Riley Horse Camp is located NW Oregon in the Mount Hood National Forest and offers trails for experienced riders. Within one hour of Portland this is an easy weekend getaway. However the trails are steep, technical and cliffy. Novice riders and green horses should pass on this one for now. For those that have a fit horse and enjoy advanced trails- this is a lovely camp. Lost Creek runs nearby and the camp is settled in a lush old growth forest.
Camp Overview
Campsites: 14 sites, with 11 having corrals. See below for site specifics.
Fees: $26 per night, +$2 on holidays. 50% off with Interagency Access Pass or Senior Passes. Additional vehicle $8 per night.
Permits: No permit required with overnight stay unless entering the wilderness. Self-issue permit at tralihead for wilderness use. NW Forest Pass for day parking use.
Popularity: Low use.
Elevation: 2,083 feet
Season: Mid May – Early September
Cell Service: None- but good service at Highway 26 (10 min drive)
Getting There
Directions: From Sandy, OR – Follow US Hwy 26 for 18 miles. Turn north (left) onto Lolo Pass Road (Rd 18). Travel for 4.5 miles, then turn right on Rd 1825 and continue for approximately 1/2 mile. Bear right, still on Rd 1825, cross the Sandy River bridge, and continue for another 1/2 mile to Rd 1825-382. Turn right, cross the Lost Creek bridge, and the campground will be almost immediately on the right.
Google Directions: Map Link
GPS Coordinates: 45.38245, -121.86076
Road Conditions: Paved until you reach camp.
Gas Station: 76 in Welches, OR
Amenities & Camp Details
Stock Containment: Corrals, Hitching Posts
Stock Water: Two hand pumps. Tested and working 9/2025
Potable Water: None.
Manure Bin: No- but manure may be put in dumpsters. Plan accordingly.
Trash/Dumpster: Yes, several.
Bathroom: Yes – two vault toilets.
Day Use Parking: Yes – large parking area at end of camp loop.
Reserving Your Spot
Reservations: Link
Check In/Check Out: None specified.
Site Specifics:
Site 1: 4-horse corral
Site 2: Hitching post – parking area very small.
Site 3: Hitching post – extremely small site with no trailer parking, no photo taken.
Site 4: 4-horse corral.
Site 5: 4-horse corral.
Site 6: 4-horse corral.
Site 7: 4-horse corral.
Site 8: 4-horse corral, only pull through site, but rocks and trees may be difficult.
Site 9: 2-horse corral.
Site 10: 2-horse corral.
Site 11: single horse corral.
Site 12: 2-horse corral, one of the easier sites to back into.
Site 13: X – shaped tie stall
Site 14: 2-horse corral, small trailer OK, but tight fit between trees backing in.
Dumpsters: Near site 9, and day use parking area.
Bathrooms: Near site 4 and 11.
Stock Water: Across from site 4, and on connector road between sites 10 and 11.
Nearby Trails & GPX Tracks:
Ramona Falls
Cast Creek Trail to East Zigzag Mountain Summit
Cast Creek Trail to Cast Creek Lake
Horseshoe Ridge – Cast Creek Loop
Nearby Dispersed Camps
Backcountry Camp Options
Pacific Crest Trail access within a few miles. Otherwise unknown, if you have backcountry campsite info please email adventure.equines@gmail.com
Additional Resources
- USFS Camp Status Page
- NW Horse Trails
- Holly’s Horse Trails and Tales
- Oregon Horse Camps
- Trail Catalog: Ramona Falls
Camp Land Manager & Contact Info
USFS – Zigzag Ranger District
70220 E Highway 26
Zigzag, OR 97049
(503) 622-3191
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