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Coalmine Hill is just off the paved Blue Mountain Scenic Byway (also called the Western Route). The Campground serves as access to the Bald Mountain, Hells Half Acre, and Willow Creek trails, offering a 7.5 mile-long loop experience for hikers and equestrians. Once inside the campground's large parking area, there is an information board on the northeast side. Past the information board runs the Bald Mountain hiking trail leading to Gibson Cave, which is 1.25 miles from the parking lot. The cave is really a shallow overhanging shelter with an interpretive sign describing its history.Once you've reached Gibson's cave, continue up the Bald Mountain trail until you reach a nice view point. The mountain's view point overlooks the drainages in between Coalmine Hill (to the northwest) and Little Bald Mountain (to the east), providing fantastic views and tranquility. About five miles southwest of the campground is Penland Lake; follow the Blue mountain Scenic Byway and Forest Service Road 21 and 2103, until you've reached Penland Lake where there are fishing and nonelectric boating opportunities. . Coalmine Hill Campground provides one larger, separate site near the entrance and the remaining five sites are located along the tree edges of the large parking area. There is one vault toilet and a travel access information board. This campground was constructed to serve double-duty as a snow park in the winter. There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack out all garbage and dispose of it at home.
From Heppner, Oregon (40 minutes): Head south on Oregon Highway 206 until you've reached the edge of town. Take a left turn onto Willow Creek Road (County Road 678) and continue to make your way to and through the mountains for 22.3 miles. Coalmine Hill Campground will be on the left at the top of Coalmine Hill. From Ukiah, OR (41 minutes): Head west on Oregon Highway 244 for about two miles. Once you've reached a four way stop, go straight, west bound, and follow Forest Service Road 53 for about 20 miles. Coalmine Hill Campground will be on the right.
Beautiful place it was bow season so I didn't get out in hike much LOL.. come back next summer and give it a shot
Beautiful! It is primitive, but there is a real restroom, ladies! There is no cell service. We had a battery issue, and luckily, there was some people who hadn't yet left that jumped our car. Thank you! We will be back next year!
