Trail

Thoroughbred Trail #427

A 2.1-mile piece of the Gibson Prairie Trail System, starting across from Gibson Prairie Horse Camp and looping with Buckskin Trail.

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

Right across the road from the Gibson Prairie Horse Camp entrance, Thoroughbred Trail #427 is one piece of the Gibson Prairie Trail System, a network used by riders and hikers alike. It runs about 2.1 miles to Forest Road 1700-650, where it links up with Buckskin Trail to form a loop.

Riders can also leave early at the Gibson Prairie Trailhead and head off on other routes in the system. Back Country Horsemen of Oregon, a volunteer group that works to keep backcountry trails usable for pack and saddle stock, helps maintain it. From Government Camp, take Highway 26 and Highway 35 to Brooks Meadow Road (Forest Road 44), then Forest Road 17 north to the camp.

Trail map & elevation

Length2.1 mi one way
Climb475 ft up, 173 ft down
Elevation3,680 to 4,133 ft
DifficultyModerate
3,6003,9004,2000 mi2.0 mi
Elevation (ft) along the trail
Trail class
Class 2 of 5
Typical grade
5-8%
Surface
Native material
Ranger district
Hood River

Connects to: Show Pony Trail #425, Mustang Trail #422

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 Government Camp, OR

  1. take US Hwy 26 east for 2 miles then head north on OR Highway 35 for 13.5 miles.
  2. Turn right (east) on Forest Service Road 44 (Brooks Meadow Road) and follow for 5.7 miles.
  3. Go left (north) on Forest Road 17 (Surveyors Ridge) and follow 5.6 miles to Gibson Prairie Horse Camp.
  4. Access to Thoroughbred Trail #427 is across the road.

From the Forest Service

Good to know

This trail is maintained with assistance from the Back Country Horsemen of Oregon (BCHO), a volunteer group dedicated to preserving use of pack & saddle stock in Oregon's wilderness and backcountry.

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