Uncharted is a challenge series from Territory Run Co for the Greater Portland area that aims to get you out exploring new areas with pre-planned routes. While each area we highlight may not be new to you, we hope it inspires you to explore some lesser known areas.

HOW IT WORKS

1. Complete one of the listed routes below.

2. Log your run here. Once reviewed, you will receive an email with a merit badge. If you complete between the dates of October 1st - November 1st, this badge of completion awards you $10 in store credit for any Territory products.

3. For each challenge we will also offer a grand prize package. To be entered to win, complete the route between above dates, log it here, and tag us in a photo from your run on instagram.

4. To increase chances of winning grand prize you can also log that you visited post run locations listed below.

We will have Uncharted routes throughout the year and you will be able to collect merit badges from each. 

You can join the Uncharted Strava Group here.

BONNEY MEADOWS BACKGROUND

One of the things I love most about trail running is the sense of adventure when exploring a new area. There's an exhilaration that comes with the gamble of heading out to a remote trailhead and having no idea what the trail conditions will be.

For this month's Uncharted I was feeling the itch to get out and explore a little. While scouring some maps I came across a few trails I had never heard of in an area east of Mt Hood that I had only lightly explored. After cross referencing Strava and noticing that these trails had no heatmap, I was unsure of what I would encounter, but was elated that the gamble paid off. What I found was some incredibly maintained trails through beautiful landscapes.

Bonney Meadows and its adjacent campground are named for Augustus Bonney, a 19th century shepherd who let his sheep graze in the area. Standing above the meadows is Bonney Butte, an otherwise insignificant peak that sits at the convergence of several ridges in the area. Migratory birds follow these ridge lines as they migrate in the late summer and early fall, leading to one of the highest concentrations of migratory raptors in Oregon.

For this reason, since 1994, Bonney Butte has been the annual site of Oregon's HawkWatch. Every September and October, volunteers station themselves at the summit of Bonney Butte to observe, count and tag these migratory birds. The public is welcome to hike up and join in the watch. 

The trails in the area are (mostly) meticulously maintained by local mountain bikers and the 44 Trails Association. After a few scouting trips, I have put together what I think is the best route, but there are lots of other trails to be explored here, their quality and level of maintenance varying significantly.

THE ROUTE 

12 Mile Route GPX File

Our starting point for this route is a rather unassuming forest road junction. The road to this junction is entirely paved and although there is no true trailhead here, there is room for a few cars to park at the side of the road. We will start by heading a few steps down the more dilapidated road and will quickly see the trail beginning to our right. We start with a steady climb on a soft, duffy trail through deep forest.

This climb drags on for a little bit so break into hiking pace, bust out the poles if you brought them and settle in as you climb up through the dense alder- not forgetting to grab some berries along the way.

As we climb higher, you will hear the babbling of Bonney Creek off to your left, but never does the creek become visible. If you become desperate for water, the creek is a short trek from the trail and easily accessible as you near Forest Road 4891. As you reach the road, we will continue straight and continue climbing up until Bonney Meadows Trail intersects with Hidden Meadows Trail. This higher portion of the climb feels markedly different with a more open feeling, slightly rockier trail and the feeling that you are transitioning into a different, drier ecosystem.

Once you hit the trail junction, the trail flattens out and you will head left towards Bonney Meadows Campground. You will notice Bonney Meadows to your left and, on a clear day, views of Mt Hood looming over the meadows. We will quickly take a right onto the Forest Creek Trail and one more slight climb up to Echo Point. Echo Point is the start of a beautiful ridge system that is reminiscent of the Columbia River Gorge high country.

This trail is really awesome. It's in tremendous shape and has stunning views of the lakes below and eastward towards the golden hills of Maupin and Tygh Valley. The gentle downhill is also a nice respite from the steady climb we've had so far. 

Continuing on the trail you will eventually enter an area that was lightly scorched from a recent fire in the Badger Creek Wilderness. Below you will see the burn scar around Little Boulder Lake. Mountain bikers have done an amazing job keeping these trails clear despite the burn damage. The huckleberries were just starting to change into their autumnal colors when photographing this route- they should be on full display for October. 

We continue a little ways further on Forest Creek Trail until we intersect with a spur of Forest Rd 4881. We are going to take a left onto this road to begin descending to Little Boulder Lake. As we near the end of this road, be on the look out for the trail entrance to your left as it is easy to miss. Little Boulder Lake is a marshy, unassuming little lake, but still quite beautiful. The burn area is truly stunning to travel through. I would be careful here on windy days as who knows how sturdy any of these scorched trees really are.