Wander the West

Independent Mine Trail

	Independent Mine Trail

2006

The Independent Mine Trail (#808) is in the Ochoco Mountains, about 30 miles East of Prineville, Oregon. This trail is a fascinating and beautiful eight mile hike. Near the begining of the trail there is the old Independent Mine. The old mine tunnel and tracks are right on the trail at one point. Just above the trail is the old ore concentration building (see gallery for photos).

This trail exemplifies the amazing diversity of plant life and scenery of the Ochcoo Mountains. The lower part of the trail is typical ponderosa forest with occasional clearings full of skunk grass and flowers. The middle section of the trail crosses many streams and is densely vegetated. Near the top, the trees open up to fields of skunk grass and sage. Be sure to go all the way to the top of the trail on Lookout Mountain, the views are amazing.

Late Spring and early summer are the best times to hike the Independent Mine Trail. Wildflowers are abundant and the streams are flowing with plenty of water. The multiple stream crossings and pond halfway up make this an ideal hike for your dogs as well. Summer and Fall are the best times to take your Mountain Bike to the trail (there is usually a lot of deadfall and snow patches in the Spring).

The trail can be hiked as an out and back or a loop. There are opportunities to extend the hike by intersecting another trail at the top of Lookout Mountain (see Trails.com or contact the Lookout Mountain Ranger District for maps and details). There is a snowshelter near the top of Lookout Mountain for those that would like to do an overnight cross country ski adventure during the Winter.

Directions:
From Prineville, drive 15 miles east on Highway 26. Right turn on county Road 123. Travel 8 miles, then just past Ochoco Ranger Station, turn right on Forest Road 42. Travel 6.5 miles to trailhead. The Trailhead is on a dirt road on the right side of FR 42. You can either park at the open area just off the paved road, or continue up the dirt road a few hundred meters where there are several places to park or camp.

Independent Mine Trail Photo Gallery

- Aaron Walton