Cherry Creek
Traveling to Oregon? The Cherry Creek Trail is the place to be with your fur-ever pup if you love a good intermediate-to-difficult level hike through the scenic countryside of the southwest portion of the state.
Located in the Winema National Forest, Cherry Creek Trail is a 6.1-mile hike which begins in the town of Fort Kalmath. This trail starts with a 4% grade and continues this way, mostly throughout its length, picking up elevation towards the last quarter of your hike with a 16% grade.Â
On the hike up, you and your fur-iendly pup will have many opportunities to cool down. There are three water crossings on Cherry Creek that must be traversed, although there are always naturally-placed options to not step into the water, if you so choose. After the third water crossing is when the elevation level increases. This is a good time to take a rest before continuing.
This out and back trail rewards all your hard work and perseverance with Trapper Lake, a beautiful 302 surface-acre lake that is the perfect spot for some fishin’ and relaxin’ with your pawtastic pup by your side. After you have caught your breath, why not take a dip in the water to cool down and take your pup for a swim?
Make sure to pack plenty of water and food for this fantastic journey, especially if you and your pup decide to complete the entire hike. Huckleberries grow wild here! Maybe you will have a snack, courtesy of nature, if you visit at just the right time of the year, which is mid-August to mid-September. There are no restrooms or water on site, so plan accordingly, and bring plenty of water to share.
Head to Cherry Creek Trail with your fur-ever friend for a fun day in the great outdoors!
Be sure to keep your pawtastic pup on leash throughout this trail and be mindful that there have been signs indicating the presence of bear. Dense forest throughout provides plenty of shade for hot, summer days, but keep the trail covered in snow in winter.
