The Blue Mountain eagle., July 26, 2017, Page 3, Image 19

Journey
Blue Mountain Eagle
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
3
MILES OF FUN
Hiking trails
near John Day
By Rylan Boggs
Blue Mountain Eagle
Eagle photos/Rylan Boggs
Magone Lake provides
hiking and camping
opportunities near
John Day.
Hiking is a great way to get out and about to see the
natural beauty of Grant County.
Here are three hikes ranging from an easy stroll to a
high-mountain adventure.
Magone Lake
A beautiful high-elevation lake created by a land-
slide, Magone Lake is encircled by a well-maintained
path. About a mile and a half long, the trail doesn’t have
any signifi cant elevation gain. Keep an eye out, and you
will see a variety of local birds and, if you’re lucky, a
beaver.
The lake also offers great camping, and a network of
mountain bike trails is under construction in the area.
From John Day, head east on Highway 26 for nine
miles. Turn left on County Road 18 and follow it for 12
miles. Then turn left on Forest Road 3618 and follow it
until you reach the lake.
Davis Creek Trail
Mostly covered in moderate to heavy timber, the
hike offers a handful of scenic vistas. Signs of mining
and timber activity from decades past can be seen on
the hike. There are loops at both trail heads for easy
trailer parking. The trail is rocky and rough in places,
and those using mountain bikes should prepare for a
bumpy ride.
From Prairie City, travel east on Highway 26 for
12 miles to the junction of Forest Road 2614. Go two
miles to Forest Road 2614229. Turn south on Forest
Road 2614229. Drive approximately a quarter mile to
the trail head.
Canyon Mountain Trail
A well hidden trail that takes hikers in and out of the
burn area from the Canyon Creek
Complex fi re, which burned parts
of the mountain in 2015. The 28-
mile trail features incredible views
of the John Day Valley as well as a
number of creeks and streams fed
by snow melt. A great spot for an
out and back camping trip; be sure
to bring a camera along for this
one.
From John Day, take Highway 395 south for two
miles. Turn left onto County Road 52 in Canyon City.
Travel two miles, then take a right on County Road 77
for approximately a quarter mile. Then take another
right on Forest Road 7700333 and follow the road to
the trail head.
Katie Nicolato, left, and Rosalinda Gonzalez run the Canyon Mountain Trail.
All the Comforts of Home
…and then some!
Blue Mountain Care Center
Serving Grant County since 1927
112 E. 5th St., Prairie City • 541-820-3341
05818
Compassionate 24 HR. Care - Quality Life - Beautiful Location