Deep Gorge Chrome Mine Trail, Oregon

Wild and Scenic Illinois River Road Guide

Daley Creek empties into the Wild and Scenic Illinois River near the Deep Gorge Chrome Mine. Highway 199, Selma, Oregon The Deep Gorge Chrome Mine Trail (formerly the Hill Place Trail) follows an abandoned road through a forest heavily burned during the 2002 Biscuit Fire. The route passes by an old homestead (the Hill home) and ends at a chrome mine overlooking a remote section of the Wild and Scenic Illinois River corridor. Total distance of the trail is about half a mile with an elevation gain of about 300 feet.

Directions

Follow Highway 199 to Selma and look for the flashing yellow light with the gas station on the corner. Turn on Illinois River Road (the Post Office is on the corner where the road starts - if you turn the other way you will be on Deer Creek Road). The Wild and Scenic Illinois River Road Guide begins at this intersection. Follow Illinois River Road for 11 miles to where the pavement ends. Follow the gravel road to the right for about half a mile and park in the wide turnout on the left.

While driving from Selma, be aware the Illinois River Road has a section of unpaved gravel about six miles from where you start at Highway 199. This stretch of gravel surfaced road may develop wash-boards or potholes. It is recommended you slow down as you drive over this fourth-of-a-mile section of road. At seven miles from Selma, the road forks. Stay on the pavement and continues straight ahead. From this point, the road narrows and goes down a curvy section with sharp drop-offs. Drive slow and watch for on-coming traffic. Pull into a turnout to let cars pass.

Trail Description

Map of the Hill Place Trail, Wild and Scenic Illinois River access, Highway 199, Selma, southwest Oregon Siskiyou Mountains

The trail follows an abandoned road and hikers will encounter some intersections where the trail becomes indistinct. The main route is indicated in yellow with other roads indicated as dashed lines. The road ends at the Deep Gorge Chrome Mine where a foot path drops down through a steep embankment to the river. You will need sturdy shoes to go down this section of the trail because of loose rock.

WARNING: Hiking in a heavily burned forest such as seen along this trail can be hazardous especially in high winds and inclement weather. Trees may fall and rocks may break loose and roll down the hillside. Be aware that hiking in a burned forest subjects hikers to hazardous conditions for which most hikers have little or no experience. Check with the Forest Service for the latest hiking advisories in the area burned by the Biscuit Fire.

Illustrations of the trail (road) and forest taken in 2003

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Disclaimer: All information in Highway199.org is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, conditions in outdoor settings can change dramatically after storms or fires. For this reason, travelers are advised to check current road conditions before traveling through the area, drive responsibly and take measures to understand safety issues in the region. When participating in outdoor activities, always plan and prepare for safe hiking, swimming or any other activities mentioned in the Highway 199 website. More on disclaimer and copyright...