Trail Overview
Winding through a beautifully dense and lush evergreen forest managed by the Willamette National Forest, FS 2253125—often referred to as Minto Mountain Road—provides a deeply shaded and highly scenic woodland drive. This out-and-back route is primarily accessed by turning off Bingham Ridge Road - FS 2253 just above Hwy 22 and is frequently used by outdoor enthusiasts looking to reach the Minto Mountain Trailhead for a day of hiking on the popular Minto Mountain Trail #3448. Although there is no signage at the very start of the route, the track itself is straightforward, climbing steadily at a gentle grade under a heavy, cooling tree canopy.
Difficulty
Earning an approachable Grade 2 difficulty rating, this smooth, hard-packed gravel spur is very easy to navigate and does not require a heavy-duty four-wheel-drive system or extreme ground clearance. The only notable terrain features along the driving surface are a couple dozen small, 6-inch to 1-foot-tall earthen water bars built across the track to safely divert rain runoff. These small humps are easily managed by taking a slow, steady approach, allowing your suspension to comfortably absorb the gentle bumps without scraping your undercarriage.
