Trail Overview
Branching off Coffin Mountain Road - FS 1168, FS 1168470 is a secluded out-and-back mountain spur tucked within the Willamette National Forest. The corridor winds through a lush, mature Pacific Northwest conifer forest filled with towering Douglas firs, western hemlocks, and a vibrant green carpet of ferns and native ground cover. Composed of a single-lane roadbed of hard-packed gravel and native earth dusted with forest litter, the route carries an accessible difficulty rating of 2. Outdoor recreationists explore this peaceful pathway for quiet timberland touring, wildlife viewing, and forest solitude away from heavier traffic. While the lower section offers a smooth and continuous drive, the upper stretch reaches several large downed tree trunks spanning the roadway that halt four-wheeled vehicle progress before the track fades into dense brush.
Difficulty
Rated 2, this trail begins with an easy, gentle drive along a firm, well-defined gravel and dirt surface. The lower half is completely clear of technical rocks, steep ledges, or deep water ruts, offering reliable traction and predictable handling. The defining obstacle occurs along the upper segment, where multiple fallen trees completely block the travel lane for four-wheeled vehicles. Maintaining a moderate speed and utilizing wider cutouts to execute a turnaround before reaching the downed timber ensures a smooth, trouble-free outing.
