Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Kinzel Lake Trail #665
Trail access is affected by recreational gate closure on Dec 1st – April 1st annually. Please see our Roads Table for current information.
This trail lies in the eastern end of the Salmon Huckleberry Wilderness. It travels between the lush river bottom of Salmon River and the dry ridge top of Hunchback Mountain.
This trail can be accessed from either end. The southern end begins at the junction with the Salmon River Trail #742 and the northern end begins at Kinzel Lake. A short spur trail ¼ mile south of Sherar Burn Road (Forest Road 2613) leads to Kinzel Lake and a small primitive campground with facilities including pit toilets, fireplaces and picnic tables. For a 14.5 mile loop, at the end of this trail, go right (northwest) at Salmon River Trail #742 for 5.6 miles to Green Canyon Campground. Find the trailhead for Green Canyon Way Trail #793A on the east side of the campground. Go east on Green Canyon Way Trail #793A for 3.2 miles to Hunchback Trail #793. Go right (southeast) at Hunchback Trail #793 for 3.6 miles to return to the Kinzel Lake trailhead.
Trail Description and Map (PDF File)
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Be alert for down limbs, debris, or winter damage |
|---|---|
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: | Wilderness restrictions apply |
| Closest Towns: | Government Camp, OR |
| Passes: | A valid recreation pass is not required at the trailhead. |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Zigzag Ranger District - Zigzag Ranger Station |
General Information
Directions:To access the southern end from Portland, OR - travel 17.3 miles east of Sandy on US Hwy 26. Turn right (south) at Salmon River Road and follow it 5 miles to the parking area. The trailhead for Salmon River Trail #742 is on the left (east) side of the road. Follow the Salmon River Trail #742 for 6.1 miles to its junction with the Kinzel Lake Trail.
To access the northern end from Portland, OR - travel 29.5 miles east of Sandy on US Hwy 26. Turn right (south) at Still Creek Campground Road (Forest Road 2650). Drive 1.1 miles and take the 2nd right onto E Chimney Rock Road. Travel 0.5 mile and continue onto Kinzel Lake/Sherar Burn Road (Forest Road 2613). Drive 9 miles to the end of Kinzel Lake Road (Forest Road 2613). Parking is at the end of the road. The trail starts at the south side of the road. Alert: Forest Road 2613 is a rough, narrow, one lane gravel road with turnouts. It is not recommended for trailers.
Activities
Day Hiking
: This trail can be accessed from either end. The southern end begins at the junction with the Salmon River Trail #742 and the northern end begins at Kinzel Lake. A short spur trail ¼ mile south of Sherar Burn Road (Forest Road 2613) leads to Kinzel Lake and a small primitive campground with facilities including pit toilets, fireplaces and picnic tables. For a 14.5 mile loop, at the end of this trail, go right (northwest) at Salmon River Trail #742 for 5.6 miles to Green Canyon Campground. Find the trailhead for Green Canyon Way Trail #793A on the east side of the campground. Go east on Green Canyon Way Trail #793A for 3.2 miles to Hunchback Trail #793. Go right (southeast) at Hunchback Trail #793 for 3.6 miles to return to the Kinzel Lake trailhead.
Backpacking
See day hiking description.