Trail Overview
Little Poison Meadow (FS 6S099) might sound like a warning label, and for stock vehicles, it absolutely is. This trail serves as a rugged spur off the main forest road network, acting as the gateway to the Lumberjack Trailhead and some excellent, secluded dispersed camping. But don't let the word "Meadow" fool you into expecting a soft, grassy cruise. The track is defined by a punishing surface of rough, embedded rock and aggressive erosion. It is a slow-speed, technical crawl where the dirt has largely washed away, leaving behind a skeleton of stones and deep ruts that will twist your suspension and test your articulation. You'll bounce through the dense timber, straddling ruts and picking lines to avoid undercarriage strikes, all to reach that perfect, quiet campsite where the only neighbors are the trees. It’s short, spicy, and keeps the riff-raff out.
Difficulty
This trail earns a Rating 4 because it is a significant step up from a standard fire road. The combination of deep erosion ruts and a surface comprised mostly of rough rock creates a technical challenge that requires 4WD and high ground clearance. A standard SUV or crossover would likely struggle with traction or suffer body damage from the uneven terrain. Drivers need to carefully choose their lines to avoid cross-axle situations or high-centering in the ruts. It is a bumpy, engaging drive that demands attention and capable hardware.
