Trail Overview
FS 18N56, known locally as Poker, is a scenic, out-and-back hillside spur plunging into the Klamath National Forest. The route begins under a thick, shaded canopy of mature pines before traversing an exposed ridgeline severely impacted by recent wildfires, offering expansive, unobstructed views of the surrounding valleys and distant peaks. Operating as a level 2 difficulty trail, the single-lane surface consists of firm dirt and crushed rock. After a relatively flat start, the trail pitches into a steady descent, with downhill grades quickly dropping to between 5% and 8%. Backcountry explorers often seek out this descending route for its rewarding, sweeping mountain vistas before the track ultimately terminates at a large, flat turnaround clearing.
Difficulty
Rated 2, this descending spur relies on a solid, highly manageable roadbed but introduces mild challenges through its layout and grade. The packed dirt surface remains generally smooth, allowing standard vehicles to clear the minor scattered rocks without issue. The primary hurdle is the steady 5% to 8% downhill grade paired with the increasingly narrow track. As the road traces the exposed edge of the hillside, drivers must maintain a slow, controlled speed through several sweeping blind corners while keeping a close eye on the unguarded drop-offs. At the dead-end, the broad clearing provides excellent space to safely rotate the vehicle for the steady climb back out.
Offroad