Hiking
Hiking is a wonderful way to see and experience the many wonders of our nation’s forests. Visit your forest’s ranger district office, our All Maps page, or National Forest Store to obtain a trail map to help you plan your route based on your ability, available time and interest. Please follow these safety tips to ensure a safe journey:
- Being prepared includes knowing how to be a responsible hiker. Learn more on our Responsible Recreation page.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Don’t hike alone. Let the slowest person in your party set the pace. This is especially important when children are a part of your group.
- Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member and check in with them upon your return.
- Develop an emergency plan before you start your trip. Make sure everyone knows what to do if they become lost or a medical emergency arises. Give children whistles with the instructions to "stop and blow" if they become lost.
- Take frequent rests or vary your pace to maintain your energy level.
- Drink plenty of water, even on cool, wet days. Never drink your entire supply between refills.
- Wear appropriate clothing, including sturdy boots that are broken in and are comfortable.
- Consider using a hiking pole or walking stick to help maintain your balance in unlevel or hazardous areas.
- Be aware of your surroundings, and pre-plan your approach before hiking through more hazardous areas. Wet surfaces can be a hazard and even more so if it's on a slope.
Search for Hiking Opportunities
Illinois River East Trailhead
Trailhead offers parking and a registration board.Provides access to: Illinois River Trail #1161 which enters Kalmiopsis Wilderness.FacilitiesNo picnic tableNo fire pitNo drinking waterVault…
Illinois River West Trailhead
There is a registration board and access to undeveloped campsites at Oak Flat.Provides access to: Illinois River Trail #1161FacilitiesNo picnic tableNo fire pitHorse CorralNo drinking waterVault…
Iron Mountain South Trailhead
Provides access to: Iron Mountain Trail #1265FacilitiesNo picnic tableNo fire pitNo drinking waterNo toiletNo garbage disposal - Please pack it out
Island Campground
Sites are located along the South Fork of the Coquille River, and offer the cool of shade during the heat of summer.Facilities5 campsites with picnic tables, and fire pitsNo drinking waterVault…
Jackson Campground
Site Open
Jackson Campground sits on the shores of the Applegate River, a popular recreation site located north of the Red Buttes Wilderness Area. Visitors enjoy swimming, cycling, boating, canoeing, fishing…
Jim Creek Group Campground
The campground is adjacent to Abbott Creek, a tributary to the Rogue River and is nestled in an old-growth Douglas-fir forest. Facilities1 group campsite (up to 40 people) with picnic tables and…
Kalmiopsis Rim Trailhead
Provides access to: Kalmiopsis Rim Trail #1124 which runs north and south accessing eastern portions of Kalmiopsis Wilderness.FacilitiesNo picnic tableNo fire pitNo drinking waterVault toiletNo…
Kalmiopsis Wilderness
The United States Congress designated the Kalmiopsis Wilderness in 1964, and it now totals180,095 acres. This Wilderness includes the headwater basin of the Chetco and North Fork Smith Rivers, and a…
Kerby Flat Trailhead
FacilitiesNo picnic tableNo fire pitNo drinking waterNo toiletNo garbage disposal - Please pack it out
Laird Lake
Laird Lake is a small lake on the Powers Ranger District at the headwaters of the Elk River. It is stocked annually with several thousand catchable rainbow trout and was recently rehabilitated to…