Fremont Trail

If your dog likes to go the distance when it comes to hiking, the Fremont Trail is a furrific option. Also known as the Southern Oregon Intertie Trail, this granddaddy of a trail clocks in at 134 miles and stretches between the north and south ends of the Fremont National Forest. Understandably, the Fremont Trail is divided into three sections: the Northern, Middle and Southern Segments.

To begin the Northern Segment, you first have to make it up to the summit of Yamsay Mountain. From here, follow the trail east as it crosses through ponderosa pine forests and alpine meadows, passes rocky cliffs and mountain streams, and eventually climbs to the top of Hager Mountain. The trail then heads south along Winter Rim for 30 miles.

The Middle Segment starts at Government Harvey Pass and heads 50 miles south to Cox Pass. As they hike through groves of lodgepole and ponderosa pine and trek across sagebrush covered hills, your four legged hiking buddy will enjoy tail wagging views of Summer Lake Basin. With features like the Chewaucan River, Morgan Butte, and Abert Rim, this portion of the trail will not disappoint.

If your pup likes wildflowers, the Southern Segment is the place to be during the spring and early summer when colorful blooms are everywhere. Here the trail runs alongside Crooked Creek then summits Twelvemile Peak, McDowell Peak, and Crook Peak. During the last leg, the trail traverses Honey Creek Canyon and finishes at Vee Lake.

A 134 mile trek might seem a bit much, so your pal will be happy to know that the trail has dozens of day hike options. Each segment has a few trailheads, so you can map out a route that best suits your dog’s energy. No matter which segment you hike, bring plenty of water and clean up after your pooch. Trailheads usually have restrooms but not potable water. You and your pal will have to return again and again to see all this trail has to offer, but they won’t mind a bit!