Silver Creek Trail

While driving to this trailhead you will pass the site of the old Bear Prairie ranger station that was built in 1906 and operated until the opening of the Skate Creek Road in 1947. Then as you near the trailhead you will have to decide where to park. About half a mile before the official trailhead there is a wide pullout which doubles as a shooting range. You can park here or continue on as the road turns into an ATV trail that is passable in most cars. Low hanging branches may scratch your vehicle on this stretch. If you park at the gravel pullout you will need to walk this section of road to get to the official trailhead.

This hike is more about enjoying a nature walk than about a dramatic destination, although there are some good views along the way. Once on the trail, visitors are engulfed in a shady conifer forest. After a little over a mile, Forest Road 5222 bisects the trail--you will have to hop over the road to continue on. From this point, the trail goes uninterrupted through a mixed forest that includes some old growth, and after 4.5 total miles of gradual but steady incline, the trail ends at Forest Road 84. 

This trail is open to hikers as well as motorcycles, mountain bikes and horses, although motorized use is restricted seasonally. Dogs are allowed, but they must be on leash.