3S151 Crowley Lake Trail

Hill with deep ruts requiring high clearance and 4x4. Only 2 other cars made it up, both high clearance.

Trail is easy, only 2 parts of it that had some dips, which is recommended for 4x4 but I made it on my stock Awd audi Q7. (don't want to brag, but if you're not experience driver, don't try it, you might bottom out) I made it there and back perfectly. Pictures there to prove.

Fun and beautiful trail. We traveled west to east and enjoyed a mix of topography. The first section was the only part that needed a little effort, otherwise we meandered in 4-high.

The south part of the trail is busy but most folks parked at the first big dip (see photo). That has some big washed out holes and ruts, I wouldn't take a typical Subaru over it for fear of high centering but maybe if you were careful? From there the road was pretty good up to the parking area for the columns. North past that, the road was increasingly overgrown, especially there it goes down to the beach. I'm sure I got a few pinstripes. There was also a sandy climb there. The northernmost section on National Forest Service land needed high clearance just for the high center and low tracks in the road, and had a few melting snow patches and mud, but it's warmed up this week and that will all probably be gone in a few days.

Great beginner trail and but some fun sections. Little snow on trail

The entrance had a steep and down and up challenge, I saw some trucks backing and choosing not to do it. That was actually good keeping traffic near to none !! . After that gate keeper situation the trail was amazing. Keep an eye for a “y” that is not in the map, that take you to the caverns, you need to hike about quarter of a mile down to get there, but if you miss that “y” on the road you will miss the caverns.

There's a mogul-y hill at the beginning that might get you cross-axled. If you can get past that, the rest is easy.

I aired down as a precaution. Trail is open. Mostly sandy. Some technical parts that need some speed to climb the hills. Would recommend again.

Made it in 4x4 truck. Started from Benton Crossing then worked toward 395. Sandy and rutted throughout. Keep momentum at all times. There is a section close to the dam that has a gnarly up hill and downhill which is why it’s rated as is. Keep a steady line. Really a great little route.

Trail has a few steep uphill/downhill sections with some winding turns and a few rutted portions that require some skillful tire placement. The section by the shore is intimidating but felt solid driving over it

Trail is open and passable owens side of trail has some pretty deep stair steps. Middle or trail has a opening where a full-size truck fit between lake and big pond type deal. You will have to get out and find how to get back on trail. Full-size rigs will get pinstripes from shrubs

The Lake is high right now and it’s impassable once it reaches the water going around the point.