Highlights
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
Season: July through October
Notes: This hike is featured in “Oregon’s Ancient Forests: A hiking guide” – Get the book here!
About this Hike
The Strawberry Mountain Wilderness is located in the Malhuer National Forest and includes approximately 68,700 acres. In 1975 the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Area was set aside, and the size of the Wilderness area was almost doubled in 1984.
This picturesque out-and-back hike begins at the Strawberry Campground where you are greeted by ponderosa pines, fir, and larch trees. The trail eventually opens up to dramatic views of the mountains. Drink in the views at Strawberry Lake then continue up the trail another mile to Strawberry Falls, where Strawberry Creek drops 100-feet. Beyond is the cutoff to Little Strawberry Lake. This tree-lined lake sits at the base of a rock-strewn cliff and provides amazing views.
Getting There
From the town of Prairie City on US Highway 26, turn south onto South Main Street. Follow South Main Street for just under a half mile to the junction with Bridge Street at a stop sign next to Depot Park. Turn left and then immediately right onto County Road 60 following signs for Strawberry Campground. CR 60 is paved for 3 miles, then turns to good gravel for another 6 miles before entering the national forest and getting a bit rougher for the last 2 miles. Strawberry Campground and the trailhead are at the end of the road, a total of 11.5 miles from US 26. Look for the trail parking area on the right.
Take Action
While the Strawberry Mountains are protected as Wilderness, much of the surrounding Malheur National Forest is under threat of logging. Management plan revisions could lead to weakened protections for large and old trees, and fail to protect remaining intact wild lands. Take action for the Blue Mountains here.
