Contact Info
7803 Beaver Creek Road
Paulina, OR 97751
- Phone:
- 541-477-6900
Basics
- Length:
- 5.5 miles
- Difficulty:
- Difficult
- Time:
- 4 - 5 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 3550 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 3550 feet to 4950 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 1400 feet
- Season:
- Summer to Fall
Description
South Prong Trail climbs a relatively gentle grade for approximately three miles, contouring through mixed conifer and ponderosa pine forest on high terrain to a fenceline just east of Crowbar Spring. Then the trail begins a steep descent into Black Canyon, dropping 1600 vertical feet in two miles, primarily through dense mixed conifer forest, to join Black Canyon Trail No. 820 at Big Ford.
In the summer of 2002, the 747 Fire burned in much of Black Canyon Wilderness. Some of the most intense burning occurred in the South Prong canyon, and will be apparent to visitors for some years to come. Stabilization and repair of fire and suppression damage to the trail is continuing. Be alert for loose footing, holes, and falling snags.
Details
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Difficulty:
Time:
Trailhead Elevation:
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Map + Directions
Basic Directions
From Paulina, continue east on Paulina-Suplee Highway 3½ miles to Beaver Creek Road. Turn north (left) onto Beaver Creek Road 7½ miles to Forest Road 58. Follow Forest Road 58 for 11 miles to Forest Road 5840, then 6 miles on Forest Road 5840, and ½ mile on Forest Road 5840-400 to Mud Spring Campground. Mud Spring Trailhead for South Prong Trail is in the northeast corner of the campground, marked by signs and an information board/trail register. Mud Spring Campground offers developed campsites, toilets, and stock pens.