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Twin Pillars Trail

Ochoco National Forest, Oregon · 3 min read

Distance
9 mi
Elevation Gain
1,400 ft
Difficulty
moderate-hard
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
June through October
Est. Time
5-7 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
8 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
No Lot
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Twin Pillars, two basalt columns rising from old-growth forest in remote terrain
  • Deep Mill Creek Wilderness character with virtually no other visitors
  • Old-growth ponderosa pine and mixed conifer throughout the approach
  • Creek crossings and canyon terrain add interest to the approach
  • One of the most remote named destinations accessible from the Mill Creek road network
rock formationsold growthviewswildlife

Overview

The Twin Pillars are a pair of basalt columns standing in a remote section of the Mill Creek Wilderness in Ochoco National Forest, accessible only via a long day hike that sees very few visitors even in the height of summer. The 9.0-mile round trip through old-growth ponderosa pine and mixed conifer offers the same volcanic geology and wilderness character as the Steins Pillar route but with genuine remoteness and more demanding terrain.

No permit required. Dogs are welcome on leash.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.5: Lower approach through old-growth. From the FR-3350 trailhead, the trail enters the Mill Creek Wilderness immediately and follows a tributary drainage through old-growth ponderosa pine. The forest is open and large-diameter, with characteristic orange bark and high crowns. Creek crossings appear at intervals.

Miles 2.5 to 4.0: Canyon deepens. The trail enters a narrower section of the drainage with canyon walls above. The gradient increases slightly. The forest transitions to mixed conifer (white fir, ponderosa) with some rocky sections requiring more careful footing. Wildlife sign, including black bear scat and elk tracks near the creek, is common.

Miles 4.0 to 4.5: Twin Pillars. The Twin Pillars appear in a clearing above the creek, two basalt columns rising from the forest floor. The area around the pillars is quiet and shaded. Most visitors spend time at the base examining the formations before the return.

Return. Retrace the route back to the trailhead.

When to Hike

June through September for dry conditions and reliable water in the creek.

September for the best conditions: dry trail, elk activity, minimal other visitors.

Avoid early season (May) visits when the access road may be soft or blocked by snow.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 liters of water. Creek water is available in the lower and middle sections (treat before drinking). GPS with the trail route downloaded is strongly recommended. Trekking poles useful for creek crossings and the rocky upper section.

Trailhead Access

Forest Road 3350 in the Mill Creek Wilderness area, accessed via County Road 33 northeast of Prineville. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for the final approach to the trailhead. Download the USFS Ochoco Ranger District trail map before visiting.

Nearby

The Steins Pillar Trail provides a shorter and more accessible volcanic formation experience from the same road network. The Mill Creek Wilderness Trail follows the main creek drainage for a different perspective. See the full Ochoco National Forest guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles in this remote wilderness.

Trailhead Parking

Twin Pillars Trailhead on Forest Road 3350 in the Mill Creek Wilderness area. Gravel forest road, high-clearance recommended. Small pullout. No fee.

← Back to Ochoco National Forest

More Trails in Ochoco National Forest

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Black Canyon Wilderness Trail

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A 9.2-mile out-and-back through the remote Black Canyon Wilderness in Ochoco National Forest, following a perennial wilderness creek through old-growth ponderosa pine and juniper with genuine backcountry solitude.

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A 9.0-mile out-and-back to the 6,926-foot summit of Lookout Mountain in the Ochoco Wilderness, the highest point in Ochoco National Forest, with views spanning the central Oregon plateau and Cascade peaks.

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Mill Creek Wilderness Trail

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A 6.5-mile out-and-back along Mill Creek through the 17,400-acre Mill Creek Wilderness in Ochoco National Forest, following a perennial canyon stream through old-growth ponderosa pine with good fishing.

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Ochoco Divide Trail

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Round Mountain Trail

5.5 mi1,100 ft gain
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A 5.5-mile out-and-back through old-growth ponderosa pine to the open summit of Round Mountain in Ochoco National Forest, with plateau views and a quieter alternative to the Lookout Mountain route.

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Steins Pillar Trail

4 mi700 ft gain
May through October

A 4.0-mile out-and-back through old-growth ponderosa pine in Mill Creek Wilderness to the base of Steins Pillar, a 350-foot volcanic tuff column in Ochoco National Forest's most dramatic geological formation.

3 min read

easyloop

Walton Lake Loop

2 mi50 ft gain
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A 2.0-mile loop around Walton Lake in Ochoco National Forest, an easy family walk through ponderosa pine and fir at 5,000 feet with fishing access and a campground base.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Twin Pillars Trail?
The Twin Pillars Trail is rated moderate-hard, primarily due to distance (9 miles round trip) and some route-finding sections in the upper wilderness. The 1,400 feet of gain is spread across the full length, making the individual sections manageable. The trail is less maintained than the Steins Pillar route and requires comfortable navigation skills. A GPS track is strongly recommended.
What are the Twin Pillars made of?
The Twin Pillars are composed of basalt and welded tuff, similar in origin to Steins Pillar but smaller and less dramatic as individual formations. They rise as paired columns from the forest floor in a remote section of the Mill Creek Wilderness drainage. The formations are the result of differential erosion that left the harder volcanic cores standing after the surrounding rock eroded.
Is there water on the Twin Pillars Trail?
Yes. The trail follows a creek tributary for portions of the lower and middle sections. Water is generally available through July; later in summer the upper sections can be dry. Carry 2 liters from the trailhead to be safe on a full-day outing.