Quercus Meadow Trail

The Dimple Hill Trail area includes the Horse Trails, the Dan's Trails, and Quercus Meadow Trail. These trails connect with each other to provide many miles of high quality trails for hiking, running, mountain biking and horseback riding. Dan's Trail is used to access Dimple Hill, from which an excellent view of the valley is commanded.

Located in the Jackson Creek area of McDonald Forest, Quercus Meadow Trail can be accessed from Chip Ross Park by following Lower Dan's Trail south towards the 612 Road. Once on the 612 Road, follow it west to the trailhead. A signboard is located at the trailhead with brochures and general information about McDonald Forest. Quercus Meadow Trail ends at the Timberhill neighborhood, which is the boundary line for McDonald Forest. Quercus Meadow Trail passes through an area of McDonald Forest that is undergoing habitat conservation and restoration. This area was converted into farms and grazing lands by homesteaders. A strategy has been developed by Oregon State University's College of Forestry, whose goal it is to restore the ecologically and culturally significant oak and prairie habitats. These habitats support a diversity of native herbs, grasses, insects, birds, and wildlife. The ongoing restoration is creating many educational, cultural, and ecological opportunities for students, faculty, and tribes, as well as for the local community. Quercus Meadow Trail is two tenths of a mile long with a 40 foot gain in elevation. This is a multiple-use trail open to hikers, bikers, and equestrians year-round. Quercus Meadow Trail leads visitors through an open meadow scattered with Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana). Be sure to take a hike on this trail and catch a glimpse of a prairie restoration project.

Trail description by: Oregon State University College of Forestry