Wild and Scenic North Powder River

The Wild and Scenic North Powder River is a remote river in the Elkhorn Mountains. The river originates at the head of the North Powder River canyon by Summit Lake below the Elkhorn Crest Trail. Several side trails begin near the river and go to Lost Lake, Red Mountain Lake, Summit Lake and Little Summit Lake. 

Designation

The Wild and Scenic North Powder River was congressionally designated in 1988 under the Oregon Omnibus Rivers Act (P.L. 100-557). All 6.4 miles of the river were designated as 'scenic'. Current management of the river is directed with the 1993 North Powder River Wild and Scenic River Management Plan. The river plan identified outstandingly remarkable values for the river as; scenery and recreation.

Main Recreation and Access Points

Due to remoteness of the river in the backcountry, vehicle access is limited to high clearance vehicles. The main access point is from the North Powder River Trail via Forest Road 7301.

Location

The North Powder River is located on the east slope of the Elkhorn Mountains, and is 30 miles from Baker City, Oregon.

River Management

The Wild and Scenic North Powder River is managed by the following management plan and associated documents;

1993 North Powder River Wild and Scenic River Management Plan

• River Management Plan (1.04 MB)
• Appendix A - Affected Environment (619 KB)
• Appendix B -Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (736 KB)
• Appendix C - Resource Assessment (792 KB)
• Appendix D - Evaluation Procedures (784 KB)
• Appendix E - Corridor Map (389 KB)
• Appendix F - Glossary of terms (248 KB)

Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact, North Powder River Wild and Scenic River Management Plan; Forest Plan Amendment No. 18 (168 KB)

For More Information

More information about the Wild and Scenic North Powder River can be found at the national Wild and Scenic Rivers website.