Highlights
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.4 miles (with longer option)
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Season: Summer and fall (access dependent on snow)
Notes: No permit is required. No restroom available at the trailhead.
About this Hike
Journey into the headwaters of Steamboat Creek to the ridge dividing the Willamette and Umpqua watersheds to find a beautiful forested trail to Bullpup Lake. Yes, it’s a bit off the beaten path, but the 6,600 acre Bulldog Rock Roadless Area that lies just north of the Boulder Creek Wilderness is a vital connection in the landscape for fish and wildlife.
The short walk to Bullpup Lake (under a half mile) is through a stunning old-growth forest. When you reach the lake edge, follow signs for the loop trail. You’ll see some signs of the 2024 fire that burned through the area, but these aren’t too severe near the moist environment of the lake. Bulldog Creek, a tributary to Steamboat Creek, originates here.
For a longer hike, follow signs for Bulldog Rock at the upper loop trail junction. This trail climbs to a rocky outcrop for a view to the lake below in about another mile. Continuing on is difficult due to more severe impacts of the 2024 fire – the trail can be hard to follow and may not be maintained. Consider your skills and safety before proceeding.
Getting There
From Interstate 5 in Roseburg, take exit 124. Go through downtown Roseburg, following signs for Crater Lake/Diamond Lake and Oregon Route 138E, making first a left, then a right turn to get on Diamond Lake Boulevard. Travel roughly 38.5 miles east of Roseburg on Hwy 138, then turn left onto Steamboat Creek Road. In 10.4 miles, take the fork to the right onto Road 3817 for 2.2 miles and take another right onto Road 3850. Travel just under a mile then stay left to stay on Road 3850 and follow for another 4.7 miles. Keep left onto Road 300 and go just under 4 miles to find the trailhead on the right.
Take Action
Maintaining protections for the Bulldog Rock Roadless Area will keep this wild area from harmful commercial logging. Take action here to defend the Roadless Rule. Protections for Bulldog Creek and Big Bend Creek as Wild & Scenic Rivers under the River Democracy Act will also help threatened steelhead in the watershed below. You can help by becoming a citizen co-sponsor of the River Democracy Act here.
