Horse Camp Trail #958

IMPORTANT INFORMATION (JUNE 2021): 

The Butte Fork bridge on Trail 957 is closed due to safety concerns. The bridge is approximately ¾ of a mile from the Shoofly Trailhead, and 2.5 miles from the Horse Camp Trailhead just SE of where the 954 and 957 trails intersect. The 954 trail accessing other parts of the Red Buttes Wilderness is not impacted by this bridge closure. (If you hike in from Horse Camp Trailhead, and head west, you will encounter this bridge, and the closure.)

What sort of safety concerns can close a bridge such as this? This is a BIG bridge that spans 56’ high above the Butte Fork of the Applegate River. The native log beams have extensive decay from beginning of bridge to the mid-span, and bridge is sagging and may be on the verge of collapse.

PLEASE: Do not cross this bridge at this time. We are evaluating next steps, and in the meantime, your safety is our number one priority!

The Horse Camp Trail is a scenic trail that offers access to the Red Buttes Wilderness and Echo Lake. Opportunities for fishing at Echo Lake and panoramic views from the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) at the top make the difficulty of this hike worthwhile.

Beginning at Horse Camp Trailhead, the trail climbs steeply through a shaded forest. The junction with Butte Fork Trail #957 is located at mile 0.6; the Horse Camp Trail stays to the left and continues to climb steadily along the ridgeline. Views of the old Butte Fork landslide are visible. Horse Camp is reached in 1 mile, with a spring located nearby.

From Horse Camp, the trail continues its ascent for another 1.5 miles before it reaches a high mountain meadow dotted with an array of wildflowers. The Echo Lake junction is shortly thereafter; the trail to the right leads to Echo Lake, which is nestled in a small cirque basin below No Name Peak.

To reach the PCT, continue on the trail to the left, reaching the crest in 0.5 miles. This marks the end of Horse Camp Trail.

Attractions and Considerations: The Horse Camp Trail offers an opportunity for a 15 mile loop beginning and ending at the Horse Camp Trailhead. This loop can be completed by taking the Horse Camp Trail (3.9 miles), to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. At the crest, follow the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail northeast for 2 miles to Cook and Green Pass. The Cook and Green Trail #959 takes off from here heading north, and begins an 8.2 mile descent to Forest Road 1040. On Forest Road 1040, head south for 0.5 mile to the Horse Camp Trailhead.

Prepare for your hike! Carry plenty of water. Water sources have not been tested and may be unsafe to drink. Water treatment is recommended.

There are two designated campsites located near Cook and Green Creek.

• Horse Camp Trail Recreation Opportunity Guide, with map (PDF)

At a Glance