Vinegar Hill Indian Rock Scenic Area Backcountry Gravel Hut-to-Hut

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Grant County, OR, US

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Renaissance Cyclist

Insights to Inspire Adventure, Stewardship & Community

110 km

1 991 m

This gravel grind takes you along gold mining routes from a bygone age. Come prepared for some serious forest fire-road climbing along the way. You'll be rewarded with outstanding views, robust history, boundless backcountry, & the opportunity to overnight at US Forest Service Cabins.

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The **Vinegar Hill Indian Rock Scenic Area Backcountry Gravel Hut-to-Hut** is chock-full of all the goodies we come to look forward to & love most about **bikepacking adventures**:

* Breathtaking Vistas
* Deep History - Ghost Towns, Old Mines, Fire Towers, Antiquated Reservoirs
* Abundant Solitude
* Access to Wild Backcountry
* Reservable Forest Service Cabins
* A Diversity of Terrain, Flora & Fauna

**This route is 80% gravel.** The bit of pavement you do end up riding is a scenic wooded river valley portion of the [**Old West Scenic Bikeway**](https://ridewithgps.com/ambassador_routes/45-old-west-scenic-bikeway).

@photo[Wildflowers in bloom along NF-4500, one of the Pacific Northwest's most stunning forest service roads to cycle.](2935883)

Strong riders may be able to pound out the entire route - which includes two long climbs over some of #EasternOregon's tallest peaks - in a single haul, but will miss out on many of the route's abundant *side-quests*.  This ride is best enjoyed over the course of a weekend or longer stay, allowing riders to take in all the backcountry & local rural communities have to offer.

@photo[Greenhorn is Oregon's highest incorporated *'City'* & a bit of wondrous *brain-candy* along the route.](2936108) - @point[View on Map.](d,71225.9)

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# Camping
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Tucked almost entirely within the **Malheur & Umatilla National Forests**, there is no shortage of places to camp.

## Cabins
Splitting the route almost perfecting in two portions, visitors can stay at the following US Forest Service Cabins:

**[Reserve the Sunshine Guard Station](https://www.recreation.gov/camping/sunshine-guard-station/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72176)**  -  @poi[View on Map.](4768491)

@photo[Malheur National Forest's Sunshine Guard Station rests along the Middle Fork John Day River & can be rented year-round.](2935763)

**Reserve the Fremont Power Station Cabins ** - @poi[View on Map.](4768502)
* [Congo Gultch](https://www.recreation.gov/camping/congo-gulch/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=75049
)
* [Miner's Retreat ](https://www.recreation.gov/camping/miners-retreat/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=75048)
* [Care Taker's Cabin](https://www.recreation.gov/camping/caretakers-cabin/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=75133)

*Cabin stay is by reservation only.*

## Campgrounds
The following are developed campgrounds along the route.

[**Middle Fork**](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/malheur/recarea/?recid=39976) - Rustic camping along the Middle Fork John Day River - @poi[View on Map.](4768490)

[**Deerhorn**](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/malheur/recarea/?recid=39940) - Rustic camping along the Middle Fork John Day River - @poi[View on Map.](4768489)

[**Head'O'Boulder**](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/malheur/recarea/?recid=39956) - Small & primitive camp offering access to Indian Rock Lookout & alpine trail systems ideal for backcountry mountainbiking. Turn off on NF-537 for 3 miles to reach Head'O'Boulder, Indian Rock Lookout & the Princess Trailhead. - @poi[View on Map.](4768492)

[**Olive Lake**](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/umatilla/recarea/?recid=56605) - Large campground on the shores of Olive Lake. Great access to swimming, fishing & various trail networks. Turn off on NF-480 for a short distance to reach the campground. - @poi[View on Map.](4768496)

@photo[Olive Lake is a great layover on a hot summer day.](2935847)

[**Bates State Park**](http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=109) - Developed campground with cycling specific sites, trails, group shelters & a small pond. Campgound a few miles down County Rd. 20 near the junction of Hwy 7. - @poi[View on Map.](4768487)

## Dispersed Camping
Most National Forests offer cyclists the ability to load up their rigs & hit the road &/or trail & continue to ride continuously, day after day. Bikepackers & tourers are welcome to take advantage of dispersed camping opportunities within National Forest boundaries.

***No permits are required for dispersed camping within the Malheur or Umatilla National Forests; simply follow these guidelines:***

* Camp 150 feet away from roads, trails, & sources of water such as lakes or streams.

* Camp more than a half mile away from designated developed campgrounds.

* Limit your stay to 30 days for any single dispersed site annually. Stay limits on forest are 45 days.

