School Canyon Trailhead
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Latitude, Longitude: 45.298627, -121.365044 Topo map
- Elevation: 2700 feet
- Driving time from Portland: 135 minutes
Contents |
Hikes starting here
- School Canyon-Tygh Creek Loop Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
Hikes including this location
Fees and regulations
- none
- Information kiosk at trailhead
Driving Directions
Take SR 26 east past Mount Hood. Go on SR 26 to milepost 68 (roughly 41-42 miles from Sandy). Just after milepost 68 turn left onto paved Road 43. Go 5.8 miles on Road 43 to a Stop sign.
Turn right onto paved Road 48 at Stop sign. Go 15.6 miles on Road 48 (google says 15.3 miles, so my trip meter may be off a bit), and turn left on paved Road 4810.
After 0.2 miles veer right to stay on Rd. 4810 (if you go straight 0.2 miles instead, there is access to Rock Creek Reservoir, potentially a great place to swim on the way back). Go another 1.9 miles on Rd. 4810, and turn right onto paved Rd. 4811.
Follow Rd. 4811 for 1.2 miles and turn right onto gravel Rd. 2710. In the next couple of miles there are some dirt roads that split off it; just follow the better, gravel road.
In about 1.8 miles the road splits - keep left (a road to the right goes to Bonney Crossing campground, which has restrooms). 1/10 mile later, just after creek crossing, is Badger Creek Trailhead on the left, after which the road becomes bumpy for a bit as it climbs out of the canyon. After 7.3 miles on Road 2710 (7.0 miles by google) you'll pass Little Badger Creek Trailhead - your return point. After 8.8 miles on Road 2710 (8.6 miles by google) turn left on paved Road 27.
Follow Rd. 27 2.1 miles to School Canyon Trailhead - a big pullout on the left. There is a brown road sign to the School Canyon Trail.
| Step | Cumulative Miles | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | Turn left from SR 26 onto paved Rd. 43 shortly after milepost 68. Reset odometer. |
| 2 | 5.8 | Turn right onto paved Rd. 48 at Stop sign. |
| 3 | 21.4 | Turn left on paved Road 4810. |
| 4 | 21.6 | Veer right to stay on Road 4810. |
| 5 | 23.5 | Turn right onto paved Road 4811. |
| 6 | 24.7 | Turn right on gravel Road 2710. |
| 7 | 26.5 | Veer left to stay on Road 2710. |
| 8 | 33.5 | Turn left on paved Road 27 |
| 9 | 35.6 | Arrive at the trailhead. |
Notes
- There is a "slow" stretch about 9 miles before the trailhead (just before and after Bonney Crossing campground) where gravel road becomes eroded; small cars will make it fine but take your time. Otherwise the road is in good condition.
- If you come in spring, the approach roads via SR 26, especially FR 48, may still be closed by snow - check with Mt. Hood National Forest website or call a ranger station. Alternative approach route would be via The Dalles and SR 197.