EUREKA VIEWPOINT AND BUCKHORN LOOKOUT

Eureka Viewpoint Stats:

• Distance: 7.6 miles out and back

• Elevation Gain: 1,900 feet

• Trailhead Elevation: 5,231 feet

• Trail High Point: 5,231 feet

• Season: May – October

• Best: May – June

• Pass: none needed 

• GPS Track: May 2021

• On the traditional lands of: the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) people

Directions from Enterprise:

• Drive towards Joseph on OR 82. Just before you reach Joseph, turn left onto Crow Creek Road. This road soon becomes Zumwalt Road and changes to excellent gravel.

• Drive this road for 22 miles to a junction on your right with Johnson Road. There is a sign for Zumwalt Prairie.

• Continue straight on Zumwalt Road (which becomes FR 46) another 18.3 miles to a turnoff on the right signed for Buckhorn Overlook.

• Turn right and drive 0.8 mile to a fork in the road. The lookout is 0.2 mile to the right.

• If you have a higher clearance vehicle, turn left at this fork and drive 1.1 miles to a grassy area with a view of Hells Canyon. This is the trailhead. If you’re driving a lower clearance vehicle, park at the lookout and walk the road, adding 2.6 miles to your hike.

• Drivetime from Enterprise and Joseph: 70 minutes

Hike: Hells Canyon is the deepest canyon in the United States, and even getting a good view into the canyon can be difficult. While the best views are found on long backpacking trips deep into the heart of the canyon, there are good views to be had with far less effort. You can drive directly to Buckhorn Lookout’s abandoned fire cabin, where the view is truly magnificent. But even here, you cannot see the Snake River. For an even better view down into the canyon and to the elusive Snake River, you can follow the abandoned Eureka Wagon Road into the heart of the canyon, an adventure truly fitting of Hells Canyon.

From the grassy trailhead, follow the road to a gate. Open the gate to walk through, and then close it behind you. The road descends through open forest for 0.6 mile to a junction at a saddle. Keep right to stay on the road, your route for the hike. The road continues its descent along open, steep slopes into the depths of Hells Canyon. Masses of wildflowers adorn these slopes in May and June; look for red and yellow paintbrush, lupine, phlox, larkspur, and so many more. Views open across the canyon to the Seven Devils Mountains in Idaho. At 2.1 miles, you’ll reach Spain Saddle. Here the road crosses from the south side of the ridge to the north side. Around the bend you’ll get your first view of the Snake River, as well as some of the last shade you’ll find on this hike. Take a few minutes to rest in the shade before continuing.

Beyond Spain Saddle, the road continues downhill into the canyon, passing through another gate at 2.6 miles. From here, you’ll continue descending for another mile until you see some volcanic rocks on your left, just before the road curves to the right. Look here for a cairn and scramble up to the ridge top, which you will follow to its end. This promontory is known as the Eureka Viewpoint. From here, you can see the Snake River in three spots, still some 2,400 feet further down in the canyon. Keen eyes can pick out jet boats on the river below, and you will certainly hear them. Also keep an eye at your feet here, as prickly pear cactus grows on the slopes here, blooming in April and May.

You can, of course, continue further into the canyon towards the Snake River but remember: every step you take downhill is one you’ll have to take uphill in the afternoon heat later in the day. Unless this is your plan, you should settle for the Eureka Viewpoint. Return the way you came. Before you leave, be sure to check out the Buckhorn Lookout nearby; though this historic lookout is abandoned and locked, the view is as good as ever. If you’re looking for a place to camp, nearby Buckhorn Campground isn’t much but it will do in a pinch.