Close to Government Camp, Hemlock Trail #691A is a wide, gentle cross-country ski route that suits skiers who are just starting out. In about half a mile it rolls along and gains only 80 feet, so it stays easy from end to end.
There are two ways in, both off Highway 26 east of Sandy. For the east end, turn south onto Forest Road 2650 (Still Creek Campground Road) about 29.5 miles from Sandy and park on the west side after 0.15 mile. For the west end, turn south at Government Camp Loop Road about 29 miles from Sandy and park along the west side roughly 250 feet in.
Trail map & elevation
- Trail class
- Class 3 of 5
- Typical grade
- 12-20%
- Surface
- Snow
- Tread width
- 18-24 inches
- Ranger district
- Zigzag
Connects to: Barlow Trail #601A
Line, length and trail class: U.S. Forest Service trail data. Elevation: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Difficulty is our estimate for hiking it out and back (once around for a loop), from distance and total climb. Lines can be off by a few hundred feet; carry a real map and check the official page for closures.
Getting there
- Access 1 (east end): From Portland, OR - take U.S. Hwy 26 29.5 miles east of Sandy and turn right (south) on Still Creek Campground Road (Forest Road 2650).
- Drive 0.15 miles south to the parking area.
- Parking and trailhead are on the west side of the road.
- Vehicles are not allowed access to the campground during the winter season.
- Access 2 (west end): From Portland, OR - take U.S. Hwy 26 east 29 miles east of Sandy and turn right (south) at Government Camp Loop Road.
- Drive approximately 250 feet and park on the west side of the road.
From the Forest Service
Passes and permits
State of Oregon Sno-Park permit required November 1 through April 30 at Government Camp trailhead.
Ranger office
Zigzag Ranger District
Address: 70220 E Highway 26 Zigzag, OR 97049
Phone: 503-622-3191
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed 12 to 1 for lunch. (Closed on federal holidays)
Trails nearby
Barlow Trail #601A
1.4 mi round trip
218 ft
Easy
Yellowjacket Trail
10.8 mi round trip
1,317 ft
Summit Trail #691
4 mi round trip
430 ft
Moderate
Crosstown Trail #755
5.4 mi round trip
618 ft
Moderate
White Away Trail
1.8 mi round trip
292 ft
Alpine Trail
4.2 mi round trip
1,424 ft
Camp Creek Loop Trail #754
2.4 mi round trip
414 ft
Easy
Snowbunny Trail
3.6 mi round trip
567 ft
Glade Trail #661
5.4 mi round trip
1,920 ft
Still Creek Road Trail
24.8 mi round trip
2,653 ft
Trillium Lake Loop Trail #761
1.8 mi loop
11 ft
Easy