Black Canyon Wilderness

Located in the Ochoco National Forest in Oregon.

The 13,400-acre Black Canyon wilderness is accessed 11 miles south of Dayville, Oregon, on Forest Route #74. Elevations within the wilderness range from 2,850 feet to 6,483 feet. There are approximately 17 miles of trail found in the area.

Black Canyon is located approximately 57 miles east of Prinevelle, Oregon, and 35 miles west of John Day, Oregon. The rough broken landscape of this wilderness is dominated by the steep canyons and sharp ridges formed by Black Canyon. Approximately 80 percent of the area exceeds a 30 percent slope gradient. Almost one half of the area consists of openings. Most of these openings are located on ridge tops or south facing slopes. The timbered areas consist of mixed conifer and ponderosa pine old-growth stands.

Volcanic ash soils cover one third of the area and are generally shallow. Approximately ten miles of streams drain the area and eventually enter the John Day River. Small native trout are found in the perennial streams and steelhead use them for spawning.

The varied and diverse vegetative conditions within the area provide excellent habitat for nearly 300 different species of wildlife common to the Ochoco National Forest. The area serves as a year-long range for both deer and elk.

For more information contact: The Ochoco National Forest