Spring Basin offers recreational opportunities for horseback riders, hikers, birdwatchers, and wildflower enthusiasts looking for a rugged backcountry experience. 

How to get to Spring Basin
Spring Basin is located approximately three hours southeast of Portland and two hours northeast of Bend.  When driving on Highway 218, turn south on Clarno road, located one mile east of the John Day River.  Follow this dirt road 3.5 miles to the BLM kiosk and unimproved parking area at the base of Spring Basin.  Trails are unsigned, so visitors should orient themselves to the area and carry a map.  Maps are available at the BLM kiosk or may be from downloaded from the BLM website.  You can also download our Spring Basin Visitors Guide.

When To Go
Summers in Spring Basin tend to be dry and hot.  The best times to visit Spring Basin are in the spring and early summer, when wildflowers are blooming, and in the late fall/early winter, when the vegetation once again turns green and temperatures drop.

Camping
Primitive Camping (no bathroom or water) is available on BLM property at the mouth of Sorefoot Creek, approximately 2 miles north of the Clarno Bridge on the west bank of the John Day.  Lodging is available in the nearby towns of Shaniko and Fossil.  The closest developed campsites are located one hour from Spring Basin past the town of Fossil on Highway 19: Bear Hollow County Park and Shelton Wayside.

Land Stewardship
The BLM manages Spring Basin WSA to protect its natural values by prohibiting all motorized and mechanized vehicle use, including all-terrain vehicles and mountain bikes.  Please respect these land use regulations.  Spring Basin is a very special and fragile place. As its popularity as a hiking destination increases, the need for careful and responsible use becomes even more important. Please take care to protect these lands by following Leave No Trace principles.

Private Land
Please respect all private land bordering the Wilderness Study Area and do not cross unless you have explicit permission from the landowner. 

Pine Creek Conservation Area
The Pine Creek Conservation Area borders Spring Basin on three sides.  The 34,000 acre property is owned by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and is managed for wildlife habitat as part of the Bonneville Power Administration’s fish and wildlife mitigation program.  Public access is allowed, with restrictions in place to protect the conservation area’s resources. Visitors are responsible for knowing current regulations and are required to sign in and out of the conservation area for day hikes, hunting, and all other permitted recreation and educational activities.  Information and maps of the conservation area, including sign-in stations, may be found at two kiosks located along highway 218 at mile markers 25 and 33.

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
The Clarno unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is located nearby, and offers hiking and educational opportunities.  Before accessing the National Monument, visitors should check the bulletin board in the Picnic Area to learn about trail conditions and regulations.