Gifford Pinchot National Forest
|
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Forest Headquarters Cowlitz Valley Mt. Adams Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Monument Headquarters Johnston Ridge Observatory Mount St. Helens
TTY: Phone for the Deaf
|
Trails
Equestrian Riding |
The best trails to ride can be found by looking a horse camp description. There is a list of trails associated with each horse camp. Many of the most popular trails are at high elevations on the Forest. The snow on the trails become solid blocks of ice over the winter and are slow to melt out. Isolated trails can be found by checking the District Trail guides.
Horse camp map - Locations of Horse camps.
Special note for the summer of 2007 - the map does not show the current road blockages on roads 21, 23 and 26. For these locations, check the current conditions map.
Special Note - Spring 2007: As part of a larger effort to reduce invasive species on national forest lands the US Forest Service now requires the use of weed-free feed within all Pacific Northwest Congressionally designated wilderness areas and trailheads leading into designated wilderness areas, including several Horse Camps located at Wilderness Trailheads (Walupt, Keenes, Stagman Ridge, Little Goose). Weed-free feed includes commercially processed pellets, steamed and rolled grains, or state certified weed-free feed. The weed-free feed requirement will be extended to the entire forest in 2009. Q.
Where do I find state certified hay or crop products? Oregon Dept. of Agriculture Commodity Inspection Division; (503) 986-4620 or website: http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/PLANT/WEEDS/weedfreeforageprogram.shtml
|
Brief descriptions of the Horse Camps
Crest - A rustic site with picnic tables and a vault toilet. The PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) crosses the 60 Road at this site. Limited parking. There is no loop road into the site.
Panther trailhead - The PCT crosses the 65 road at this site.
Falls Creek - A small camp with a vault toilet. Only camper pickups with trailers can fit. The sites have tables and tie areas. Access up to the Indian Heaven wilderness. Two trails go below the camp.
Little Goose - A small camp with a older vault toilet. Access up to the Indian Heaven wilderness.
Kalama - A highly developed camp with a series of trails. Very large rigs can readily park. A very good area for riders not used to camping and riding on the Forest. Very popular with riders.
Mt Adams - A new camp with relatively easy to ride trails and old roads.
Stagman trailhead - The trailhead is on a gravel road. A loop at the end of the road with 5 campsites. No toilet. Access to the west side of the Mt. Adams Wilderness on trail 12.
Lewis River - A well developed camp with a composting vault toilet. The main trail out of the camp, trail #5, can be challenging, depending on how well it has been maintained. Other long distance trails connect to #5. There are some old roads in the area that can be ridden.
Green River - Special note for the summer of 2007 - Road 26 is blocked from both directions by a landslide and a washout. Repairs have not been scheduled at present. The recovery of the Forest can be seen all around. Several long distance trails connect out of the camp.
Keenes - A popular high elevation camp with several trails out of the camp. Access to the north side of the Mount Adams Wilderness.
Mount Adams - A well developed camp with a series of trails. Very large rigs can readily park. A very good area for riders not used to camping and riding on the Forest. Very popular with riders.
Cody - A newly developed camp with several trails. Accessible early in the summer, although snow drifts will be encountered at higher elevations.
Walupt - A well developed camp with units in the shade. Good access to the Goat Rocks Wilderness. A nice loop ride is possible later in the summer after the snow has melted.
Soda Springs / Cowlitz Horse - A small trailhead with access to the William O Douglas Wilderness.
|
Be Careful And Be PreparedRecommending these trails does not mean they are easy or without risk. What is easy for one person may be very difficult or impossible for another. Additionally, weather and trail conditions can change dramatically in a very short time. Because many unexpected hazards can be encountered, riding any of these trails poses a risk of serious injury. Obviously, since these trails are in remote locations on the Forest, getting help or first aid can take a long time, so riders should always use extreme caution to avoid serious injury. Riders should be self-reliant and remember to always bring the 10 Essentials: First aid kit, matches and fire starter, extra food and water, extra clothing (including a wool or synthetic sweater, gloves and rain shell), a whistle, map and compass, flashlight & extra batteries and bulb, pocket knife and sun protection. We Could Use Your Help!Let us know what you think of the trails. Trail conditions often change. By visiting the Ranger Station on your way out, and letting them know about a change in trail conditions--such as a fallen tree or washout--you could be a tremendous help. |
US Forest Service
Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Vancouver, WA
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - Amboy, WA
Last Modified: Thursday, 07 June 2007 at 12:27:27 EDT