Trail Overview

This trail follows a network of Forest Service roads, gradually transitioning from lower-elevation gravel corridors into steeper, narrower climbs. Expect long ascents with rutted sections, seasonal snow, and icy patches lingering well into spring. As you gain elevation toward 2,800 feet, dense evergreen forest opens to frozen wetlands, snow-covered clearings, and sweeping mountain views. The route culminates at Holly Oak Lake, often iced over in winter, offering a quiet alpine feel with dramatic weather shifts, limited turnaround space, and a true backcountry atmosphere.

Photos of Holly Oak Lake

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Difficulty

This route is Rated 2 due to its generally straightforward terrain. The trail consists of unmaintained forest service roads with dirt, gravel, and occasional rocky patches, typically one to two vehicles wide. There are no technical obstacles, ledges, or complex features requiring advanced driving skills. The primary challenge comes from elevation and conditions rather than terrain: steep grades combined with winter snow accumulation that can exceed 40 inches create slippery, low-traction surfaces. In winter, even well-equipped 4x4 vehicles and those running tire chains have been known to get stuck, making seasonal conditions the main difficulty factor.

Technical Rating

Mike M

Jun 17, 2026

Open

Weekend access only. Did not get a chance to travel along this route as there was a sign posted with a clearly locked gate. Regulated by "Mosaic forest management" dont come on weekdays

brady

Apr 26, 2026

Open

Dry on the way up but about 8-12 inches of hard packed snow at the top making it more difficult to get right to the lake.

Loren Leeuw

Feb 15, 2026

Open

Trail mostly bear some snowy sections near the top, at the lake no more than 12 inches of snow at the top, lake 3/4 frozen