.</p>   

<p>The Steens area encompasses an extraordinary landscape with deep glacier carved gorges, stunning scenery, wilderness, wild rivers, a rich diversity of plant and animal species, and a way of life for all who live there. </p> 

<p>The Threemile Creek trail is located 25.5 miles south of Frenchglen, Oregon on Highway 205. The trailhead is in a parking area adjacent to highway 205. The trail enters Threemile canyon and follows Threemile Creek about 2.5 miles in an easterly direction until it comes out on the plateau above the canyon.</p>   

<p>The best Time of the year to experience the Threemile Creek trail is from March to November.</p>

Sweeping landscape view from the Threemile Creek Trail

View of Threemile Creek

Trailside view of Threemile Creek Trail

View along Threemile Creek Trail

Rugged rock outcrop along the Threemile Creek Trail

Trail view of Threemile Creek Trail

Boulder alongside the Threemile Creek Trail

Down canyon view of Threemile Creek

Threemile Creek Trail

The United States Congress designated the Steens Mountain Wilderness in 2000
and it now has over 170,200 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Oregon
and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Steens Mountain is located in
Oregon's high desert is one of the crown jewels of the state's wildlands. It
is some of the wildest and most remote land left in Oregon.

Opportunities for recreation on Steens Mountain are as plentiful as they are
widespread. Popular activities include camping, picnicking, sightseeing, and
exploring the open country on foot and horseback. Hiking is available in all
areas and trailheads exist near Page Springs and South Steens Campgrounds, as
well as Wildhorse Overlook and Pike Creek. Visitors photograph landscapes,
wildlife and wildflowers, and catch redband trout in the Donner und Blitzen
River. Others enjoy hunting for wild game and visiting special places, cross-
country skiing, and snowshoeing.

## Leave No Trace Principles

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

## Regulations

Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally
prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the
use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment,
bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of
aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation.
In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or
mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a
specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

<p>The United States Congress designated the Steens Mountain Wilderness in 2000 and it now has over 170,200 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Steens Mountain is located in Oregon's high desert is one of the crown jewels of the state's wildlands. It is some of the wildest and most remote land left in Oregon.</p><p>Opportunities for recreation on Steens Mountain are as plentiful as they are widespread. Popular activities include camping, picnicking, sightseeing, and exploring the open country on foot and horseback. Hiking is available in all areas and trailheads exist near Page Springs and South Steens Campgrounds, as well as Wildhorse Overlook and Pike Creek. Visitors photograph landscapes, wildlife and wildflowers, and catch redband trout in the Donner und Blitzen River. Others enjoy hunting for wild game and visiting special places, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.</p><h2>Leave No Trace Principles</h2><ol><li>Plan Ahead and Prepare</li><li>Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces</li><li>Dispose of Waste Properly</li><li>Leave What You Find</li><li>Minimize Campfire Impacts</li><li>Respect Wildlife</li><li>Be Considerate of Other Visitors</li></ol><h2>Regulations</h2><p>Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.</p>

Steens Mountain Wilderness

Nearly rugged 88 miles of waterways comprise the Donner und Blitzen Wild and
Scenic River and its tributaries. The mainstem of the river as well as Big and
Little Indian Creeks, Fish Creek, the South Fork and the Little Blitzen River
were originally designated in 1988. Several more tributaries were added to the
river system in 2000, including portions of Mud and Ankle Creeks. Activities
include hunting, fishing, camping backpacking, horse use and other outdoor
pursuits. Four developed campgrounds at Page Springs, Fish Lake, Jackman Park
and South Steens make great launch points for backcountry adventure in the
area’s wild and scenic rivers.

## Know Before You Go

  * Carry enough water and food to last your entire trip, and do not drink from untested water sources.
  * Ticks, mosquitoes, and rattlesnakes in certain areas during spring and summer.
  * Weather conditions – the mountain’s high elevation can cause rapid temperature changes. Blustery, 100-degree days are common and snow can fall year-round. Be prepared for sudden lightning storms, snow, rain, and high winds.
  * Long distances between services – including gas stations, phones, and cell phone reception. Let someone at home know where you plan to go and when you plan to return. Phone service should not be relied on for emergency communication. Always start your trip with a full tank of fuel and call ahead for current information about fuel availability in the Steens Mountain area. Fuel may be available in the towns of Fields, Frenchglen, Crane, or the Narrows.
  * Rough terrain – deep canyons and rocky slopes are a natural party of the rugged mountain territory. Elevation can change from less than 4,000 feet to over 9,000 feet over the course of a few miles traveled. We recommend high clearance or 4x4 vehicles for primitive roads, including the steep and rocky portion of the Steens Mountain Loop Road near South Steens Campground. The rest of the Steens Mountain Loop Road can accommodate passenger cars at lower speeds. High quality tires are a must for all vehicles, even when traveling on maintained routes.
  * Livestock and wildlife on roadways – much of southeast Oregon is open range. Be alert, drive with caution, and plan to share roadways with cattle, deer, elk, antelope, wild horses, and rabbits!
  * Staying Found – the remote nature and vast landscape of the Steens Mountain area may leave even the most experienced traveler directionally confused or just plain lost. Traveling with a current map of the area is essential! Don’t hesitate to talk to locals - area landowners and Federal employees are generally visible in the Steens Mountain area. We welcome your visit and have information to help you.
  * When recreating on public lands, practice Leave-No-Trace Principles.

