North Bank Ranch

Hiking in Oregon

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Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 6.0 miles / 9.7 km
Duration: Half day

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Overview: The trail outlined in this guide is one of many that cris cross through the North Bank Ranch Habitat. You will see a few junctions mentioned along the POI's in this guide, and at some you will find maps of the area, if you wish to go in different directions.

The trail outlined in this guide gives you a nice moderate hike to introduce you to the area with terrific views of the surrounding hills as well as the Umpqua River.

The North Bank Ranch habitat is a place meant to be shared between hikers, bikers, horse back riders and hunters, so be curtious and aware of each other.

Tips: To get here from Eugene: Take 1-5 southbound to exit 135 toward Wilbor. Turn left over the overpass toward Hwy 99. Turn right at the stop sign on Hwy 99. Take 99 for 4 miles south and turn left on North Bank Road. You will find the parking area on your left in 5.5 miles.

To get here from Roseburg: Take 1-5 northbound to exit 129 toward Winchester/Wilber. Take a left on Hwy 99. Follow Hwy 99 north for 1.8 miles and turn right on North Bank Road. You will find the parking area on your left in 5.5 miles.

There is a problem with chiggers in this area so make sure to wear long pants and wash your clothes when you get home. You may want to think twice before bringing your dog here as well.

There is an abundance of poison oak in this area so keep on the trails.

When it has been raining you will find some of the trails muddy and slick, especially on the chasm creek portion of the hike. We also found some of the creeks overflowing and crossing the path. Depending on the time of year you should be prepared.

Points of Interest

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Parking/Trailhead

Park here in the gravel lot. You will find information on all the trails in the area, as well as hunting information. There is also a self registration area.

There is no fee to park here. There aren't any restrooms in the parking area, nor did we run across any on the trail.

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Views of the Umpqua River

As you begin your hike you will rise above the oak and madrone trees and soon get nice views of the Umpqua River.

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Junction

The first of many trail junctions. There are many other loops and trails throughout North Bank Ranch, some of the junctions have maps of the entire area which you can use if you want to wander off of this guide. There is a lookout if you turn right down this path, but it's about 1.5 miles away and will add 3 miles to your hike.

To follow this guide continue on the trail ahead up to South Knob.

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South Knob & Trail Junction

You are now at the top of South Knob. Great views of the surrounding area and Umpqua River below. Keep to the trail on your left.

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Middle Knob Junction

At this point take a short detour to your left. It deadends at the top of Middle Knob.

You will find the loops ahead steeper, and if it's been rainy muddier, then the trail you just came up. It's still not difficult, and you will be going downhill but some hikers may choose to just return the way they came.

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Middle Knob Summit

The top of Middle Knob. Amazing panoramic views. Great place to stop for lunch.

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Trail Junction

To continue to Chasm Creek trail keep left, however a few feet down the trail to your right is a detour to a really big madrone tree.

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Saddle

The Chasm Creek trail drops down to your left. Straight ahead is a longer trail to the bottom that crosses a ridge line. and will meet up with the Chasm Creek trail at POI #11

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Chasm Creek Trail

This is a pretty steep trail that follows chasm creek. We found it very muddy, as it had recently been raining. You will be glad you didn't come up this trail.

We also found a few spots where the creek was overflowing the trail and we had to cross it. Nothing too deep, but good to be aware of.