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Middle Fork National Recreation Trail #950
ALERT: The Knox Gulch Trail Bridge, located west of the Frog Pond Trailhead, is closed for one year, effective July 30, 2021 until July 30, 2022, due to structural safety concerns.
The Middle Fork National Recreation Trail is a beautiful hike or horseback ride that follows the Middle Fork of the Applegate River. This trail offers opportunities for swimming in the emerald pools of the river, fishing for brook trout, or picnicking along the river’s edge. This is a great hike to view autumn colors!
Beginning on Forest Road 1035, the Middle Fork National Recreation Trail passes through lush fern grottos, unique pothole formations, and deep swimming pools. The forest displays a spectacular variety that includes alder, dogwood and big leaf maple.
Beginning on Forest Road 1035, the trail passes through lush fern grottos, unique pothole formations and deep swimming holes. The forest displays a mixed deciduous stand of alder, dogwood and big leaf maple. After 3.4 miles, the trail crosses Forest Road 1040 at the Frog Pond Trailhead which accesses both Frog Pond / Cameron Meadows Trail #953 and Middle Fork National Recreation Trail #950.
The upper section of the trail is within the Red Buttes Wilderness for approximately 0.5 mile. The forest changes dramatically to mixed stands of old-growth Douglas-fir, white fir, incense cedar, and ponderosa pine. Huckleberry, hazelnut, and vine maple form a dense understory.
The trail ends on Forest Road 1040-600 at Bean Gulch Trailhead.
Considerations: The upper section of this trail is not recommended for horses due to the narrow tread and rocky creek crossings. The Road 1035 Trailhead provides the best access for a horseback rider with reasonable turnaround room for vehicles with trailers.
Prepare for your hike! Carry plenty of water; although there are several springs found along the trail, the water sources have not been tested and may be unsafe to drink without treatment.
While several springs are found along the trail, the water sources have not been tested and may be unsafe to drink. Water treatment is recommended.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | ALERT: The Knox Gulch Trail Bridge, located west of the Frog Pond Trailhead, is closed for one year, effective July 30, 2021 until July 30, 2022, due to structural safety concerns. |
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| Open Season: | Spring - Fall |
| Usage: | Light-Medium |
| Restrictions: | Wilderness regulations apply within Red Buttes Wilderness. |
| Closest Towns: |
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| Water: | Not available. Surface water should be treated. |
| Information Center: | Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District |
General Information
General Notes:- Connecting trails: Frog Pond/Cameron Meadows Trail #953
- Trail is not designed for: mountain bike, motorized bike, ATV, 4-wheel drive, barrier free
Directions:
From Ruch, OR, travel south on Upper Applegate Road for 18.8 miles to the junction with Carberry Creek Road (County Road 777) and turn left (southeast). Proceed 1.5 miles to the junction of FS Roads 1040 and 1050. Turn right on Forest Road 1040 and follow for 5 miles to the junction with FS Road 1035. Continue straight ahead on FS Road 1035 for 0.1 miles to the trailhead sign and large parking area on the left.
Activities
Day Hiking
| Difficulty Level: | More Difficult |
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Horse Riding
| Difficulty Level: | More Difficult |
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