State: Oregon
Location: Rogue River National Forest
Length, Round Trip: 2.8 miles
Trail Type: Loop
Minimum Elevation: 2000 feet
Maximum Elevation: 2700 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Light
One of the largest Juniper trees in Oregon
Trail Information
The Grouse Loop Trail is a pleasant hike offering good views of the mountains surrounding Applegate Lake. Beginning across Upper Applegate Road from Hart-tish Park, the trail goes 300 feet to a loop junction. Follow the left fork. The trail begins a gentle one mile uphill grade, gaining 700 feet in elevation, while traversing a shallow basin of old growth Douglas fir, Sugar pine and Ponderosa pine. From the ridgeline, good views of Elliott Creek Ridge and Red Buttes are seen. Leaving the ridgeline, the trail begins a moderate descent back to Hart-tish park through a mixed conifer and hardwood forest.
Directions
From the Star Ranger Station:
Drive south on Upper Applegate Road for 9 miles to Hart-tish Park. A temporary parking area is available 800 feet north of the trailhead. Plans are to consolidate this and construct an off highway parking area for both Grouse Loop and Collings Mountain Trails.