## Point of Interest

In 1860, the U.S. Army sent Major Enoch Steen to determine the feasibility of
a road from southeastern Oregon to the Willamette Valley. His party named many
prominent topographic features, including Steens Mountain. In 1864, during a
thunderstorm, Captain George B. Curry and his command were forced to cross a
river on the west slope of the Steens. He named the River "Donner und
Blitzen," which is German for thunder and lightning.

<p>Nearly rugged 88 miles of waterways comprise the Donner und Blitzen Wild and Scenic River and its tributaries. The mainstem of the river as well as Big and Little Indian Creeks, Fish Creek, the South Fork and the Little Blitzen River were originally designated in 1988. Several more tributaries were added to the river system in 2000, including portions of Mud and Ankle Creeks. Activities include hunting, fishing, camping backpacking, horse use and other outdoor pursuits. Four developed campgrounds at Page Springs, Fish Lake, Jackman Park and South Steens make great launch points for backcountry adventure in the area’s wild and scenic rivers.</p><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>Carry enough water and food to last your entire trip, and do not drink from untested water sources.</li><li>Ticks, mosquitoes, and rattlesnakes in certain areas during spring and summer.</li><li>Weather conditions – the mountain’s high elevation can cause rapid temperature changes. Blustery, 100-degree days are common and snow can fall year-round. Be prepared for sudden lightning storms, snow, rain, and high winds.</li><li>Long distances between services – including gas stations, phones, and cell phone reception. Let someone at home know where you plan to go and when you plan to return. Phone service should not be relied on for emergency communication. Always start your trip with a full tank of fuel and call ahead for current information about fuel availability in the Steens Mountain area. Fuel may be available in the towns of Fields, Frenchglen, Crane, or the Narrows.</li><li>Rough terrain – deep canyons and rocky slopes are a natural party of the rugged mountain territory. Elevation can change from less than 4,000 feet to over 9,000 feet over the course of a few miles traveled. We recommend high clearance or 4x4 vehicles for primitive roads, including the steep and rocky portion of the Steens Mountain Loop Road near South Steens Campground. The rest of the Steens Mountain Loop Road can accommodate passenger cars at lower speeds. High quality tires are a must for all vehicles, even when traveling on maintained routes.</li><li>Livestock and wildlife on roadways – much of southeast Oregon is open range. Be alert, drive with caution, and plan to share roadways with cattle, deer, elk, antelope, wild horses, and rabbits!</li><li>Staying Found – the remote nature and vast landscape of the Steens Mountain area may leave even the most experienced traveler directionally confused or just plain lost. Traveling with a current map of the area is essential! Don’t hesitate to talk to locals - area landowners and Federal employees are generally visible in the Steens Mountain area. We welcome your visit and have information to help you.</li><li>When recreating on public lands, practice Leave-No-Trace Principles.</li></ul><h2>Point of Interest</h2><p>In 1860, the U.S. Army sent Major Enoch Steen to determine the feasibility of a road from southeastern Oregon to the Willamette Valley. His party named many prominent topographic features, including Steens Mountain. In 1864, during a thunderstorm, Captain George B. Curry and his command were forced to cross a river on the west slope of the Steens. He named the River "Donner und Blitzen," which is German for thunder and lightning.</p>

Contact the field office for more information about fees and permits.

Donner und Blitzen Wild and Scenic River

Donner und Blitzen Wild and Scenic River riparian zone

Donner ьnd Blitzen Wild and Scenic River

Volcanic cliffside along Donner und Blitzen Wild and Scenic River

Trailside on the Donner und Blitzen Wild and Scenic River

Interpretive panel at Page Springs Campground

Interpretive sign

Take yourself on a reverse hike down to Wildhorse Lake, below the Steens
Mountain rim. The headwaters of Little Wildhorse Creek are designated as a
Research Natural Area (RNA)/Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC)
because of a mid- to high-elevation lake and associated ecosystem. This
RNA/ACEC was designated to protect the area for scientific study
opportunities. Wildhorse and Little Wildhorse Creeks, above their confluence,
contain interesting and unique assemblages of vegetative communities.

