State: Oregon
Location: Rogue River National Forest
Length, One-Way: 10.6 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 5100 feet
Maximum Elevation: 5200 feet
Best Season: June to October
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Light
Trail Information
This is a unique section of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. The trail winds along the western flank of Brown Mountain crossing rugged lava flows on a cinder trail surface. There are good views of Brown Mountain, Robinson Butte and Mt. McLoughlin in this section. Alternating between thick stands of mixed conifer forest and open vistas, the trail also passes several isolated stands of quaking aspen. During the late summer huckleberries are abundant the last two miles of the trail. There are no water sources along the way.
Beginning at the parking area off Highway 140 a short 0.2 mile access trail leads to the PCNST. At this junction, turn left (south) and follow the trail along the Cascade Canal for 0.5 mile to Highway 140. The trail crosses the Highway and continues for 0.5 mile to the junction with the High Lakes Trail it is about 1.6 miles to the Fish Lake Resort area to the west.
Continuing south, the trail begins a 5 mile traverse over the Brown Mountain lava flows, gaining 800 feet in elevation. Once leaving the lava flows, the trail enters a dense conifer forest. Solomon seal, princess pine and huckleberries blanket the forest floor. A small campsite is reached just prior to the junction with Brown Mountain Trail (8.6 mile point). From this junction the trail continues south another 2 miles to Forest Road 700. This is the ending point for this hike. Some may wish to extend the trip to the trailhead on the Dead Indian Memorial Road 1.9 miles further south.
Directions
To Highway 140 from Ashland Ranger Station:
Drive east on highway 66 to Dead Indian Memorial Highway. Turn left on to Dead Indian Memorial Highway and follow for 22 miles to the junction with Forest Road 37. (Big Elk Road). Turn left on to Road 37 and proceed 8 miles to the junction with Highway 140. Turn right on to Highway 140 and continue 4.2 miles to Forest Road 3650 (just past the Klamath County Line sign). Turn left on to Forest Road 3650 and turn left immediately on to Forest Road 010. Follow Forest Road 010 to the large parking area. Horse hitching racks and toilet facilities are available at this trailhead. A short 0.2 mile access trail on the west end of the parking area leads to the PCNST.
To Road 700 from Ashland:
Follow Dead Indian Memorial Highway for 31 miles to Forest Road 3720. Turn left on to Road 3720 and go 2 miles to Road 700. Turn right on to Forest Road 700 and continue 0.4 mile to where the PCNST crosses the road. Parking is available for two vehicles between the Forest Road 500 Spur and the trail. Leave one vehicle here and return to Forest Road 3720. Turn right and go to 2 miles Road 3705. Turn right again and drive and drive 4 miles to Forest Road 37. Turn right on to Forest Road 37 and go 2.2 miles to Highway 140. Turn right and drive 4.2 miles to Forest Road 3650. Turn left and then make another immediate left onto Forest Road 010. Follow to the trailhead parking area.
