Hillockburn Trail Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Hillockburn Trailhead
- End point: South Fork Clackamas Camp
- Trail Log:
- Hike Type: In and out
- Distance: 2.9 miles
- Elevation gain: 900 feet
- High Point: 2,390 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Seasons: Mid-spring into Fall
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: Yes
- Crowded: No
Contents |
Description
Ignored by the guidebooks and off the western edge of many forest maps, the Hillockburn Trail is the only maintained entry into one of the closest slivers of wilderness to the Portland area: a parcel of the five-part Clackamas Wilderness, which was signed into law in 2009 under Title I of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act. Most of this slope was burned over 100 years ago, but some imposing giants remain near the South Fork Clackamas River, which runs pristinely through an undisturbed bottomland.
Note that the trailhead is routinely trashed, cleaned up, and then trashed again. Some of the worst elements of the outdoor warrior type like to come here and shoot up trees (If you see such activity, report it to to the Clackamas River Ranger District: 503 630-6861). You shouldn't encounter much vandalism after the first 100 yards, however. On weekends, the sharp reports of a nearby target shooter may accompany the initial section of your descent.
The trail descends between boulders on an old road bed in a forest of western hemlock and Douglas-fir with a vine maple, Oregon grape and salal understory. After the road ends, the trail traverses a slope and soon enters this section of the Clackamas Wilderness. Old snags here are the remnants of a 100-year-old burn. Pass under arching vine maples and look for a variety of mushrooms along the trail in the fall.
After the fairly level traverse, the trail begins to drop, switchbacking down six times in a carpet of Oregon grape. Make a switchback at the first really big tree on the trail and pass another huge Douglas-fir just a few yards later. A fast-flowing creek runs to the right. Pass through a salmonberry thicket and make three switchbacks down. The South Fork Clackamas River becomes visible at the bottom of a lush hillside full of windfall. The trail crosses a brushy slope and steps over a fallen giant. After the last switchback, descend among arching wood ferns to a bottomland with a small campsite. Tall Douglas-firs rear above the cedars and hemlocks. You can push through the salmonberries to the river itself and enjoy the sound of the torrent.
Fees, Regulations, etc.
- none
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
- Hillockburn Trail #516 (USFS)
- Green Trails Maps: Fish Creek Mtn, OR #492
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Clackamas River Ranger District
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Mt. Hood National Forest
- National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: Mount Hood
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Hillockburn Trail Hike
- Hillockburn Trail 3/19
- Hillockburn trail hike
- The Molalla Highway from Estacada 11-14-15
- The four hour mile: Exploring the Upper SF Clackamas River
- Hillockburn trail to the south fork clackamas falls attempt
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Hillockburn Trail Hike
- Primitive Campsite Adjacent Hillockburns Trail #516
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- none
More Links
- Hillockburn Trail #516 (USFS)
- Hillockburn Trail 516 (Trail Advocates)
- Hillockburn Trail #516 (All Trails)
- Clackamas Wilderness (USFS)
Page Contributors
- bobcat (creator)