Horse Rock Ridge Research Natural Area

Sweet Home, Oregon

5.0/5

based on 2 reviews

Save

View all 2 photos

All 2 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

3.74 miles

Elevation Gain

951 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by The Outbound Collective

Horse Rock Ridge Research Natural Area in Sweet Home, Oregon, offers a unique hiking trail that spans approximately 3.74 miles. The trail is moderately difficult, with an elevation gain of 951 feet, making it suitable for intermediate hikers. The trail begins in a dense forest of Douglas fir and Western Hemlock, gradually transitioning into a meadow with a variety of wildflowers. The trail's main attraction is the Horse Rock, a large basalt outcrop that provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The rock is a result of ancient volcanic activity and is a significant geological feature of the area. From the top, hikers can see the Cascade Range, the Coast Range, and the Willamette Valley. The trail also passes by a small, seasonal pond, home to a variety of amphibians. Hikers are advised to wear sturdy shoes due to the rocky terrain and to carry water as there are no facilities on the trail. The area is open year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Download GPX File

Features

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Forest

Scenic

Wildlife

Horse Rock Ridge Research Natural Area Reviews

Sarah Diambri

Horse Rock Ridge Research Natural Area

03/14/22

Especially beautiful in the spring with the flowers blooming

5.0

Isaac Moreno

Horse Rock Ridge Research Natural Area

01/19/22

Great trail with a killer view. If you have a smaller car and go in the winter be prepared with chains or to park before the snow level gets too deep. The trailhead begins at a chain linked fence and has a steady incline through out the hike. There are some fallen branches along the trail, but it’s nothing you can’t walk over. All in all it’s a beautiful space year round. Be safe and have fun!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike McDowell Creek County Park

GPS coordinates Lat: 44.46389 Long: -122.68278Exit off I-5 in Albany onto Highway 20 and proceed for approximately 20 miles to McDowell Creek Road and turn left, follow McDowell Creek Road - watching for signs for the park - for about 6 ½ miles, to the first of three parking areas within the park. Alternatively, westbounders can proceed as follows to avoid backtracking. Turn off Highway 20 at Q...

Bouldering on the Siren

This boulder is to the right of Garden Variety...if you know then you know.An excellent problem with a lot of movement. Works up the stand alone prow near Garden Variety. Start low and heal out right on a good ledge. From there work up to the inverted V pinch and left to the arete. From there it is a long committing move to the slopers on the top.

Hike to Soda Creek Falls

Soda Creek Falls flows 150 feet down a curvy basalt rock groove at Cascadia State Park. The trail follows Soda Creek through a lush Oregon rain forest. The site was a former hotel and health spa with the mineral water from the creek as the main attraction. The park has a small campground, and picnic area. The nearby Santiam River offers swimming and fishing. Cascadia State Park is 14 miles eas...

Wild Iris Ridge Loop from Summit Sky Boulevard

Spencer Butte Loop

Getting There Searching Spencer Butte Trailhead Parking Lot on Google Maps will direct you to exactly where you need to go. From downtown Eugene/ UO you'll drive south on Willamette St. until you see an official park sign for Spencer Butte Park. Take a left on the gated road (will be locked during closed hours - around 9 pm to 6 am), and drive up to the large parking lot. There is room for abo...

Explore the Finley Wildlife Refuge

Starting at the visitor center, the trail begins west heading into the forest where you’ll only gain around a couple hundred feet of elevation. While you are hiking on this trail you are surrounded by conifer trees, little open areas of sitting water, and look outs that are hidden within the trail. During the duration of the trail, there are two lookouts into open areas where you could potentia...

Horse Rock Ridge Research Natural Area

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Horse Rock Ridge Research Natural Area Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike McDowell Creek County Park

Bouldering on the Siren

Hike to Soda Creek Falls

Wild Iris Ridge Loop from Summit Sky Boulevard

Spencer Butte Loop

Explore the Finley Wildlife Refuge

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps