Trail Overview
Salamander - 50050 is a gravel road that turns into larger red rock. There are lots of potholes and winding roads with hills. This is a one-lane road with pull-out areas for passing traffic. Trees, skunk cabbage, and lots of vegetation line this road. There is a wooden bridge over Salamander Creek as well as a very nice campground at Lower Salamander Recreation Area that has 3 designated camp areas with a covered picnic area, fire pits, and little wood huts to store firewood. There is also a maintained outhouse. One of the campsites has full access to the Salamander Creek. As you travel down this road there are steep inclines with drop-off areas closer to the end of the road with a few switchbacks giving lots of scenic views of Mandan Bay. At the end of Salamander is an open area overlooking the valley and the trailhead to Salamander Ridge hiking trail (1.1 mile hike) The road ends at the top of the hill where the trail becomes overgrown. There are 2 possible camping spots overlooking the valley below and space to turn around where the trail ends with space to camp or just enjoy the view. This road is very scenic. This is a rainforest and washouts and mudslides are possible. Brown and Black Bear, Deer, Moose, and Porcupine are on this Island and can be seen along these roads. There was a stake in a sinkhole spot in the road towards the top so be mindful of changes in road condition.
Difficulty
This is rated a 3 as the road is a one-lane road with pullout areas for passing vehicles. There are steep areas and switchbacks and loose rock in some areas and the road narrows. If you are pulling an RV or trailer verify with the Forest Service if this road can accommodate your RV or trailer size or if there is an area you shouldn't go on this road. The switchback areas are steep and tight and the road is narrower heading up to the trailhead. There are some very steep drop-offs climbing the hill.
