State: Oregon
Location: Rogue River National Forest
Length, One-Way: 1.6 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 2600 feet
Maximum Elevation: 3680 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Moderate
Trail Information
The Carlton Pasure Trail climbs switchbacks up through a mixed conifer and hardwood forest. YOu should look out for some old-growth madrone trees along this route. The trail breaks out into a small meadow dotted with trees and remnants of an old mining shelter presently called Carlton Pasture. Mature Ponderosa Pine outline the meadow. The trail heads west from this point back in to the forest which is now accented with rock outcrops.
Watch for unique plant species dotting the landscape. Carlton Pasture Trail ties in with Forest Road 1075/540. To reach the Elliott Ridge Trailhead, follow the 540 road approximately half a mile to road 550. Turn left at this point (west) on to road 550 and follow for half a mile to the Elliott Ridge Trailhead.
Multi-Use Info: Hikers and mountain bikers please use caution around blind corners. When approaching stock, identify yourself so that animals know you are there and move to the downhill side of the trail.
Directions
From the Star Ranger Station:
Follow the Upper Applegate road to the back of Applegate Lake. Turning left you are now on Forest Road 1040. Follow FR 1040 to the California border (pavement ends here) and proceed straight (FR 1040 turns sharply to the right). You are now on Forest Road 1050. Follow this for approximately 9 miles to the signed Carlton Pasture Trailhead on the left. During wet weather the last three miles is not recommended for low ground clearance vehicles because of poor road conditions. Parking for 2-3 vehicles is available.
