About this campground
The trail is well signed at the trailhead, boundary and all junctions. This site provides access to Cougar Ridge trail #1668 which enters Eagle Cap Wilderness. Much of this trail is along the ridgetop, but will go in and out of old burned forested areas where you will see many ponderosa pine trees. The trailhead is equipped with a stock unloading ramp. This trail also offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. There are many dispersed campsites along this route. The guard station cabin is in good condition, but is not for public use. There are several trails that come together near the cabin, making it an excellent choice for a base camp. View a printable information sheet about this area and a map of the trail (PDF File)
Getting there
Located 27 miles west of Enterprise, OR, off State Highway #82. Turn left at the Fish Hatchery onto the Big Canyon road, Forest Road #8270 and travel approximately 18 miles to the trailhead. This is a gravel road and can be rough after the spring thaw.
Activities
- HIKING
- HORSEBACK RIDING
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Bear Creek TrailheadWallowa Whitman National Forest3 mi
- Bear Wallow TrailheadWallowa Whitman National Forest3 mi
- Moss Springs CampgroundWallowa Whitman National Forest14 mi
- Moss Springs TrailheadWallowa Whitman National Forest14 mi
- Shady CampgroundWallowa Whitman National Forest19 mi
- Wallowa Mtns/Eagle Cap AreaWallowa Whitman National Forest20 mi
Explore more Oregon camping
Cougar Ridge Trailhead doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Oregon campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse Oregon camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.