Trail Overview
This 1.5-mile cutoff trail starts at FS 5N40Y and ends at Herring Creek (FS 4N12), running through a dense pine forest. The trail climbs over 430 feet along a dirt surface that is mostly smooth, though it can be dusty in dry conditions. Winding through a mix of mature and regrowth pine, the trail provides scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Logging activity is evident with large piles of wood along the route. The trail width varies from one to one-and-a-half vehicles wide, making it accessible for standard off-road vehicles. Wildlife sightings may include deer and small forest mammals.
Difficulty
The trail includes some ruts and off-camber sections that require careful navigation. A section of shelf road provides exposure and occasional loose dirt, so high clearance and 4x4 are recommended. The combination of elevation gain and narrow shelf areas makes this trail more challenging than typical easy dirt roads.