1.9 hr
Overview
In addition to the Eightmile Creek Loop Hike, this loop is another route used and maintained mainly by mountain bikers that can also be a rewarding experience for hikers (It is also used by horses). The loop uses two trails, the Knebal Springs Trail #474 and the Bottle Prairie Trail #455. It is an especially interesting wildflower hike in early summer as it passes through eastside coniferous woodland as well as dry meadows and the lush Bottle Prairie. There are some views to Mount Hood, and the main viewpoint on the loop, Perry Point, offers a vista to the rolling uplands of the Columbia Plateau. If you are camping at the Knebal Springs Trailhead, you could also begin the loop there: a Northwest Forest Pass is required. From the trailhead parking area, head left about 80 yards to the Bottle Prairie-Knebal Springs Trail South Junction. Keep left on Knebal Springs Trail #474. There’s a wonderful meadow, part of Bottle Prairie, to the right as the trail ascends gently. White false hellebore, long-spurred violets, tawny horkelia, lupine, monkey flower, white bog orchids, and arnica are all in bloom here in early summer. The trail enters a partial cut area that offers views to Mount Hood. The path continues to rise and crosses a road in a lodgepole pine plantation. Posted on trees on the left hand side of the trail all the way are No Trespassing signs for The Dalles Watershed. The trail makes a traverse in a clearcut and winds up to pass below a dry meadow that blooms with sulfur buckwheat and scarlet gilia. Then, enter a varied coniferous woodland of Engelmann spruce, grand fir, western larch, silver fir, Douglas-fir and noble fir. Rise to the highest point on the trail, a small meadow, and then drop and go level along the edge of a clearcut. There’s a view of the top of Mount Hood. Back in the woods, cross an old track and then reach an old forest road. Hike 150 yards to the right and pick up the trail descending into a clearcut. The trail switchbacks down into woods and then emerges at a clearcut and a road. Wal
Trail Stats
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574 m
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Photos
400px-KnebalSpringsLoopMap
400px-KnebalSpringsLoopMap
160px-Upland_larkspur%2C_Bottle_Prairie
160px-Upland_larkspur%2C_Bottle_Prairie
250px-Heart-leaf_buckwheat%2C_Perry_Point
250px-Heart-leaf_buckwheat%2C_Perry_Point
250px-View_to_Hood%2C_near_Knebal_Springs
250px-View_to_Hood%2C_near_Knebal_Springs
400px-View_east%2C_Perry_Point
400px-View_east%2C_Perry_Point