Horn Bend Trail, Oregon

Wild and Scenic Illinois River Road Guide

Wild and Scenic Illinois River, Highway 199, Selma, Oregon The Horn Bend Trail is a short but steep trail that takes hikers to an area of colorful rock formations and deep pools of clear water. The rocks in this area are mostly chert, a rock that commonly forms on ocean bottoms. The formations seen along the river in the Horn Bend area most likely formed in a small basin near a chain of volcanic islands that were active near the ancient shore of Oregon during the Jurassic (the middle part of the age of dinosaurs). This volcanic islands chain is referred to in geologic journals as the Chetco Volcanic Islands. The islands and ocean basin eventually collided with the continent and became part of the Oregon mountains you see around you as you drive down Illinois River Road.

Directions

Follow Highway 199 to Selma and turn on Illinois River Road into the Wild and Scenic River corridor. The turn is marked by a blinking yellow light with a post office on the corner. Turn and drive past the post office to get on Illinois River Road. If you turn the other way you will be on Deer Creek Road. Drive 7.2 miles down the Illinois River Road to the trailhead. At mile six, be on the lookout for a short segment of the road that is unpaved. This segment has wash board and potholes that can be dangerous at high speeds. At mile seven, you come to a fork with a wide gravel road veering off to the right. The new Horn Bend Trail begins in the large turnout on the left but at the time of this update was not yet completed. To go down the "old trail", continue straight ahead on the pavement. A few hundred feet past the gravel road the divided paved road narrows into a single lane. Drive about one tenth of a mile past this to where the deep forest suddenly gives away to an open, almost barren slope. Watch for a small road that goes down to the left. If you get to the sharp, right turn in the road, you have gone about 100 feet too far. Park and follow the dirt road to the river.

CAUTION: The Horn Bend segment of the Illinois River has deep pools, sharp drop-offs and swift water that can be hazardous for both experienced and inexperienced swimmers. If you are planning to swim, be certain you understand the hazards associated with wild rivers and prepare for a safe visit. In this section of the river, swimmers must climb rocks to get into and out of the river. There are no beaches. Remember to take water with you for the steep hike back up the hill to your car.

Trail Description

Hornbend Trail, Wild and Scenic Illinois River access, Highway 199, Selma, southwest Oregon Siskiyou Mountains The trail follows an abandoned road for an elevation drop of about 300 feet to the Wild and Scenic Illinois River. Good hiking shoes are recommended for walking over the loose rock of this old road. There is a nice view point looking up river about half way down the road. The trail is on a south facing slope and climbs through an outcrop of mantle rock that doesn't support much vegetation. The combination of full sun, especially in the late part of a summer day and the lack of shade can make the hike out of Horn Bend a hot, dry undertaking. Be certain to carry extra water with you for this hike back to your vehicle.

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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...