Uncharted - Salmon River
Uncharted is a challenge series from Territory Run Co for the Greater Portland area that aims to get you out exploring new areas with pre-planned routes. While each area we highlight may not be new to you, we hope it inspires you to explore some lesser known areas.
HOW IT WORKS
1. Complete one of the listed routes below.
2. Log your run here. Once reviewed, you will receive an email with a merit badge. If you complete between the dates of July 1st- July 31st, this badge of completion awards you $10 in store credit for any Territory products.
3. For each challenge we will also offer a grand prize package. To be entered to win, complete the route between above dates, log it here, and tag us in a photo from your run on instagram.
4. To increase chances of winning grand prize you can also log that you visited post run locations listed below.
We will have Uncharted routes throughout the year and you will be able to collect merit badges from each.
You can join the Uncharted Strava Group here.
Salmon River Background
Nestled into the deeply wooded ridge lines southwest of Mt Hood, the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness is a lesser-visited gem with great adventure potential. Pockets of old growth timber,unique rock formations, abundant rhododendron and lush, mossy trails make this area one we keep returning to summer after summer.
The Salmon River's headwaters begin on the flanks of Mt Hood, not far from Timberline lodge. It's circuitous route down to the Sandy River (and eventually the Columbia) twists and turns through the craggy canyons of the wilderness. The Salmon is named a National Wild & Scenic River and is great habitat for Steelhead, Coho and Chinook Salmon.
A NW Forest Pass is required. The parking here has a reputation for car break-ins. Park smart and don't leave any valuables in the car. If you are extra diligent, you may consider parking on the other side of the bridge closer to Salmon Butte. There is less evidence of break-ins in this area.
THE ROUTES
8 Mile Route GPX File
Starting from the Salmon River Trailhead, our 8 mile route is a peaceful and forested trail along the banks of the Salmon River. It starts slightly uphill, but quickly relents to an inviting trail through moss-laden trees and a dense sea of sword fern, Oregon grape, Salal and rhododendron.
The trail quickly opens up right next to the river, offering a beautiful view of the river canyon. You'll often see fly fisherman angling in the shallow river here. As the trail bends with the bank of the river, it plunges back into the deep forest, slowly climbing up above river level.
The route stays deep in the forest for some time, but one of the great gems of this trail is when the trail exits the forest and has you on a large rock out cropping studded with wildflowers like lupine, columbine and paintbrush. At this point you are high above the river looking at a deep canyon carved into an ancient mountain range over millennia.
This route is an out and back, meaning you could decide your own turnaround point. My personal preference is to make a trip to the oft-missed Frustration Falls, a lesser known falls that may be one of my favorite places in the northwest. The user trail down to view the falls is a little rugged and a little steep, so you use your best judgement if it is within your abilities, but it is a worthwhile side trip or turnaround point.
At about 4 miles into the trail, there will be a faint user trail that goes down slope to your right. Be careful and follow the most clear path. The trail terminates at a cliff overlooking Frustration Falls. There is a great place to sit and rest along a creek just above the falls.
15 Mile Route GPX File
Our 15 mile route begins the same as our short, but it continues a little further along the Salmon River Trail and then climbs up to the high ridge line above.
As you keep running the Salmon River Trail you will eventually see a trail to your left signed as "Kinzel Lake Trail No 665" and the continuation of the Salmon River Trail ahead of you becomes much more primitive and faint. We will take the left onto the Kinzel Lake Trail and begin hiking up the steep trail, trying to gain the ridge.
As you get higher, the rhododendron and bear grass become more abundant creating a trail experience that feels distinctly "Mt Hood."
Eventually you will pass the turnoff to Kinzel Lake. In my opinion it is not really worth the detour, but it is a short one if you choose to do it. Keep going until you reach Devil's Peak Trailhead and continue to your left on the gravel road to quickly reconnect to your trail. As you get up higher, there are some beautiful rock outcroppings on the ridge and a stunning view of Mt Hood. Right after passing the junction with Cool Creek Trail, we will take a short detour to our left up to the Devil's Peak Fire Lookout. This is an old fire look out that is open to the public on a first come, first serve basis.
After continuing on from the Devil's Peak detour, we are now on the Hunchback Trail on Hunchback Ridge, a large ridge line visible from highway 26 . This trail can get a little more rugged with downed trees and overgrown sections. There are also a few pretty meadows you will cross along this ridge.
Be on the lookout for Green Canyon Way on our left. The trail entrance is badly overgrown and starts out with a big downed log so it would be easy to miss. Don't be deterred, though, the trail is actually in great shape beyond this. This decent is a bit of a long one so you'll be sure to get a good quad workout making your back down to the road.
To complete the loop we will run to the bottom of Green Canyon Way and run a short distance back to our car on Salmon River Road.
No adventure is complete without some celebratory food and drink. We've included a few of our favorite spots in the area to check out post-run.
Koya Kitchen | Zigzag Mountain Cafe | Naan N Curry |