After spending 3 nights at Wallowa Lake Campground, my wife wanted some peace and quiet and somehow we ended up at Lick Creek Campground.  It was empty upon arrival.  Salmon were running in the creek. 

Lick Creek Campground On Hells Canyon Scenic Byway

We drove Hells Canyon Scenic Byway and enjoyed the remote beauty.  We had no idea where we were going to sleep.  Dispersed camping gives us so many options that we drive until we see a place we like.

We found the Lick Creek campground by turning off of what we thought was an old forest road.  It looked like a nice place to camp because it was right on the creek.  We were so excited at finding the perfect campsite until we saw US FEE AREA sign.  Good thing it was only $3 to camp here in 2012.  I heard the fee doubled to $6. 

Salmon were swimming in the creek as it was spawning season.  We had the entire campground to ourselves.  The bubbling Lick Creek lulled us to sleep.

Don’t expect amenities here.  We filtered water from Lick Creek.  There is at least 1 clean outhouse.

I went on an early morning run and found an unoccupied and abandoned National Forest farm house about 1/4 mile from the campground.

For $6, you get trout fishing, peace and quiet, clean outhouses, and few neighbors.

Directions To Lick Creek National Forest Campground

From Enterprise, Oregon travel south on Oregon State 82 to Joseph for about 6.5 miles; In Joseph turn left on Oregon State 350 for about 8 miles; Turn right on the Wallowa Loop Road (also known as the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway); Travel on this road which eventually becomes Forest Road 39 for 16 miles. The campground is on the left after the Lick Creek crossing.

Advisory: The scenic byway is usually closed by snow from late October through late May or early June and is not passable with motor vehicles.