Place

Salmon River East Trailhead

Salmon River East Trailhead is the less busy way onto Salmon River Trail #742 and into the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness, off US Hwy 26 east of Sandy.

Representative photo, not this exact spot. Photo: Chad Manning via Pexels · Pexels License

Salmon River East Trailhead is the less busy alternative to Salmon River West Trailhead for reaching Salmon River Trail #742. The trail follows the Wild and Scenic Salmon River through mossy old-growth forest and into the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness. The trailhead is in the Zigzag Ranger District and has a parking lot and an information kiosk.

From Sandy, follow US Hwy 26 east for 17.3 miles, then go right (south) onto Salmon River Road for about 5 miles. The trailhead is on the north side of the bridge. There is no drinking water, and restroom details are not listed, so plan ahead.

Getting there

From Sandy

  1. Travel 17.3 miles east on US Hwy 26.
  2. Turn right (south) on Salmon River road and follow it for ~5 miles.
  3. The Salmon River East trailhead is north of the bridge.

From the Forest Service

Rules and restrictions

Wilderness restrictions apply in Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness. Please practice leave no trace principles - pack out everything you packed in!

Details from the official Forest Service page, a public-domain U.S. government source.

Last checked November 4, 2026