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Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash
EasyUnpaved

Old Southwest Canyon Road

Madras, Oregon · Jefferson County

Old Southwest Canyon Road is a easy hiking trail near Madras in Jefferson County, Oregon.. The surface is unpaved. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

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44.64225, -121.15551
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Old Southwest Canyon Road

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High85°F
Avg Low53°F
Peak Rain Chance0%
Humidity36%
UV (avg)8
Air Quality191 · Unhealthy
Today
Partly Cloudy
81°/58°
🌬 17mph
5:51 AM8:30 PM
Sun
☀️
Clear
72°/49°
🌬 16mph
5:52 AM8:29 PM
Mon
☀️
Clear
83°/47°
🌬 11mph
5:53 AM8:27 PM
Tue
☁️
Overcast
91°/53°
🌬 12mph
5:55 AM8:26 PM
Wed
☁️
Overcast
97°/60°
🌬 9mph
5:56 AM8:25 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Old Southwest Canyon Road

Old Southwest Canyon Road is a easy hiking trail near Madras in Jefferson County, Oregon.. The surface is unpaved. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Easy” Means

Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
    Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
  • 🩳
    Light shorts/skirt
    Loose-fit, breathable.
  • 🧢
    Wide-brimmed sun hat
    Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
  • 🕶
    Polarized sunglasses
    Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 8)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Oregon

Trail conditions in Oregon change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Old Southwest Canyon Road?

Old Southwest Canyon Road is rated Easy. Suitable for most hikers including families.

Can I ride a bike on Old Southwest Canyon Road?

Bike access is unclear. Check with the land manager.

Are horses allowed on Old Southwest Canyon Road?

No — this trail is closed to horses.

What is the trail surface on Old Southwest Canyon Road?

The surface is unpaved. Suitable for strollers and most footwear.

When is the best time to hike Old Southwest Canyon Road?

Oregon has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.