Steam Donkey Trail

The Steam Donkey Trail starts out as a moderately technical and somewhat rutty descent that then surprises you with two short but incredibly steep climbs that break your rhythm. The up and down trail follows a ravine that drains into Lawrence Creek. The grade mellows considerably until the junction with Gordon Mill Trail. Once past that junction, the trail starts an even steeper and challenging descent- seemingly increasing in steepness the further you go. Note: bikes are allowed on this trail. The name Steam Donkey comes from a unique wench system driven by steam power that loggers used to pull logs out of the forest here. These donkey engines were capable of transmitting tremendous power and soon replaced horses and oxen as the preferred way of getting logs to the mill. As you travel on this trail, keep an eye out for the numerous large stumps along the steep hillside. The trees were cut, the branches stripped, and the huge logs were wrenched up or down to the mill.