East Fork Trail Hike

Overview

This is a quiet hike up along the East Fork South Fork McKenzie River in the Three Sisters Wilderness, beginning just above the east arm of the Cougar Reservoir. You'll be hiking in old-growth forest with the river nearby for most of the hike. Along most of this trail, the forest floor is uneven and densely covered with forest debris making ideal tent sites scarce. There are a handful of sections with minor falling danger: small children may need special attention. This hike can be done as an 11 mile out-and-back or a 5.5 mile shuttle. For the shuttle option, park an extra car or drop off bikes at the East Fork Upper Trailhead. Shortly after starting this hike at East Fork Lower Trailhead, the trail crosses East Fork on a sturdy footbridge and enters the Three Sisters Wilderness Area. The trail follows East Fork upstream through old growth coniferous forest. At about 1.8 miles, a second footbridge crosses from the south side of East Fork to the north side. Near the halfway point of the trail, about three miles from East Fork Lower Trailhead, there is a section where the path becomes less distinct as moss and Oregon grape begins encroaching on the tread. Shortly after the five-mile marker, the trail turns north, away from the East Fork and ends on Forest Road 1993 at the East Fork Upper Trailhead. The return trip to the East Fork Lower Trailhead can be made on either Trail #3308 or Forest Road 1993.

Trail Stats

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