Since there is no trailhead, a topographic map comes in very handy for locating the beginning of the trail. Pick up a fireman's map from the district office, they work quite nicely. The southern portion of the trail is cool and green from the Alder Creek system. Farther north there are great views and ample areas for camping. From this trail you can access the Copple Butte Trail #3052 and head west approximately 2 miles to Madison Butte. Also, one can take the Copple Butte Trail about 1 mile west to Skokum Trail #3053, which will loop back south to FS Road 140, approximately 1/2 mile from Alder Creek Trail beginning.

Directions: From Heppner, Take State Highway 207 south for approximately 26 miles to Anson Wright County Park. Turn left onto County Road 670. Continue until it turns into FS Road 22, then take FS Road 2119. Follow it approximately 3 miles to FS Road 21, then turn left. Continue approximately 3 more miles, past Tupper Work Center, to Road 21-140. Take a left on the 140 road and continue for about a mile until you reach the tank trap. There is no trailhead, but the start of the trail is marked with flagging about 500 feet past the trap.