Trail Overview
The Upper Cross District Trail (NF 103000) is an easy, scenic forest service route perfect for beginners, families, and high-clearance vehicles seeking a quiet cruise through the Deschutes National Forest. Skirting the eastern edge of the Mount Washington Wilderness in Oregon, this 5.4-mile trail offers a relaxed driving experience with scenic glimpses of local buttes and dense pine forests. The trail mostly consists of a graded, unpaved cinder surface, maintaining a gentle grade that rarely exceeds a technical rating of 2. It connects with the Lower Cross District Trail, winding past geological features like Bluegrass Butte and Little Butte. Because of its mild difficulty, standard four-wheel-drive SUVs, SxSs, and dirt bikes can comfortably navigate the main path without requiring specialized off-road modifications.
Starting at an elevation of approximately 3,840 feet and climbing to around 4,500 feet, the route gains roughly 660 feet of elevation along its course. Offroaders should note that several spur roads branching off NF 103000 dead-end directly at the Mount Washington Wilderness boundary, where motorized vehicles are strictly prohibited. The route is highly seasonal and becomes completely snowbound and unmaintained during the winter months, making late spring through autumn the ideal window for exploration. When planning a trip, ensure your vehicle has high clearance to handle occasional fallen debris or minor washboards along this remote and lightly used forest service road.
Access Description
The route is managed by the Deschutes National Forest and borders the Mount Washington Wilderness. Motorized travel is strictly prohibited past the wilderness boundary lines where several spur roads dead-end. The road is snowbound and unmaintained in winter, with access generally limited to late spring through autumn. Standard Oregon OHV permits or street-legal registrations may be required depending on the vehicle type used.
