1.1 hr
Overview
Cobbling together forest roads and four short trails in the McDonald State Forest, this excursion takes you around a stand of old-growth Douglas-fir, descending into the valleys of Baker Creek and Soap Creek before ending up at Sulphur Springs. The springs themselves, though smelling slightly of sulphur, are a little underwhelming, so it is hard to believe that there was once a hotel here, which eventually became a victim of arson, with cabins and tents for travelers seeking the healing waters. On the south side of the Lewisburg Saddle Trailhead, walk past the gate on Road 600. At the first road junction, go right on Road 600 (Harry R. Patterson Road). Head up about 100 yards and find the Ridge Trail leading off to the right. This gravel tread rises through a mossy vine maple thicket under tall Douglas-firs. As you ascend more steeply, you’ll encounter some conifers at least five feet across. Make a few short switchbacks up and hike on the level on the ridge before rising again to the Ridge-Alpha Trail Junction. Drop down the Alpha Trail, one of the first foot trails constructed in this forest, and reach a road bed. Go right and loop down under old growth Douglas-firs. Soon reach a much younger and denser plantation and the northern end of the Alpha Trail at a gravel road. Hike down this road (Road 810), which winds down the slope among older plantations (For more of an adventure, you can take the first grassy track to the left and find mountain bike trail leading steeply down along Baker Creek). When you reach the junction of Roads 800 and 810, go left on Road 800. Soon come to a four-way junction, with the quarter-mile Baker Creek Trail leading down to the right and abandoned Road 830 (which you’ll come down if you took the bike trail option) to the left. Take the Baker Creek Trail, with the creek itself flowing to the left under maples and cottonwoods. Look for signs of beaver activity here. Cross the pony truss bridge over Soap Creek, moved here in 2004, and reach the Baker Creek Trailhead, where there
Trail Stats
0.0 km
321 m
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Photos
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