Eightmile Interpretive Trail #496A is an easy stroll between two campgrounds, Lower Eightmile Crossing Campground and Eightmile Campground. The path is wide and simple to walk, with interpretive exhibits along it, and you can park at the day use area of either campground.
From Hood River, drive south on Highway 35 to Forest Road 44, Dufur Mill Road, just past milepost 71, and go 10 miles east to Forest Road 4430, Big Butte Road. Coming from Dufur, take Dufur Mill Road west 16.7 miles to the same turn. Eightmile Campground is 0.3 mile up Big Butte Road, and the trail leaves from the road’s north side about 0.2 mile beyond the campground turnoff.
Trail map & elevation
- Trail class
- Class 4 of 5
- Typical grade
- 12-20%
- Surface
- Imported compacted material
- Tread width
- 18-24 inches
- Ranger district
- Barlow
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.
Things to do
- Picnicking
- Outdoor Science and Learning
- Interpretive sites
Getting there
- From Hood River, OR to the east end of the trail, take OR Hwy 35 south 26 miles, approximately 0.15 mile past milepost 71, to Dufur Mill Road (Forest Road 44).
- Turn left (east) on Forest Road 44 and go 10 miles to Big Butte Road (Forest Road 4430).
- Turn left (north) on Big Butte Road and go 0.3 miles northwest on Big Butte Road to Eight Mile Campground (Forest Road 4430-150).
- Park in the day use area.
- The trail starts on the north side of Big Butte Road, approximately 0.2 miles past the turn into the campground.
- From Dufur, OR to the east end of the trail, go west on Dufur Mill Road (Forest Road 44) for 16.7 miles to Big Butte Road (Forest Road 4430).
- Turn left (east) on Big Butte Road and follow the directions above.
From the Forest Service
All fees
Fee required at Eightmile Trailhead (day use area at Eightmile Campground).
Passes and permits
The Northwest Forest Pass may be used as a form of fee payment at the trailhead. Learn more about which day use sites accept recreation passes.
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