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 name Charlie Buck/Baldy Peak is a combination of two trails that were re-aligned to provide continued access to the Baldy Peak area while dropping approximately 2 miles of the old Charlie Buck Trail from the trails system.
The name Charlie Buck comes from a settler around the 1900’s named Charles Buck. The Buck family owned several properties along the Applegate River in the vicinity of McKee Bridge. The new trailhead was established in 1994. The name Baldy Peak comes from the fact that the south and west slopes of this peak are covered by grassy meadows and scattered oaks giving it a barren or bald appearance, in contrast to the heavily forested north and east slopes.
The Charlie Buck/Baldy Peak Trail proceeds uphill from Forest Road 2000.940 at a healthy rate of climb, but it is well worth the effort with spectacular views of the Upper Applegate Valley. The best views are available from a short side trail that takes you to Baldy Peak (el. 4645 feet). The main trail continues on up the ridge to the junctions with Mule Mountain Trail and Forest Road 2010.301.
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 Star Applegate Ranger Station:
Go south on the Upper Applegate road for 3 miles, turn left on Forest Road 20 (Beaver Creek Road). Follow FR 20 for approximately 1.5 miles to the junction with Forest Road 2000.940. Turn right and follow FR 2000.940 for approximately 3 miles to the trailhead.
