About Sutton Mountain and Pat's Cabin Wilderness Study Areas
Sutton Mountain (28,872 acres) and Pats Cabin (9814 acres) Wilderness Study Areas are public lands in Wheeler County which are under consideration for wilderness designation by Congress and managed by the Prineville BLM District in a manner which maintains their suitability for preservation as wilderness. The WSAs form part of the eastern backdrop of the Painted Hills unit of the John Day Fossil Beds. The view from the top includes the Painted Hills, the Cascades from Jefferson to Adams, and the rimrock-filled John Day Country.The area's vegetation is primarily comprised of western juniper and sagebrush. During the spring, wildflowers bloom in the open meadows. If you are observant, you may see a few Simpson's hedgehog cactus below the summit along the east ridge. This area provides habitat to pronghorn, deer, and elk. Solitude is as easy to come and recreational opportunities in this area will suit adventurous thrill-seekers and mellow nature enthusiasts alike.Know Before You GoAccess points for both WSAs can be found along the Sutton Mountain Back Country Byway.Visiting here is a primitive experience; there are no campgrounds or restrooms facilities at any of the access points for either WSA.When recreating on public lands, practice Leave-No-Trace Principles.Primitive recreation opportunities such as hiking, backpacking and hunting and plenty of solitude abound.Point of InterestThe base of Sutton Mountain (4694 ft) is composed of the volcanic ash and pyroclastic flows of the John Day Formation and is capped by Picture Gorge Basalt that flowed from fissures near the town of Monument, Oregon about 16 million years ago. The John Day formation is the same formation in which the fossils of the John Day Fossil Beds and the colorful paleosols of the nearby Painted Hills are now preserved.
How to Get There
The Sutton Mountain and Pat's Cabin WSAs can be reached via the Sutton Mountain Backcountry Byway, a 41-mile scenic loop that can be traveled in either direction. From State Highway 26 about 3 miles west of Mitchell, Oregon, head north on Bridge Creek Road past the Painted Hills for about nine miles. Continue to the right toward Priest Hole on the Twickenham/Bridge Creek Cutoff Road and follow that for about 15 miles. Head south on Highway 207 until you bump into Highway 26, about .5 miles west of Mitchell.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Sutton Mountain and Pat's Cabin Wilderness Study Areas
Heading to Sutton Mountain and Pat's Cabin Wilderness Study Areas? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Sutton Mountain and Pat's Cabin Wilderness Study Areas?
No central reservation system listed for Sutton Mountain and Pat's Cabin Wilderness Study Areas. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/10093163) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Sutton Mountain and Pat's Cabin Wilderness Study Areas?
The Sutton Mountain and Pat's Cabin WSAs can be reached via the Sutton Mountain Backcountry Byway, a 41-mile scenic loop that can be traveled in either direction. From State Highway 26 about 3 miles west of Mitchell, Oregon, head north on Bridge Creek Road past the Painted Hills for about nine miles. Continue to the right toward Priest Hole on the Twickenham/Bridge Creek Cutoff Road and follow tha…
How do I contact Sutton Mountain and Pat's Cabin Wilderness Study Areas?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-416-6700 or email: BLM_OR_PR_Mail@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
