Map of trails on the Benson Plateau, courtesy of Don Nelsen.

The Ruckel Creek Trail on the Benson Plateau (bobcat)

• Hikes including this location:
  • Eagle-Benson Loop Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)
  • Eagle Creek to Wahtum Lake Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)
  • Wahtum Lake via Ruckel Creek Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)
  • Wahtum Lake via Pacific Crest Trail Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)
  • Benson Plateau Loop Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)
  • Wahtum Lake to Benson Plateau Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)

• Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
• Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
• Latitude, Longitude: 45.63175, -121.85226
• Elevation: 3970 feet

Description

Benson Plateau is a large flat-topped ridge between the watersheds of Eagle Creek and Herman Creek. Ruckel Creek starts here in the upland meadows. The flat surface of the plateau is a remnant of times past. At one time, the surface of this entire area was a large flat mass of lava flows. Centuries of erosion has worn away most of that flat surface into deep canyons, leaving Benson Plateau as a free standing structure.

Benson Camp is a small, unimproved campsite near the headwaters of Ruckel Creek. The location of the camp, nearly the center of Benson Plateau, makes it the perfect home base for exploring the plateau.

The Benson Plateau is not named after the philanthropist Simon Benson but rather honors Thomas C. Benson, who arrived in eastern Oregon in the 1860s. He moved to Cascade Locks around 1900, and apparently was one of the stockmen who herded sheep up to the plateau.

More Links

• Benson Plateau (Summit Post)

Contributors

• Stevefromdodge (creator)