Trail

Cedar Creek Trail #457

A very difficult ridge trail between Fifteenmile Creek and Cedar Creek with boulders, scree and steep drops, part of a 10.1-mile loop.

Representative photo, not this exact spot. Photo: Nicole Seidl via Pexels ยท Pexels License

Expect a tough outing on Cedar Creek Trail #457, a very difficult route along the ridge separating Fifteenmile and Cedar creeks. Winding switchbacks work around boulders and across hillsides, scree slopes and steep drops, and the path changes quickly, so stay alert. In return you get views of forested ridges and lowlands and across the drainage.

Start at Fifteenmile Campground, reached from Hwy 35 by Dufur Mill Road, and walk 0.4 mile on Fifteenmile Trail #456 to the junction. The trail crosses Fifteenmile Creek on a bridge, follows the ridge, crosses Forest Road 2730-160, and returns to the creek at a junction with Fifteenmile and Underhill trails. Head back on Fifteenmile Trail for a 10.1-mile loop.

Trail map & elevation

Length4.6 mi one way
Climb1,842 ft up, 212 ft down
Elevation2,744 to 4,452 ft
DifficultyHard
2,7003,6004,5000 mi4.5 mi
Elevation (ft) along the trail
Trail class
Class 2 of 5
Typical grade
12-20%
Surface
Native material
Tread width
18-24 inches
Ranger district
Barlow

Connects to: Underhill Trail #683, Fifteenmile Trail #456

Line, length and trail class: U.S. Forest Service trail data. Elevation: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Difficulty is our estimate for hiking it out and back (once around for a loop), from distance and total climb. Lines can be off by a few hundred feet; carry a real map and check the official page for closures.

Getting there

From Hood River, OR

  1. follow OR Hwy 35 south for 26 miles, 0.15 mile past milepost 71, to Dufur Mill Road (Forest Road 44).
  2. Turn left (east) on Forest Road 44 and go 8 miles to Forest Road 4420.
  3. Turn right (south) and drive 2.1 miles on Forest Road 4420 to Forest Road 2730.
  4. Take the left fork and follow Forest Road 2730 for 2 miles to the Fifteen Mile Campground.
  5. The trail leaves from the campground.

From Dufur, OR

  1. go west on Dufur Mill Road and after 5.1 miles take the right fork to stay on Dufur Mill Road (Forest Road 44).
  2. Turn left (south) on Forest Road 4420 and follow the directions above.

From the Forest Service

Good to know

Trail maintenance is accomplished thanks to the help of the 44 Trails Association.

Ranger office

Barlow Ranger District
Address: 780 NE Court St Dufur, OR 97021
Phone: 541-467-5100
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed 12 to 1 for lunch. (Closed on federal holidays)

Details from the official Forest Service page, a public-domain U.S. government source.

Trails nearby

Last checked November 4, 2026