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Painted Hills Connector Trail

Umatilla National Forest, Oregon · 3 min read

Distance
4 mi
Elevation Gain
550 ft
Difficulty
easy-moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
May through October
Est. Time
2-2.5 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
4 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
None
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

  • Rolling high plateau with open views across eastern Oregon rangeland and forest
  • Bunchgrass and ponderosa pine habitat typical of the Blue Mountains transition zone
  • Spring wildflowers including balsamroot and phlox on open slopes
  • Low crowds and quiet backcountry character even during peak season
  • Good mule deer and golden eagle habitat in the open country
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Overview

The Painted Hills Connector Trail traverses a section of the Blue Mountains plateau in the western portion of Umatilla National Forest, covering open bunchgrass hills and scattered ponderosa pine in an area that sees very little visitor traffic. The 4-mile out-and-back gains 550 feet gradually, following a ridgeline with views east into the forest interior and west toward the Columbia Plateau.

The trail name references the colorful volcanic soils visible on open hillsides in this zone, a feature shared with the more famous Painted Hills unit of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument to the south. While this route does not have the dramatic red-and-gold layered hills of the monument, the open landscape and soil color variety are visually interesting in their own right.

No permit is required. No water on route; carry everything from home.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1: Plateau entry. The trail starts on a gravel forest road pullout and climbs gently through open bunchgrass and scattered pines. The first mile is straightforward, following a ridge system with views opening to the west within the first quarter mile. The plateau here is around 4,200 feet elevation.

Miles 1 to 2: Ridge walk and viewpoint. The trail reaches its highest point around mile 1.8, where the ridge broadens and the view extends north to the Columbia River canyon country and south into the mixed-conifer forest of the forest interior. This is the turnaround point for most day hikers, and a good place for a rest and lunch with open views.

When to Hike

April and May bring the best wildflower color on the open slopes, with balsamroot, phlox, and shooting star blooming on the south-facing hillsides. The higher portions may still have patchy snow in April.

June through August are the driest months. The trail is fully accessible and wildlife activity is high in early morning and evening. Midday summer temperatures on the exposed ridge can be warm; hike early.

September and October offer cooler temperatures and active mule deer. Hunting season starts; wearing blaze orange in open country during rifle season is strongly recommended.

What to Bring

Carry at least 1.5 liters of water per person on this route. There is no water source along the trail. Sunscreen and a hat are important on the exposed ridge sections. Download an offline map before leaving the trailhead.

Trailhead Access

From Heppner on OR-74, take Blue Mountain Scenic Byway (OR-207) south and east, then forest roads to the trailhead. The drive from Heppner is about 20 miles on paved and then gravel roads. Standard vehicles are fine in dry conditions.

Nearby

The western portions of Umatilla National Forest connect to the Ochoco National Forest to the south, both managed under the Blue Mountains landscape. The South Fork Umatilla River Trail provides a contrasting canyon-and-river experience. Review Leave No Trace principles for this dispersed recreation area.

Trailhead Parking

Trailhead on FR-5840 south of Heppner, about 20 miles from US-395. Gravel pullout, no facilities. No fee.

← Back to Umatilla National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this trail clearly marked?
Markings are minimal on this trail. Download an offline map from Gaia GPS or AllTrails before leaving the trailhead. The route follows a ridge system that is generally easy to follow in good visibility, but can be confusing in fog or during early season when the path is partially snow-covered.
What wildlife might I see?
Mule deer are common year-round on the open plateau. Golden eagles and ferruginous hawks hunt the bunchgrass areas. Pronghorn are sometimes seen near the eastern forest boundary. Black bears are present in the ponderosa sections.
Is this trail suitable as a family hike?
Yes, for families with children who are comfortable with a moderate walk on mostly flat terrain. The 550 feet of elevation gain is spread across 2 miles, so the grade is gentle throughout. No water is available, so plan accordingly.