This is an excerpt from a story that was included in our monthly newsletter, the Riders’ Roundup, which is available only to OET members. To read the entire story, and to get access to more stories like this, become an OET member today!
Just west of the small community of Birkenfeld, located near the Clatsop and Columbia County border, lies Northrup Creek Horse Camp. This relatively undiscovered campground and trail system has been specifically designed and constructed for equestrian riders, with help from the North Coast Chapter of OET.
The main campground has eleven semi–primitive campsites with picnic tables and fire grates. Eight of the campsites have an adjacent corral for horses. Other amenities include vault toilets and manure bins, as well as a hand-pumped well. Garbage service is not provided, so guests are asked to follow the “pack it in, pack it out” policy for garbage.
The campground also features a day use area with a large circular parking area, easy trailer turn around, a vault toilet, and picnic areas with tables and barbecues. There is even a handicap-accessible loading ramp and manure bin. View the site map.
The Northrup Creek Horse Trail is an 8.5 mile loop trail system that progresses through the temperate rain forest on the Oregon coast range. Along the trail you will see young stands of densely grown conifer trees, mature timber, meadows, and streamside riparian areas.
While most of the trail is gentle to moderate, there are several short steeper segments that will challenge the more seasoned riders. The trail system is intersected by several forest roads, which provides opportunities for shorter loops. The trail route is well-marked with rustic cedar signboards that have been branded with a horseshoe and arrow to help riders find their way.
For more information, visit the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Recreation page, and scroll down to the campsite information.
Article by Recreation Forester Skip Cadman of the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Astoria District
Linda Brim
It was great to see this in the Rider’s Roundup earlier this year, and to bump into it online. An update on Northrup Creek is the ‘Big Tree Trail’ that follows the creek from the car camp to the Day Use area bridge. It is a wonderful place to hike and offers kids a safe place to explore without doing steep climbs. North Coast Chapter is currently exploring the installation of several trail obstacles to make the campground a bit more interesting and give riders some new challenges. (Please leave you ideas and comments on the North Coast page. We need your input!) The trails are much better marked and ODF has been working hard to improve the trails and footing for extended season riding. Check it out if you have not been there. It will not disappoint!
Michelle Hooper
Can’t wait to go check it out and ride!!!
Donna ODonnell
Great horse camp, clean and well maintained. Just the one trail, but the scenery is so varied, I didn’t tire seeing over and over. You will not believe those huge trees .