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The southwest-tending drainage of Mill Creek makes up 85 percent of the Wilderness, with Marks Creek drainage accounting for the difference. Both creeks are tributaries of Ochoco Creek, and home to small trout. The steep, broken ridges that drop into Mill Creek rise to Bingham Prairie in the northwest corner, a virtually flat plateau with open meadows and a lodgepole pine forest. In 2000, a lightning caused wildfire burned over half of the wilderness area. Though much of the fire burned at a stand replacement, high intensity, the area is quickly recovering and there are still some examples of an exemplary climax forest (one that has reached its peak of growth) of ponderosa pine, providing habitat for elk, mule deer, bobcats, mountain lions, and the occasional black bear. Two eroded volcanic plugs distinguish the northwest-central portion: Twin Pillars, with vertical walls rising 200 dramatic feet above the forest, and 400-foot Steins Pillar, just outside the southwestern boundary. North of Twin Pillars lies rugged, rocky Desolation Canyon, aptly named since its lack of trails discourages most human visitors. Summer months are usually hot and dry. Snowfall typically blankets the ground from mid-November through March. Four trailheads ramble out into about 18 miles of trails, each located adjacent to small, rustic campgrounds: Bingham Springs, White Rock, Whistler Point, and Wildcat. From the Wildcat Campground starting at Twin Pillars South Trailhead, the Twin Pillars Trail climbs past Twin Pillars to Bingham Springs, about eight miles in all. If you want to stay overnight, there are plenty of pleasant campsites near the water. Due to after fire affects and limited trail resources available, trail conditions remain in primitive condition. Visitors should expect to encounter many downed trees across trails and heavy brush in segments of trails.
Maps
Digital and paper maps are critical tools for wilderness visitors. Online maps can help you plan and prepare for your visit ahead of time. You can also carry digital maps with you on your GPS unit or other handheld GPS device. Having a paper map with you in the backcountry, as well as solid orienteering skills, however, ensures that you can still route-find in the event that your electronic device fails.
Online Maps
Printed Maps
Rules & Regulations
Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport is generally prohibited in all wilderness areas.
This includes the use of motor vehicles, motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters.
Wilderness-Specific Regulations
Learn more about
why regulations may be necessary in wilderness.
Applicable Wilderness Law(s)
Date: June 26, 1984
Acreage: 17,400 acres
Oregon Wilderness Act of 1984 - Public law 98-328 (6/26/1984) To designate certain national forest system lands in the State of Oregon for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation
System, and for other purposes
For more information (To download or see all affected Wilderness areas) visit our law library for 98-328 or special provisions for 98-328 or legislative history for 98-328 for this law.
Want to Volunteer for Wilderness?
Citizens who volunteer their time to steward our wilderness areas are an essential part of wilderness management. Contact the following groups to inquire about volunteer opportunities.