Oregon Desert Trail (Seg. 7): Paisley to Abert South

From Paisley (WB078), the ODT heads west on Mill Street, a paved road that parallels the Chewaucan River. Despite being along a road, there are pleasant views of the river and surrounding hills. After about seven miles the road passes Marsters Spring Campground (WB082), and another half mile south on the east side of the road is the Chewaucan Crossing Trailhead and campground (WB083; three free campsites, water from the river). Here the ODT crosses the river on a footbridge and follows the well-signed Fremont National Recreation Trail (see photos) south for about 33 miles to the Cox Trailhead (WB104). It is a diverse trail, passing through pine and mixed-conifer forest, open sage slopes, and through some magnificent mahogany stands. This trail climbs past Cat Canyon (WB085; creek water here June 2013), Skunk Hollow (WB087; creek water here June 2013), and Avery Pass (WB088) to arrive at Morgan Butte Fire Lookout (WB091). South of Morgan Butte, the trail passes Myers Meadow Spring (off trail near WB093; water), Round Pass (WB095; spring), Moss Pass (WB097, see photo), Green Creek (WB098; water here June 2013), and Pine Creek (WB099; water here June 2013). For those wanting a night away from the trail, consider staying at Willow Creek Ranch, just a few miles from WB101 (see the town guide for more information). Watch out for stinging nettles near WB102! The developed trail ends at Cox Pass Trailhead (WB104), and here the ODT follows the maintained road south, passing the Fawn Creek drainage at WB106 and descending from forest land to agricultural land along Cox Creek Road. About a half mile after WB108, this road turns left (east) and meets up with Highway 395 at WB109. The final stretch in this section follows paved Highway 395 north to Deter Ranch Road (WB111).