Cummins Creek

Heading up the Cummins Creek Trail, it is smooth and wide for the first 1.3 miles as it ascends gradually to a junction where the Cummins Creek Loop Trail comes in on the left. Keeping to the right, the trail continues on a similar grade along the old road bed, but becomes much narrower for another mile and a half.At this point, 2.8 miles and 675' above the trailhead, the trail abruptly begins climbing at a much steeper and rougher grade, gaining 500' in the next half mile, before reaching the upper junction with the Cummins Creek Loop Trail. Here you can add some more climbing, nearly 2 miles of out-and-back, and a longer descent by staying to the right and going out to where the Cummins Creek Trail ends on NF Road 55, then returning to this junction.Otherwise, prepare your knees and head down the Cummins Creek Loop Trail. The descent gets right down to business with a rugged, rocky section before opening up to a clearing with views out over the Cummins drainage. Re-entering the forest, the trail follows a ridge down to rejoin the Cummins Creek Trail.Finish up with the easy-going hike down to the car.