The following is an article which was published in Equitrekking Online Magazine as I look to a new riding season and new adventures in 2014! Please join me as we traverse new trails together in our gorgeous high desert of Central Oregon!
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Horsing Around in Central Oregon
January 5, 2012
A rider explores Ochoco National Forest in Central Oregon, enjoying the abundant wildlife, wildflowers and mountaintop views.
by Pamela Adler
Central Oregon is a vast area blessed with majestic mountains, clear
running rivers and gorgeous trout-filled lakes. The natural beauty of
the area also boasts some the best trail riding opportunities found
anywhere.
Over the summer, I took to the trails more than ever. The end results
were new, wonderful friendships forged and a renewed sense of adventure
and exploration in our beautiful high desert region.
My new riding friends were great company as we traversed gorgeous
backcountry. We discovered lakes, beautiful high vistas and rolling
prairies. On one horse camping venture in August, three of us set out to
explore the
Ochoco National Forest trails.
Snack time for our horses at Indian Prairie.
Day 1: Ochoco National Forest and Indian Prairie
Located east of the Cascades range, this area is particularly lush,
boasting mature ponderosa and mixed conifer forests, rolling grassy
meadows and ample streams to support the varied wildlife. Mule deer,
elk, black bear, cougar, coyote and several bands of wild horses are
just some of the animal life which call this area home.
Hidden deep within this forest range is an elusive spot called Indian
Prairie. Renowned for its rolling long prairie, wildflowers and stands
of quaking aspen trees, we took to the trail in hopes of discovering
this magical area.
Quaking aspen grove in Indian Prairie.
The trail to our destination was diverse, winding through heavy forest,
across clear streams and over several rough, rocky areas. Signs of wild
mustangs, which call these rugged mountains home, were clear. Lead
stallions leave very distinct manure piles marking their territory.
Some 20 miles under our saddles at day’s end, we came away from this
ride with a sense of great accomplishment. The prairie was indeed
gorgeous. At one end of it we found a warming hut, used mainly for those
cross-country skiing and snowmobiling during the winter months,
complete with stocked wood and benches around an old wood stove.
Warming hut at Indian Prairie.
The prairie displayed evidence of numerous small streams which, though
dry on our visit, would be lovely during the spring and summer months.
An abundance of wildflowers were still in bloom, even very late into the
season. It was a magical place, indeed.
Indian Prairie in the Ochoco National Forest.
Day 2: Independent Mine and Lookout Mountain
The following day, with the beautiful ride from the day before under
our belts, we trailered approximately 15 miles down the mountain to a
new area of the Ochocos rich in history and natural beauty.
Mining was a thriving industry in this area until the mid to late
1900s. While a few mines were dedicated to gold, more common was the
mining of cinnabar, from which mercury — used in the mining industry —
was extracted.
Operating from the early 1900s, Independent Mine is a great place to
dismount and explore on foot. This photo shows the remains of the main
mill, with the furnace in the back. There are also several log
structures remaining from this long-abandoned mine.
Heading out from this spot, the trail is well marked and takes riders
five miles on the first half of the loop, slowing gaining 1,500 feet in
elevation until you reach the top of Lookout Mountain. The views from
this mountaintop are spectacular!
A clear day will reward you with a view of at least nine mountains and
volcanic buttes. To dismount here and just sit on the cliff edge, taking
in the breeze and solitude, is a gift to the soul.
Riding Back through Wildflowers
The return trip from this 10-mile loop brings the rider back down the
pass and again through fields of wildflowers. Lupine, monkey flower,
Indian paintbrush, asters and desert evening primrose can all be found
on this gorgeous mountain ride.
A surprise greeted us near the end of the trail. We discovered an olive
grove, long ago abandoned by the early mining settlers. This particular
tree is not found anywhere else in the region and is testimony to the
ingenuity and tenacity of the early pioneers.
The author on her Kiger Mustang Bonita next to one of the olive trees.
Life is good. Horse camping with friends, exploring new trails and
having a great horse under you — this is something to be cherished.
Happy trails.
Combining over 30 years experience in the saddle, a B.A. in
English, and a love of travel and photography, Pamela Adler writes
equestrian travel articles and documents local riding adventures in her
blog, http://kigermountainrider.blogspot.com. She resides in Bend, Oregon, with her two wonderful trail horses and three faithful trail dogs.
Interior starts to get a paint job...not too certain of my color choice yet...
