Vinegar Hill

Description

Vinegar Hill is the highest point in the Greenhorn Mountains where the Gold Rush hit full on in the 1860's like it did throughout many locations in Eastern Oregon. On the Northeast Ridge of Vinegar Hill is the Green Horn itself, a prominent rock pinnacle of green serpentine that initially attracted miners to the mountain. Subsequently Vinegar Hill is the location of many mining sites that can easily be explored if the location is known. Vinegar Hill is #24 on the list of Oregon peaks with 2000 feet or more of prominence. Unbelievably, on a clear day Mt Jefferson and Hood are visible in the distant west.

Beginning at the small town of John Day located in Central Eastern Oregon, travel 28 miles east on highway 26 to Austin Junction. At Austin Junction turn left off of Highway 26 onto Oregon Highway 7 which leads to Baker City. You will only follow Oregon Highway 7 for one mile when you will see on the left the Middle Fork Road. Turn off onto the Middle Fork road and follow it West down the Middle Fork of the John Day River. After travelling down the Middle Fork Road for roughly 2 miles watch on your right for Forest Service Road 2010 also known as Vincent Creek Road. This Gravel road is the turn off that you need to take.

Forest Service Road 2010 leads all the way to the summit of Vinegar Hill, although it is likely the road will be blocked by fallen trees, snowdrifts, or may be washed out once you hit the unmaintained section. The road is maintained for roughly 7 miles from where it becomes a 4x4 road only. From the end of the maintained road to the summit it is almost 6 miles if following the road. If you are hiking this distance can be shortened by taking the southwest ridge route

Thanks to Kelly Canaday for this description.