Revisiting this area I hiked up directly from Joseph Creek about 1/4 mile before the unmarked turnoff for the parking area in Joseph Creek Canyon. Hunters and fisher people were out en force up and down the Grande Ronde and Joseph Creek.
I chose one of several ridges that rise 2000 vertical feet up from the canyon floor with the intention of walking the divide that separates Joseph Creek and The Grande Ronde River. Once on top of the ridge near point 2990 I noticed an elk herd relaxing in the saddle between me and point 3016. I decided not to continue as they were safe and sound from hunters below buzzing around on their quads. I instead watched them from the distance while having lunch before the steep descent.
No trails in this area other than old roads in Green Gulch and a short section of single track in Joseph Creek Canyon which disappears within a mile or so in blackberry brambles. The ridges however are accessible for off-trail adventures and offer miles of walking with broad views over the canyons of Joseph Creek and The Grande Ronde. There is some steep terrain in order to get up there though.
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