Halifax Trail #1088

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · River/Creek

The Halifax Trail was within the perimeter of both the 2008 Lonesome Complex and the 2017 Blanket Creek Fires. These conflagrations dramatically changed the landscape in this area. In 2016, in partnership with REI and the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, the Siskiyou Mountain Club removed about 1,500 logs, brushed the entire route, and retreaded areas of the trail which had disappeared, making this trail passable once again. CAUTION: There are many dead trees (snags) still standing in the burned areas; these may fall at any time, so be careful when running this trail.

The Halifax Trail #1088 leaves the Middle Fork Trail #978 about 3.3 miles from the Middle Fork Trailhead and descends a short distance to the Middle Fork. The trail continues on the other side of the water about 100 feet downstream, directly across from a colorful cliff. Getting across the water will require careful wading (which may not be either possible or safe at high water) or the presence of a large log.

Once across the water, the trail continues through the river's lush bottom land and then begins a well-graded ascent of the slope above Halifax Creek. Along the way you'll get a great view west down the Middle Fork Canyon and a fleeting view of the peaks around Devils Peak to the south.

After about 2.5 miles of climbing through several long switchbacks, the trail levels out and proceeds toward Solace Meadow. At the head of the meadow (the east end), the #1088 ends at its junction with the McKie Camp Trail #1089. Many of the trails in this area owe their existence to farmers who grazed their livestock here during the summers. Most of this activity occurred at or near Solace and McKie Meadows since these offered water, foraging, and reasonably level ground. The old cabin at Solace Meadow that was used to support this historic grazing was destroyed by the 2017 Blanket Creek Fire.

Despite the fire damage, the meadow itself is still green, the spring still provides fresh water (good water sources are not common in this area), and there are plenty of flat tent sites around the old cabin site.