1.2 hr
Overview
In September 2014, the Greenbelt Land Trust dedicated a 1 ½ mile connector trail between Mulkey Ridge and Fitton Green, thus opening up a loop option between the trails on Bald Hill (See the Bald Hill Loop Hike) and the system at Fitton Green/Cardwell Hill (See the Cardwell Hill-Fitton Green Hike). This is part of the Land Trust’s plan to conserve green spaces in the area and establish a greater trail network. The hike begins at the pastureland of Bald Hill Farm, now also managed by the Land Trust, and then heads up Mulkey Creek before switchbacking up to a ridge of oak/Douglas-fir forest. The trail then takes you to the grassy bald of Fitton Green, where you can get views to the central Cascades and nearby Marys Peak. To make a loop you’ll return to Mulkey Creek via gravel rural roads that see little traffic. Cross the footbridge over aptly-named Oak Creek, and at the information kiosk, go right at the junction. At a footbridge over a tributary, you’ll enter the Bald Hill Farm Conservancy Area, which is managed by the Greenbelt Land Trust. The wide gravel trail parallels the oak-shaded creek, while to your left an electric fence separates the trail from a pasture. At a junction before a green gate, turn left to keep on the trail, which here parallels a gravel road and runs between two fences. There are nesting boxes on some of the fence posts. Up to the right, you’ll see a farmhouse and a scattering of outbuildings, including a picturesque barn. To your left, the outline of Bald Hill appears across the wide pastures that slope gently down to Mulkey Creek. Come to the Mulkey Ridge-County Connector Trail Junction, the latter trail leading off to the left in the direction of Bald Hill. Keep straight here, and head up a low slope. Before entering a copse of oaks, look back across the Willamette Valley to the Cascades, where on a clear day, you’ll see the snowy caps of the Three Sisters. The trail crosses a farm road and reaches the gravel road you have been walking next to. Go left on the road: After passing a
Trail Stats
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352 m
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Photos
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