Trail Overview

This beautiful trail takes you deep into Gifford Forest. Trees line your path as you cross pothole after pothole through gravel and mud. Following this path, you will find yourself with an option to go towards the mountain or deep into hunting areas. Shaded for most of the way, it is a beautiful casual trail.

Photos of Deep Forest Connection Road

Want to see more?
View All Photos

Difficulty

This trail widens largely at spots, is covered in under 12-inch potholes, and can have shallow water crossings during rainy seasons.

History

For over 6,000 years, people have played a part in the ecology of what is now the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The earliest Native Americans hunted in meadows below receding alpine glaciers. As the climate warmed, descendants of these early hunters gathered an abundance of food and other necessities. Familiarity with the forest's resources allowed larger, more settled populations, and the natives began to manage the landscape for game and other food. One method the natives used was burning areas to increase huckleberry production. Archaeological investigations within Gifford Pinchot National Forest continue to discover new and exciting information about the lives of the first Americans. (USDA Forest Service, Last accessed 7/27/23)

Technical Rating

Alden Roberts

Apr 18, 2026

Open

Some water over the road and some small off camber sections. Found a nice camp spot towards the end of the trail.

Steven Agee

Feb 15, 2026

Open

Many off camber spots, decent amount of corrosion. Oregonian here who can safely If you are used to Oregon ratings then be warned this Washington 2 would be more like an Oregon level 4 due to the amount of erosion and off-camber angles

Rob Ashlock

Aug 25, 2024

Open

Michael cutone

May 01, 2024

Open

lots of down trees that have been cleared, but not completely removed from the trail, expect to bob and weave.