Noonday Wagon Road Trail #1405


Area Status: Open

The Noonday Trail was originally constructed in 1896 as a wagon road for hauling supplies and equipment into the Bohemia Mining District. This wagon road once extended from Disston to Grizzly Mountain, but newer roads have since replaced and crossed over portions of the original route. Today, this historic trail represents the hard work and efforts of early day miners in accessing the rich Bohemia Mining District.

The Noonday Trail is open to a variety of activities, and its uneven terrain and steep grades result in an invigorating challenge no matter which activity you choose. Noonday is especially popular with experienced Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) users.

Noonday Wagon Road Trail #1405 SignsNoonday Wagon Road Trail #1405 Trail

At a Glance

Current Conditions: 05/09/2023: Open
Fees: No
Open Season: Late Spring
Usage: Medium
Closest Towns: Cottage Grove, OR
Water: Surface water should be treated.

General Information

Directions:

From Cottage Grove, OR, travel east on Row River Road 2400 for 19 miles to the junction of Layng Creek Road 17 and Brice Creek Road 2470. Turn right on Brice Creek Road 2470 and continue for 8.2 miles to Champion Creek County Road 2473. Turn right and continue for 0.2 mile to the trailhead on the left. The upper and mid-point trailheads are best accessed from Noonday Road 2212. There is limited trailer parking at the East Brice/Champion Trailhead.

Alternative trail access is available via Sultana Way Trail #1405A off of Forest Road 2212-732, as well as several other access points along Noonday Road 2212.

The lower trailhead is 27 miles southeast Cottage Grove.


General Notes:

An old mining area presents unique hazards to the hiker and explorer. Tunnels and mining adits look intriguing to explore, but most of them branch or end abruptly, often at a deep vertical hole. It is not safe to enter or explore any shaft or tunnel. Since mines are private property, do not trespass on, deface, or vandalize any of the structures in Bohemia country.


Activities

Mountain Biking

  • Trail elevation change is 3,300 feet.
  • Grades range from 10-30%
Difficulty Level: Difficult

Backpacking

  • One way trail durations are 4-6 hours.
  • Trail grades average 10-30%
Difficulty Level: More Difficult

Horse Riding

  • Trailer parking is located at East Brice / Champion Trailhead
  • Be cautious as there is significant motor vehicle use on this trail.
Difficulty Level: More Difficult

OHV Trail Riding

  • The lower 3.5-mile section of the trail between Champion Creek and the Noonday Hotel site (a historic stop over for early miners) is the best-preserved, but most difficult and challenging OHV section.
  • The upper 3.3-mile section continues on gentler grades through forest, logged areas, and short segments of road, but the route remains somewhat challenging for lesser-experienced OHV users.
  • Because some sections are steep and narrow with tight switchbacks, use of larger 4-wheel drive pickups is not recommended.
  • We recommend off road vehicles travel uphill from the Champion Creek Trailhead to Noonday Road, as pull-offs for passing vehicles and turnarounds are limited.
  • Hikers, mountain bikers, horse riders and all off highway vehicles enjoy this route. Please share the trail.
Difficulty Level: More Difficult

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
6.9 miles

  Elevation : 
1,900 feet - 5,400 feet range