Middle Fork Trail #6W01

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

Adventure Pass required to park at trailhead.

The Middle Fork Trail will take you up to Icehouse Saddle without bringing you up with the crowds. The trail itself is more challenging than the other popular ascents in the area, such as the Icehouse Canyon Trail #7W07A. The additional challenge begins with getting to the trailhead. There is parking, but the road is rocky and more favorable to high clearance vehicles.

Once your laces are tied, get ready for a consistent, quad burning ascent. You'll cover nearly 3,000 vertical feet in just under 5 miles, which is nothing to sneeze at! Once you've gained the saddle, options and dramatic views abound, so be sure to take your time to enjoy a longer journey, or appreciate your efforts before heading back the trailhead.

Alder, maple and bay trees shade areas along the stream. Oaks, bigcone spruce, Jeffrey pines, sugar pines provide spotty shade elsewhere.