Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
1,928.00 ft (587.65 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
12.50 mi (20.12 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Little Whitehorse Road Trail is a 12.5 mile out-and-back hike located within Oregon's Willow Creek Wilderness Study Area in the Trout Creek Mountains. The Wilderness Study Area (WSA) itself is located in Malheur and Harney Counties, Oregon, and Humboldt County in northern Nevada, which is northwest of McDermitt, Nevada, and U.S. Highway 95​​.

This trek offers adventurers a rugged and scenic experience. It takes place in a remote area, part of the Great Basin region, and challenges hikers with its steep, varied terrain including deep canyons and sheer rims. 

The Willow Creek WSA is part of the Trout Creek Mountains Group which includes four other WSA’s:
Disaster Peak 
Fifteenmile Creek
Oregon Canyon
Twelvemile Creek

FLORA AND FAUNA
The wilderness's steep and rugged terrains, alongside its numerous canyons, also offer unique opportunities for viewing ancient pinyon pine trees, sagebrush, pinyon-juniper, and various fauna including mule deer, elk, and golden eagles​​.


POPULAR ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA
The area is ripe for various activities such as hiking, rock climbing, hunting, bird watching, nature viewing, and photography, providing a raw and immersive outdoor experience. 

CAMPING
There are no developed camping facilities along this route. Primitive camping is available though visitors are encouraged to research the area and make sure to bring all essentials to be prepared.

CONSIDERATIONS
Access within the wilderness requires a high-clearance vehicle, especially post-mid-June when snow clears and the roads/trails might be wet and muddy. 
Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of the wilderness. 
Given the remote and rugged nature of this wilderness, ensure you are well-prepared with sufficient water, food, and gear for backcountry hiking. 
For the most updated information and guidelines, consulting the local BLM office or their official website is recommended.
 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Scenic ridges. Diverse terrain. Solitude.

Cons

Difficult to access.

Trailhead Elevation

7,963.00 ft (2,427.12 m)

Highest point

7,963.00 ft (2,427.12 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Big vistas
Geologically significant
Bird watching

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

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