60 min
Most often enjoyed as an exhilarating downhill, the top of this trail may be reached by continuing along Stein Butte Trail a short distance east of the summit; following Elliott Ridge west from Summit Lake, or by putting one's nose to the grindstone and doing the steep climb up from New London's lower terminus on forest road 1050.<br><br>Near the top, this contributor found himself walking a short series of very steep, tight switchbacks, as the trail was obliterated at the time under a thick layer of dry fallen leaves. But soon the fun began again, with steep exposed sidehill action and swooping turns across tributary drainages and past abandoned mine openings. <br><br>If doing this as a loop following the climb of the Stein Butte Trail, finish by turning right on the 1050 road and pedal down to Seattle Bar at the upper end of Applegate Lake.