Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

The Cascade Mountains are well explored, ditto for the Coast Range and the majestic Wallowas. But one of eastern Oregon’s most prominent mountain ranges remains relatively obscure, despite containing miles of natural beauty.

The Blue Mountains, found just east of Pendleton running north past Walla Walla, are a gem of Oregon’s high desert, home to rolling hills covered in forests of fir and pine, where solitude can easily be found in a remote corner of the state.

The Rough Fork Trail offers one of the most dramatic hikes in the Blues, winding down a rocky ridgeline to the South Fork Walla Walla River below.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

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With a sizable population of Rocky Mountain elk, the Blue Mountains might be best known among hunters. But hiking trails run throughout the range, offering good opportunities for hikers as well.

The Rough Fork Trail benefits from forested stretches that offer much-needed shade on a hot and sunny day. The whole region can become sweltering in the summer, but if you’re out hiking during the warm season, this is certainly a good trail to choose.

Watch your step on the rocky trail and bring plenty of water with you. The Rough Fork’s remoteness is part of its appeal, but located in one of the more rugged corners of Oregon, there are few amenities or services nearby should something go wrong.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

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ROUGH FORK HIKE

Distance: 6.4 miles, with option to hike farther

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 2,405 feet

Amenities: Gravel parking area, vault toilet at trailhead



The most complicated part of the Rough Fork Hike is simply getting to the trailhead. The Rough Fork Trailhead doesn't show up on Google Maps, so you'll need to enter the coordinates to find it (45°52'08.4"N, 117°58'01.4"W) and should probably print or write out the following directions, which begin at Tollgate on Oregon Route 204:



-At Tollgate, turn northeast onto Skyline Rd., following signs to Jubilee Lake

-In 3.6 miles, the pavement ends and the road becomes Forest Road 64

-After another 6.7 miles, stay left at a junction with Forest Road 63, toward Jubilee Lake

-Continue 2.7 miles, passing the turnoff for Jubilee Lake, and stay left on Forest Road 64 toward Dayton and Walla Walla

-In 1.7 miles, turn left on Forest Road 6403, following signs to the Mottet Campground and Rough Fork Trail

-Follow the rough dirt road for 1.4 miles, then stay right at the junction

-In .1 miles you will reach the Rough Fork Trailhead



It's best to have four-wheel drive and decent clearance to make it down that last dirt road, which is usually clear of snow by June. There's a good amount parking at the trailhead, considering how light the usage is.



The Rough Fork Trail is simple to hike, starting from the sign at the trailhead. There are no junctions to worry about, so just follow the switchbacks downhill until you reach the bridge of the South Fork Walla Walla River.



There’s no set end point of the hike, as it simply meets up with the South Fork Walla Walla Trail on the other side of the river and keeps going. Backpackers can go deep into the wilderness, but day hikers would be wise to pick a stopping point ahead of time and turn back.

The South Fork Walla Walla River makes a natural turn-around, with a small clearing to rest beside a bridge that leads across. Feel free to continue as far as you like, but remember that you’ll still have an uphill hike to return.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian