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An interpretive trail loop along Hwy 26 on Laurel Hill, the most difficult part of the Oregon Trail.


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Map Key

0.5

Miles

0.8

KM

Point to Point

3,359' 1,024 m

High

3,183' 970 m

Low

176' 54 m

Up

142' 43 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (7°)

54%

Max Grade (28°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Views

Family Friendly This is a short trail for kids to hike. It does have some rocky sections and steps.

This trail is usually closed due to snow from December to May.

Description

The Laurel Hill Chute Trail is a short 1/2-mile round trip interpretive loop along Highway 26. Pioneers on the Oregon Trail developed the Barlow Road to avoid sending wagon trains down the Columbia River. This section of the Barlow Road down Laurel Hill was documented as the most challenging part of the entire Oregon Trail, requiring wagons be lowered down rocky mountain sides with ropes wrapped around trees.

Evidence of these efforts are still visible along this interpretive trail. The trail can be taken clockwise or counter clockwise and is good for stretching your legs on a road trip. There are rocky sections and log steps along the trail.

Flora & Fauna

Douglas fir, western hemlock, and the occasional western red cedar are visible along Laurel Hill. Hardwoods include vine maple, alders, and big leaf maple. The understory has salal, Oregon grape, sword ferns, Salmon berry, red huckleberry, and thimble berry. Occasional tufts of bear grass bloom in June. Moss covers the rocky talus slopes.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kathleen Walker

Trail Ratings

  3.3 from 3 votes

#26669

Overall
  3.3 from 3 votes
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Trail Rankings

#858

in Oregon

#26,669

Overall
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1,049 Since Oct 11, 2016
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Photos

Laurel Hill is also in the area of the old Mt.Hood Highway segment. Photo by John Sparks.
Oct 13, 2016 near Governm…, OR
Laurel Hill was one of the most challenging sections for pioneers on the Oregon Trail. Photo by Guy E, Meacham.
Oct 13, 2016 near Governm…, OR

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