* Pack out all your trash & waste.

* When disposing of solid human waste, bury waste a minimum of 6 inches in the ground & pack out your toiletries (unless you're using the *all-natural* varieties: leaves, rocks, moss, etc.)

* Be informed of & follow any active fire bans - These restrictions may vary from the [Malheur National Forest](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/home/?cid=fsbdev3_033802) to the [Umatilla National Forest](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5382878). Make sure all fires are dead out upon departure.

@photo[Dispersed Camping along an old decommissioned forest road.](2936110)

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# Trails & Backcountry Mountainbiking

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This route provides access to some of the region's most stunning backcountry trail networks. Some of these trails are for foot traffic only, while others are open to mountainbiking. Adventurous bikepackers can incorporate various trails along the route into a more challenging & extended tour.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Malheur & Umatilla National Forest trails are open to cyclists with the exception of those within designated Wilderness Areas, such as the [North Fork John Day Wilderness](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/umatilla/recarea/?recid=56915). Few trails on these forests are currently designed or maintained specifically to cater to mountainbike users. Forest trails may have steeper grades & sharper turns than ideal for cycling. Be prepared to get off & walk sections of trail or hoof your bicycle over fallen trees & other debris when exploring this region's remote multiuse trails.

With these caveats in mind, trails in this area offer solitude for the mountainbiker rarely found elsewhere as well as a diversity of breathtaking views & ecosystems to explore.

## [Vinegar Hill - Indian Rock Scenic Area](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/malheur/recarea/?recid=39908)

The Vinegar Hills are a designated non-motorized scenic recreation area set high above the John Day Valley, nestled between the Strawberry Mountains to the south & the Elkhorn Mountains to the North.

@photo[Fatbiking along the Princess Trail within the Vinegar Hill - Indian Rock Scenic Area.](2936154)

Many of the trails within this scenic area run alpine ridgelines & offer some the most remote & stunning backcountry cycling in the country. If you're riding this gravel grind on a gravel bike, you'll likely want to stash your bike at one of the trailheads as many of these trails would be considered low maintenance all mountain riding.

Some trailheads lead to or connect with wilderness trails - **DO NOT RIDE WITHIN DESIGNATED WILDERNESS AREAS**.

The most iconic & rider-friendly trail is the @poi[**Princess Trail.**](4768492) This trail follows rock cairns from Indian Rock to Vinegar Hill, traversing the upper echelon of much of this scenic area, trending at elevations from 7000-8000'.

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# Important Reminders

---
While touring in this region, come prepared; this area is exceptionally remote by most cyclist’s standards. Food, water, & mechanical assistance & supplies are scarce.

Pay attention to your water supply & be prepared to filter water. Even during the driest times of year one can still find water along this route, but the sources can be spread thin. Many alpine springs run dry by mid/late summer.

@photo[No shortage of water for early summer travelers, but snow may linger at upper elevations.](2936106)

If you travel far from any major roads, you will likely find your cell phone to be of little use aside from cached maps & photographs.

Pay attention to the weather - **summer days can be exceptionally hot with cool/cold nights.** The upper sections of this route can still be snowed in well into June. The John Day Valley & surrounding area tends to be windy often as not. Strong headwinds can radically reduce anticipated travel times.

**Respect all private property signs** – there are many areas where the Forest as well as neighboring public land units intermingle like a patchwork quilt with private property. While many folks welcome cyclists within our community, most prefer their solitude & property rights respected. Respect all wildlife.

Respect fire bans & be aware of any potential wildfire hazards in the area. **This is fire country!** [Active Wildfires in Oregon.](https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/state/38/)

[Follow Leave No Trace principles & outdoor ethics.](https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles)

## Additional Resources

The following bicycle shops are located in the John Day Valley. Specific supplies may be limited, call ahead in advance if possible:
* [Prairie City Motors & Cycles](http://www.cityofprairiecity.com/svc_display.php?id=893) - @poi[View on Map.](4768248)
* [Fossil Shift](http://rideoregonride.com/resources/fossil-shift-bike-shop/) - @poi[View on Map.](4768253)
* [Dayville Mercatile](http://www.dayvillemerc.com)

Visit the @poi[John Day](4768251) and @poi[Prairie City](4768341) US Forest Service offices for maps, conditions & other information.

[More on cycling the Malheur National Forest.](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/recreation/?cid=FSEPRD507499)

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#VinegarHillGravelGrind	#EasternOregon	#GoPlay	#ItsAllYours	#Bikepacking

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Vinegar Hill Indian Rock Scenic Area Backcountry Gravel Hut-to-Hut

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