Route: Heart of Darkness Loop (OR)

Submitted by christofteuscher on Tue, 10/26/2021 - 07:38am
Location
Oregon, US
Distance
38 mi
Vertical Gain
7,200 ft
Description

The Heart of Darkness Loop (aka Ochoco Mountains Loop) is a 38 mile route off the beaten path in Central Oregon's Ochoco Mountains National Forest. The route links the Ochoco Mountain Trail #823, the Payten Trail #820D, the Black Canyon Trail #820, and the Owl Creek Trail #820A. Spanish Peak (6,871ft), one of the 8 highest peaks in the Ochoco mountains, is just a short distance off the route. A significant section goes through the Black Canyon Wilderness.

The route is rugged and remote, yet, breathtaking. If you're in for the solitude and a good challenge, this may be for you. Navigation is not always obvious, some sections are heavily overgrown, and there is a long section without access to water.

Trip reports:

Maps:

GPS Track
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