NEAR PRINEVILLE, Ore. - Hiding deep inside a valley on a mountainside within the Ochoco National Forest, Steins Pillar still attracts the curious minds of passing recreationalists and tourists.

The 350-foot high scrawny looking basalt ancient volcanic plug overtops the ponderosa trees of Mill Creek Valley on a mountainside east of Prineville, Oregon.  Ancient volcanic activity from about 44 million years ago and ongoing erosion from the weather have helped mold and shape this odd-looking monolith.

The pillar’s name originated from U. S. Army Major Enoch Steen, who explored the area back in the 1860’s. Steen’s last name was so frequently misspelled that the incorrect spelling became the pillar’s official name.

Travelers back in the early days used Steins Pillar as a “beacon” or landmark for navigational use.

Today, Steins Pillar is an attraction for hikers, rock climbers, photographers and tourists.

Getting the close-up on the pillar means hiking two miles through the thin forest to an overlook.

The Steins Pillar Trail (#837) starts near the eastern end of Road 3300-500 (Rocky Butte Road) at the 4,240-foot elevation.  The trail entrance is not clearly marked but its entrance is on the left side of the trailhead message board.  (After talking with the Ochoco National Forest office in Prineville, I learned that the Ochoco National Forest Map (dated 2000) incorrectly identified the Steins Pillar Trail number as “831").

The trail starts off ascending about 160 feet then it levels off while it traverses through a wide open meadow, meanwhile offering a view of the Mill Creek Valley and adjacent mountains.

Approximately one mile into the hike, the top quarter of Steins Pillar comes into view.  The main trail bends to the right and a spur trail to the left leads to an overlook providing a view of the Steins Pillar’s bulbous crown.  A large, generic unnamed basalt rock obscures the lower three-quarters of Steins Pillar from this overlook.

Sand, loose rocks and the large ponderosa needles on the trail’s steep grade can cause slipping and loss of footing.

The trail ends at an outcrop at the 4,200-foot elevation where Steins Pillar now dominates the overlook view.  The overlook’s large flat area provides a great place to admire the majestic view of nature’s masterpiece and its creation.  This is also a great opportunity to break out the camera and snap some photos, or the sandwich.

Hikers should allow about two to three hours for hiking this trail, depending on one’s ability and other activities, such as photography.

No picnic tables, water, restrooms or trash service are available at the trailhead.  Cellular phone service is extremely weak or unavailable in the area.

There is no fee or recreational pass required to park at the trailhead.

Anyone not hiking to the overlook can view Steins Pillar from a roadside viewpoint that is 1.5 miles north on Road 33 from the Road 3300-500 junction.

The roadside viewpoint has a narrative sign giving a brief history of the pillar.  Steins Pillar is just as magnificent from the viewpoint and it affords the opportunity for those cannot hike the trail to see it.

The trail is usually open most of the year when there is little or no snow on the ground.  The temperatures in the spring and fall are usually tolerable, but in the summer or winter the temperatures can be extreme.  Severe thunderstorms occasionally strike the area during the summer.

Getting There

• From U.S. 26 eight miles east of Prineville, turn onto Mill Creek Road (roadside sign will point to Wildcat Campground). 
• Head north for 5 miles until pavement ends.
• Continue straight for two more miles on Road 33 (a maintained gravel road) to Road 3300-500 junction to Steins Pillar Trailhead.
• Trailhead: Turn right from Road 33, cross the wood bridge at Mile Creek and head east for two miles up Road 3300-500. The road is moderately rough and lightly maintained.
• Viewpoint: At the Road 3300-500 junction, continue north for 1.5 miles on Road 33.  The viewpoint is on the right side.

Bryan Dorr is the editor and photographer of B. Dorr's Blog.  He enjoys hiking mountain trails, bicycling around town, driving the back roads, and capturing the sights of the Pacific Northwest with his camera.