State: Oregon
Location: Rogue River National Forest
Length, One-Way: 7 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 2000 feet
Maximum Elevation: 3040 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Light
Trail Information
This trail features views the Siskiyou Crest and Applegate Lake. Named for two brothers who mined in this vicinity during the 1850’s and 1860’s, this trail offers a variety of recreational and educational opportunities.
Beginning at Hart-tish Park picnic area the trail crosses Upper Applegate Road and drops down to Grouse Creek. An abandoned miners’ cabin and an inactive Sasquatch (Bigfoot) trap are encountered about 3/4 mile up the trail. Several mine adits (tunnels with one entrance) are found along the trail. Please do not enter the tunnels.
Leaving Grouse Creek, the trail climbs steeply for one mile to the ridgetop, gaining 1000′ elevation and begins a long traverse of the western slope of Collings Mountain. Excellent panoramic views of the Applegate Lake and the Siskiyou Crest are seen at several locations along the trail. Trees encountered along the trail include old growth Douglas fir, sugar pine and ponderosa pine. Pacific madrone, white oak and Saddler oak can also be found. Silk tassle and manzanita are common brush species.
After traversing below the ridgeline for 2 miles, the trail then descends steadily for 3 miles to Watkins campground. The last 1/2 mile of trail passes through the 62 acre Watkins fire that burned in 1981.
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:
Travel south on Upper Applegate road for 9 miles to Hart-tish Park. The trailhead is located at the upper end of the picnic area parking lot.
To Watkins Campground:
From Hart-tish Park continue south on Upper Applegate road for 3 miles to Watkins Campground.
