Trail difficulty
Black diamond
Elevation Gain
1,482.00 ft (451.71 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
14.00 mi (22.53 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

For those of you looking to test your limits on some physically and technically demanding singletrack, the South Willamette Trail and the lower section of Hardesty Mountain Trail offer a healthy serving of steep climbs, root drops, off-camber switchbacks and white knuckle downhill. Try nearby Goodman Creek or Eagles Rest Trail if you are looking for scenic beauty or a view from the top. This loop is for those who want a workout and some technical challenges.

The South Willamette Trail roughly parallels Highway 58 and looks innocuous enough on a map. Actually the trail climbs and descends steeply a couple of times before crossing Crale Creek Road.  From here a gravel road climb puts you at the trailhead of the lower section of Hardesty Mountain Trail.  All too soon you are at the bottom and returning on South Willamette Trail. If you don't want to repeat the steep climbs on the way back you can make your way out to Highway 58 and spin leisurely back to your car.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

White knuckle downhill. Technical challenges. Great workout.

Cons

Steep climbs. Sections of rough and overgrown trail.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Trailhead Elevation

868.00 ft (264.57 m)

Features

Old-growth forest

Suitable for

Hiking
Horseback

Location

Nearby Adventures

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.