The Gooseneck Loop in Cottonwoods Canyon State Park (Oregon’s youngest) is gaining in popularity, and its very understandable why.

The route requires off trail travel to climb up onto the butte, and descend back down to the river, but the terrain is open and the landscape visible before you. The views from up top of the bends and curves of the John Day River are exceptional, and there is the chance to see flocks of sheep roaming about on the slopes. The route I took covered about 8.5 miles climbing up the ridge behind the bathrooms and returning along the Pinnacles Trail. I’m excited to explore more of the canyons rising out of the river in the future here.