## Know Before You Go

  * Limited water sources – carry enough water and food to last your entire trip, and do not drink from untested water sources.
  * Ticks, mosquitoes, and rattlesnakes in certain areas during spring and summer.
  * Weather conditions – the mountain’s high elevation can cause rapid temperature changes. Blustery, 100-degree days are common and snow can fall year-round. Be prepared for sudden lightning storms, snow, rain, and high winds.
  * Long distances between services – including gas stations, phones, and cell phone reception. Let someone at home know where you plan to go and when you plan to return. Phone service should not be relied on for emergency communication. Always start your trip with a full tank of fuel and call ahead for current information about fuel availability in the Steens Mountain area. Fuel may be available in the towns of Fields, Frenchglen, Crane, or the Narrows.
  * Rough terrain – deep canyons and rocky slopes are a natural party of the rugged mountain territory. Elevation can change from less than 4,000 feet to over 9,000 feet in just a few miles. We recommend high clearance or 4x4 vehicles for primitive roads, including the steep and rocky portion of the Steens Mountain Loop Road near South Steens Campground. The rest of the Steens Mountain Loop Road can accommodate passenger cars at lower speeds. High quality tires are a must for all vehicles, even when traveling on maintained routes.
  * Livestock and wildlife on roadways – much of southeast Oregon is open range. Be alert, drive with caution, and plan to share roadways with cattle, deer, elk, antelope, wild horses, and rabbits!
  * Staying found – the remote nature and vast landscape of the Steens Mountain area may leave even the most experienced traveler directionally confused or just plain lost. Traveling with a current map of the area is essential! Don’t hesitate to talk to locals - area landowners and Federal employees are generally visible in the Steens Mountain area. We welcome your visit and have information to help you.

## Point of Interest

Wildhorse and Little Wildhorse Creeks provide habitat for California bighorn
sheep and a variety of wildlife from headwaters to canyon mouths. Species such
as pika can be found at upper elevations. Little Wildhorse Creek contains
excellent riparian habitat at higher elevations. Wildhorse and Little
Wildhorse Lakes provide vernal high elevation pools, talus and cliffs,
willows, and adjacent upland vegetation, which together provide a diversity of
wildlife habitats.

<p>Take yourself on a reverse hike down to Wildhorse Lake, below the Steens Mountain rim. The headwaters of Little Wildhorse Creek are designated as a Research Natural Area (RNA)/Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) because of a mid- to high-elevation lake and associated ecosystem. This RNA/ACEC was designated to protect the area for scientific study opportunities. Wildhorse and Little Wildhorse Creeks, above their confluence, contain interesting and unique assemblages of vegetative communities.</p><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>Limited water sources – carry enough water and food to last your entire trip, and do not drink from untested water sources.</li><li>Ticks, mosquitoes, and rattlesnakes in certain areas during spring and summer.</li><li>Weather conditions – the mountain’s high elevation can cause rapid temperature changes. Blustery, 100-degree days are common and snow can fall year-round. Be prepared for sudden lightning storms, snow, rain, and high winds.</li><li>Long distances between services – including gas stations, phones, and cell phone reception. Let someone at home know where you plan to go and when you plan to return. Phone service should not be relied on for emergency communication. Always start your trip with a full tank of fuel and call ahead for current information about fuel availability in the Steens Mountain area. Fuel may be available in the towns of Fields, Frenchglen, Crane, or the Narrows.</li><li>Rough terrain – deep canyons and rocky slopes are a natural party of the rugged mountain territory. Elevation can change from less than 4,000 feet to over 9,000 feet in just a few miles. We recommend high clearance or 4x4 vehicles for primitive roads, including the steep and rocky portion of the Steens Mountain Loop Road near South Steens Campground. The rest of the Steens Mountain Loop Road can accommodate passenger cars at lower speeds. High quality tires are a must for all vehicles, even when traveling on maintained routes.</li><li>Livestock and wildlife on roadways – much of southeast Oregon is open range. Be alert, drive with caution, and plan to share roadways with cattle, deer, elk, antelope, wild horses, and rabbits!</li><li>Staying found – the remote nature and vast landscape of the Steens Mountain area may leave even the most experienced traveler directionally confused or just plain lost. Traveling with a current map of the area is essential! Don’t hesitate to talk to locals - area landowners and Federal employees are generally visible in the Steens Mountain area. We welcome your visit and have information to help you.</li></ul><h2>Point of Interest</h2><p>Wildhorse and Little Wildhorse Creeks provide habitat for California bighorn sheep and a variety of wildlife from headwaters to canyon mouths. Species such as pika can be found at upper elevations. Little Wildhorse Creek contains excellent riparian habitat at higher elevations. Wildhorse and Little Wildhorse Lakes provide vernal high elevation pools, talus and cliffs, willows, and adjacent upland vegetation, which together provide a diversity of wildlife habitats.</p>

Threemile Creek Trail

Directions

Stay Limit

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Steens Mountain Wilderness

Donner und Blitzen Wild and Scenic River

Wildhorse Creek Wild and Scenic River