The Stein's Pillar Trail is a pleasant hike to the awe inspiring geographic feature of the same name in the heart of Crook County
Stein's Pillar is one of the many striking geographic wonders of Crook County. It's a short drive to the viewing area or trail head from the City of Prineville. From the trail head it's a moderate hike or short bike ride to the base of Steins Pillar.
The beautiful trail can be accessed at the Steins Pillar Trailhead. The trail is a 4 mile round trip. It slowly climbs through old growth forest, flower-filled mountain meadows, and rocky ridges. The trail reaches its final destination at the base of Steins Pillar, a 350-foot monolith of welded tuff, deposited during the collapse of the Wildcat Caldera, around 40 million years ago. The pillar can also be seen from a viewing area along Mill Creek Road.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3816715.pdf