Riley Horse Camp is located just 45 miles from Portland, on the west side of Mt. Hood. The camp is a delight, with corrals at most sites, plenty of shade, and lots of peace and quiet. Because Riley lies between steep ridges, the nearby trails can be challenging. However, the views from the trails are breathtaking, and it’s worth the exertion to reach them.
The Riding
The trails around Riley take you to the beautiful Ramona Falls, run through dense forest and flower-filled meadows, and offer spectacular views of Mt. Hood. However, it can be challenging to reach these visual delights. You’ll need to cross a glacier-fed river or traverse some steep side slopes and contend with large elevation gains/losses.
Most of the trails around Riley Horse Camp are not suitable for green horses or riders. But if your horse is in good condition and you and your horse are experienced, you will love riding around Riley Horse Camp.
The Camping
Riley Horse Camp has 14 campsites, 11 with corrals and the rest with tie stalls or hitching rails. The camp has a vault toilet, manure bins, and stock water.
You’ll find more information about Riley Horse Camp and its nearby trails in Riding Northwest Oregon Horse Trails, by Kim McCarrel, (Ponderosa Press, 2016), available at www.nwhorsetrails.com.
