Philip Reservoir/ Mason Dam Lake Shore Loop

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Baker County, OR, US

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Route Overview

The Trailhead - Bike | Ski | Service

Adventure Hub of Eastern Oregon

16 mi.

554 ft.

Summer, spring or fall the Philips Lake Shore Trail is fun for families and mountain bikers. Philips Lake rests in the Blue Mountains on the Powder River southwest of Baker City, Oregon. The complete Philips Lake Shore Trail Loop is just over 15 miles of visual splendor. The south shore trail section is smooth and well-traveled by pedestrians, equestrians and cyclists alike. It also stays significantly dryer than the other side of the lake. The north shore section has pocket ponds, fowl and fascinating rocks and the trail weaves in and out of little inlets and has more elevation gain and loss than the south side.

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Route Details

# Summer, spring or fall the Philips Lake Shore Trail is fun for families and mountain bikers.

Philips Lake rests in the Blue Mountains on the Powder River southwest of Baker City, Oregon.  @photo[The Mason Dam](1538551), completed June of 1968, enlarged the lake to a reservoir capacity that could reach 114,000 acre-feet.  This expanse makes it one of the largest bodies of water in Eastern Oregon.  The arid landscape, sparkling water and rising mountainous peaks make it a @photo[very picturesque](1538570) and popular place to visit.

To locate the trailhead for the Philips Lake Shore Trail exit Oregon Highway 7 to the south on Black Mountain Road, FS Road 1145.  This gravel road crosses the Mason Dam.  Abruptly following the dam there is a rough parking lot that hosts a kiosk and the beginning of multi-use trail 1610.

The complete Philips Lake Shore Trail Loop is just over 15 miles of visual splendor.  The south shore trail section is smooth and well-traveled by pedestrians, equestrians and cyclists alike.  It also stays significantly dryer than the other side of the lake.

The South Side Trail starts traveling west along the water’s edge among @photo[grassy Ponderosa Pine groves punctuated by volcanic rock](1538593).  @photo[Brown Carsonite markers, boasting trail 1610](1539333) with pictures featuring a biker and a cross-country skier, primarily mark the trail for the first four miles.  The most treacherous obstacles on this trail fluctuate with the seasons and the dropping of pinecones.  Pinecones can be surprisingly solid and the conical shape leads to odd tire drift.

There are a number of unmarked trails that intersect the Lake Shore Trail.  The main sidelines to avoid are trail 1636 and anything that looks more conducive to four-wheeled exploration.  Trail 1636 does reenter the Shore Trail but it is more technical than the suggested route.   Other signs to look for and follow simply suggest “Trail” or “Shore” with an arrow.

**Enjoy the mix of sagebrush, Pine, wildlife, grassland and wild flowers.  If visiting in the spring, meadows stretching as far as you can see may be covered with a spiky little pink iris commonly referred to as Grass Widows.**

@slice[The South Shore Trail](d,0,10905.85) is about six and one-half miles long and is the easiest section to experience on a mountain bike.  Pinecones and a few low wooden bridges strive to keep travelers out of the muck and on their toes.   Elkhorn Ridge and Marble Point stand guard, frequently snow decorated, in the distance.  
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The South Side Shoreline Trail is a relatively smooth and level, out and back adventure.  However, upon reaching @point[Lake Road](d,10904.51) if you would like to continue to slightly more aggressive riding and finish the loop, advance to the north side of the lake.

To locate the continuation of the Shoreline Trail; swoop down Lake Road, traveling west, then follow the paved @slice[Hudspeth Lane](d,11100.08,12226.73) rambling north for relatively half a mile.  The road itself is winsome as it whisks riders through pockets of cattails, marshy bird sanctuary and residual mine tailings.  @point[Turn east](d,12232.67) onto an unmarked gravel loop with leftover green gate pillars.  Veer northeast and find @photo[the sign marked Shoreline Trail/Mowich Loop 1](1539003) and sporting a little blue diamond with a bicycle.

**When planning this part of your excursion, keep in mind the northwest corner of the trail travels through a wondrous wetland area that is sometimes more conducive to aquatic exploration.**

The pocket ponds, fowl and fascinating rocks in this section will astound you.  The rocks glisten and slide under your tires and it is easy to lose the physical trail but there are statuesque cairns to keep the errant wanderer on track and out of the quagmire.  The north shore has more established campgrounds, boating ramps and more people than the south shore.  The trail weaves in and out of little inlets and has more elevation gain and loss than the south side.

Close to mile nine, the trail briefly enters the Elkhorn Scenic Byway.  Less than a quarter of a mile after entering the highway and passing Deer Creek, @point[look south for the trail to start-up again](d,15568.23).  The trail is currently marked with a reflective orange pole.  There are numerous camping and picnic areas closer to the trail during this part of the ride.  Informational kiosks suggesting which birds and vegetation you might find along the way are nice rest points.  Shoreline Trail signs keep you on track to circumvent the lake.

Enjoy the humor of the Flintstones’ @photo[forest of cairns](1538554) and Social Security Point before the single-track ends at the boat ramp.  Leave the dirt trail for a brief pavement climb and return east to Black Mountain Road and the parking area.

If you would like to continue riding on single track for a bit farther, the @point[trail does persevere on the other side of the boat ramp road](d,23424.13) just up from where the other trail exited.  The difficulty level rises significantly with elevation gain, rocks and eventually dead ends on a rocky bluff overlooking the lake.  **I suggest hiking out if you would really like to see it then coming back to your bike.** 
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It is possible to make a camping weekend out of exploring the area.  [Union Creek Campground](https://www.recreation.gov/camping/union-creek-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=71992), located on the north side of the lake, is the largest and most amenity filled overnight option.  [Sumpter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumpter,_Oregon), a short drive west, offers a nostalgic glimpse into Oregon’s mining history with a steam driven engine on a narrow gauge track excursion train.  The surrounding area hosts a multitude of hikes and panoramic vistas.

Philip Reservoir/ Mason Dam Lake Shore Loop

Route Overview

Route Details

Other routes by The Trailhead - Bike | Ski | Service

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