Saturday, May 28, 2011

Irish Wilderness in Missouri


I would like to pass on some information about Missouri's Irish Wilderness. The Irish Wilderness is a 16,000+ acre Wildlife area. There's no mechanized equipment allowed in this area, including bikes. The section I went to is located in Oregon County. I went to camp five pond off of hwy J. Here I found Whites creek trail. Whites Creek Trail is just less than 20 miles long. There are also other trailheads. The terrain is moderately difficult. Water is available at some locations along Whites Creek, Fiddler Spring, Eleven Point River, and Bliss Spring (Boil water of course). It is about a 7 mile hike from camp five pond to Whites Creek Float Camp. Primitive camping is allowed nearly everywhere in the Irish Wilderness. It is also possible to Float on the Eleven Point river and put into the Irish Wilderness that way. Caves are found throughout this area just a little off the trail, particularly along Whites Creek near Fiddler Spring. Large Bluffs overlook the Eleven Point River. Hunters do use this area so be wary of going during the fall hunting season. Now would be a perfect time to go though. This is the most secluded place I have been in Missouri and one of the best hikes I have every taken. Let me know if you would like further information. Topographical maps with trail are available for free at the Doniphan, MO ranger station located on Hwy 160.

Thank you,
Chris Clark

2 comments:

  1. Thank you so much! This information was helpful.

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  2. You are welcome. Are you planning a trip or have you already gone?

    ReplyDelete