State: Oregon
Location: Rogue River National Forest
Length, One-Way: 3.9 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 2400 feet
Maximum Elevation: 5460 feet
Best Season: June to October
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Light
Tumalo Falls, Oregon
Trail Information
The Horse Camp Trail is a scenic trail offering access to the Red Buttes Wilderness Area and Echo Lake. The trail provides opportunities for fishing at Echo Lake and panoramic views from the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. The trail climbs 3500 feet in 3.9 miles. Water may be found at two springs along the trail, however, these sources have not been tested and may be unsafe to drink. Water treatment is recommended.
Beginning at Horse Camp Trailhead the trail climbs steeply through a shaded deciduous and mixed conifer forest. In 0.6 mile, the junction with Butte Fork Trail is reached. The Horse Camp Trail stays to the left and continues to climb steadily along the ridgeline. Views of the old Butte Fork landslide are frequently seen. Horse Camp is reached after another mile with a spring located nearby.
The trail continues to climb for another 1.5 miles before reaching a high mountain meadow dotted with an array of wild flowers. Deer are frequently seen grazing in the meadows. The Echo Lake junction at 6592 feet is soon reached - the trail to the right leads to Echo Lake, nestled in a small cirque basin below No Name Peak. For those continuing to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, take the trail to the left and continue another 0.5 miles to the crest, marking the end of Horse Camp trail.
The Horse Camp Trail offers an opportunity for a 15 mile loop beginning and ending at the Horse Camp Trailhead. This loop can be completed by taking the Horse Camp Trail (3.9 miles), to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. At the crest, follow the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail northeast for 2 miles to Cook and Green Pass. The Cook and Green Trail (#959) takes off from here heading north and begins an 8.2 mile descent to Forest Road 1040. On Forest Road 1040, head south for 1/2 mile to the Horse Camp Trailhead.
Directions
From the Star Ranger Station:
Drive south on Upper Applegate road for 13 miles to the junction with Carberry Creek road. Turn left and proceed 1.5 miles to the junctions of Forest roads # 1040 and #1050. Turn right on to road #1040 and continue for 3.9 miles to the Horse Camp Trailhead.
