Indian Ridge

This trail is in the middle of nowhere and far from any help so make sure you are prepared. To access the start of this trail you'll likely have traveled on the Canton Lake Trail and are looking to create a large loop returning back through Yellow Pine. There is also the option to do an out and back from the end of the trail and hike to Indian Peak. A smaller loop option can be done using the Phoebe Meadow Trail and South Fork of the Salmon River Rd. There are lots of possible combinations and variations using this trail. From the start of this trail (from either starting point), you'll have some moderate climbing. The grade is mellow and the trail is in good condition. The descent has a couple short and steep ups, but you are on a general downward trend. Once you hit mile 10, the trail will start dropping a lot steeper, and you'll rapidly head toward the river. At about mile 11.5, you'll enter into a series of switchbacks some of them with loose footing. The trail ends at the Krassel Guard Station which is on the national historic register; there are also a number of prehistoric sites at the end of the trail so it is worth stopping in after your hike to look around even if the buildings are closed. ***Here is a description of the Ranger Station site taken from the National Historic Register*** The historic part of the property includes the main administrative area with four frame buildings and a Civilian Conservation Core-constructed pack bridge. All of the buildings are good examples of structures constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) although only the ranger's residence (Building #1113), the warehouse (Building #1316) and the pack bridge were constructed on-site. The other two structures were constructed by the CCC for similar use at other sites in the area (Poverty Flat and Lake Fork) and were moved to Krassel in 1954. The two CCC-constructed buildings moved from Poverty Flats and Lake Fork to Krassel in 1954 illustrate the Forest Service efforts at re-use of structures and consolidation of certain administrative roles in the 1950s and 1960s.