Vinegar Hill Indian Rock Scenic Area

Facility · Oregon ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Malheur National Forest (NF) · Open Access

7,438 ft
Elevation

Located in the northeast part of the Forest, this high elevation area provides spectacular vistas of the North Fork John Day Wilderness, the Middle and North Fork drainages of the John Day River, and the peaks of the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness to the south. The area has a rich history and active and decaying remains of mines can be seen. The area provides unfettered opportunities for solitude and isolation except during big-game hunting seasons.

Getting there

From Prairie City, OR., follow US Highway 26 for approximately 2 miles to the junction with US Highway 7.  Follow US Highway 7 approximately 1 mile to the junction with County Road 20.  Follow County Road 20 approximately 11 miles to the junction with Forest Road 45.  Follow Forest Road 45 approximately 4 miles where you will reach the boundary of this scenic area.

44.71816, -118.57400 · 44°43'5.4"N 118°34'26.4"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in3.52.42.31.82.11.20.50.50.71.42.84.2

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Vinegar Hill Indian Rock Scenic Area

Can you reserve a site at Vinegar Hill Indian Rock Scenic Area?
No. Vinegar Hill Indian Rock Scenic Area is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Vinegar Hill Indian Rock Scenic Area

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.