If you want to hike Salmon River Trail #742, this is the primary place to start. The trailhead is in the Zigzag Ranger District: from Welches, head south on Salmon River Road for 5 miles. Parking sits just north of the bridge on the road’s east side, with space for about 10 vehicles.
The trail stays close to the Salmon River, a designated Wild and Scenic river, passing through mossy old-growth forest into the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness. Chinook and Coho salmon, steelhead, and rainbow and cutthroat trout live in the river. Established dispersed campsites along the route make it a good pick for backpacking. There is a picnic table, but no drinking water.
Things to do
- Picnicking
Getting there
From Welches
- Turn right (south) on Salmon River Rd. and follow it for 5 miles to the parking area.
- The Salmon River West trailhead is on the left (east) side of the road just 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!
All fees
Day Use:
Peak Season (May 15 - Oct 01):
$5 per vehicle per day
$30 per annual
Oregon State Sno-Park Permit required November 01 - April 30:
$4 per vehicle per day
$9 per three day (consecutive)
$25 per annual
$5/vehicle/day from May 1 to October 31.
Passes and permits
Federal Recreation Passes required as a form of fee payment.
