Trail Overview
Serving as a quiet out-and-back spur within the Klamath National Forest, Forest Service Road 17N01—also known as South Seattle Bar—offers a peaceful detour branching directly off the surrounding mountain road network. The journey kicks off under a dense, shaded canopy of lush, overgrown evergreen timber before gradually transitioning into a more open, sunlit hillside. Featuring a firm, hard-packed blend of gravel and clay, the surface provides excellent traction for a beautifully straightforward woodland climb. Outdoor enthusiasts often take this secluded path to seek out private shaded clearings or simply enjoy a tranquil escape away from busier forest corridors. The journey continues smoothly for approximately one mile until the track fades into heavy brush and a large, impassable downed pine tree solidly barricades the road, requiring travelers to turn around.
Difficulty
Earning a mild difficulty rating of 2, this out-and-back trail features a very consistent and highly manageable 3% to 5% uphill grade from start to finish. The compacted clay and gravel surface is delightfully firm, remaining completely free of deep ruts, off-camber washouts, or intimidating rock steps. As the track steadily climbs, navigators simply need to stay alert as the natural vegetation begins to heavily crowd the shoulders, causing the pathway to narrow significantly in the upper, more exposed sections. Ultimately, the route's defining obstacle is the substantial fallen timber at the one-mile mark, which securely blocks the path and clearly marks the mandatory turnaround point for all passing visitors.
Offroad