Badger Creek

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Trail Distance: 11 miles
Time Estimate: 10 hrs 40 min +
Elevation Gain: 3202 feet
Leash Rule: On Leash
Difficulty: Hard
Parking: Free
Route Type: Out-and-back
Restroom: Limited
Description

Make no bones about it, four-pawed fitness freaks looking for a challenge are sure to find one on the Badger Creek Trail! The trailhead is located 45 minutes from the town of Dufur, Oregon, and runs through some of the most spectacular scenery that the state has to offer. The eleven-mile out-and-back route can be done in a day, as long as you hike in summer when the day is longest and you really push it. 

If you’d like to take some time to take in the surroundings, though, don’t worry -- there's a campsite about a third of the way in, and dispersed camping is permitted. You can also pitch your tent at the Badger Lake Campground at the end of the trail, or Bonney Crossing Campground at the beginning. You’ll find four parking spaces at the trailhead, and more parking at Bonney Crossing Campground. The trail is one of the more popular in the Badger Creek Wilderness, so those looking for solitude might want to search elsewhere, but you’re unlikely to need to deal with crowds.

The route winds its way along the banks of the creek itself, passing under a canopy of oak, Douglas fir, and sweet-smelling cedar. Badger Creek is a nice hike at any time of the year, but it’s extra special in spring, when the strawberry flowers, lupine, and violet starcups carpet burst into bloom. You don’t need to think that geology rocks to appreciate the striking rock formations, and at the top, you’ll be greeted by the stunning sight of serene Badger Lake.

With its steep inclines and loose terrain, Badger Creek is not a trail for the unfit of heart or the unsure of foot! There are no restrooms along the trail itself, but you’ll find pit toilets at the campgrounds at either end and at Pine Creek Campground, about three-and-a-half miles into the trail. Remember to bring waste bags for your buddy, and have a furrific hike!

Wag! does not allow or encourage Pet Care Providers to bring dogs to parks.
Trail Features
Loose Terrain, Muddy, Rocky, Steep Inclines, Forest, Lake, River
Scenic, Wildflowers
Cautions & Considerations
Mt. Hood National Forest is home to a small population of black bears. Remember to bring bug spray with you, or you and your pooch will be scratching all the way home!
Address
Badger Creek Trailhead Forest Rd 2710
Dufur, OR 97021
Hours
Mon Open 24 Hours
Tue Open 24 Hours
Wed Open 24 Hours
Thu Open 24 Hours
Fri Open 24 Hours
Sat Open 24 Hours
Sun Open 24 Hours
Address
Badger Creek Trailhead Forest Rd 2710
Dufur, OR 97021
Hours
Mon Open 24 Hours
Tue Open 24 Hours
Wed Open 24 Hours
Thu Open 24 Hours
Fri Open 24 Hours
Sat Open 24 Hours
Sun Open 24 Hours