Mill Creek Wilderness

Located in the Ochoco National Forest in Oregon.

The 17,400 acre Mill Creek Wilderness is accessed via Wildcat Campground, 11 miles north of Ochoco Reservoir on Forest Route #33. Elevation within the wilderness range from 3,700 feet to 6,200 feet. The wilderness contains approximately 20 miles of trails.

This area is located about 20 miles northeast of Prineville, Oregon. The terrain varies from a steep broken lattice type pattern of ridges and canyons southeast of Mill Creek to an almost flat plateau in the northwest corner. Two-thirds of the area has slopes exceeding 30% gradient. Fifteen percent of the area consists of openings which are mostly barren ridge tops, but also includes some high elevation meadows. A mix of conifer tree species dominate the forested area (84%). The northwest corner plateau area is mostly forested with lodgepole pine. These stands have recently been attacked by the mountain pine beetle and some trees are dying.

Twenty-two miles of streams drain the area. Small rainbow and brook trout are found in all of the perennial streams. Soil types on sixty percent of the area are ash soils.

The abundance of riparian habitats with this area creates near optimum conditions for a variety of wildlife. The majority of the area provides summer-spring-fall range for deer and elk.

There are several gemstone mining claims located in the wilderness. The claims are all small surface operations. Primitive roads provide access to all the claims.

Twin pillars - a rather unique volcanic plug - is located in the northwest portion of the area.

For further information contact: The Ochoco National Forest.