Horseshoe Ridge via Siouxon Trail

For those who think that Dog Mountain is a challenge, the hike to Horseshoe Ridge is way more challenging. This is a true conditioning hike, 12 round-trip miles of uphill climbing through beautiful and lush forest dripping with moss in varying shades of green to a ridged summit at 3,480 feet with broad views over southwest Washington on a clear day. The uphill climb is over 2 miles long, some of it near-vertical on a very narrow trail. The trail is not maintained very well, and there are many sections that require climbing over, going under, or going around fallen trees. In some areas the trail is hard to see and marked with plastic flags tied to trees. The trail across the top of the ridge has many huge rock areas covered in moss. Do not attempt this hike if you are not already in considerably good shape. The trail shoots off the Siouxon Trail, which has many waterfalls to view. Keep on the Siouxon Trail until you see a sign for Horshoe Ridge Trail West. It goes to the right. This is where the trail gets steep. The loop is about 10 miles and comes back to the Siouxon Trail's east junction a mile or so farther up from where you left it to start the hike. It does go through a camp area near the top. The trail crossed several small creeks on the return side of the loop that were quite beautiful. The forest coming down is breathtaking. Dogs are allowed if they are kept on a leash.