GORP - Wasatch-Cache National Forest - Hiking

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PARKS

Wasatch-Cache National Forest
Hiking - Logan Ranger District Hikes

The Logan Ranger District includes the Mount Naomi Peak trail - a designated National Recreation Trail.

Trails in the Bear River Mountains are generally above 5000'; the air is thin, putting extra stress on the heart and lungs and making sunburn a concern. At elevations above 8000', wet, cold, windy weather is possible at any time. Be prepared: hypothermia is a killer! Carry your own water or use a quality pump and filter to purify water taken from the lakes and creeks. Gardia, a serious intestinal parasite, is present in all backcountry streams and lakes. Ticks may be a problem, especially in the spring. Be sure to check yourself thoroughly after a day in the woods. Should you be one of the fortunate few to encounter a rattlesnake along the trail, please leave it alone! It is a valuable part of the ecosystem. Shortcutting trails should be avoided, especially at switchbacks; it results in unnecessary trails and causes erosion. Please remove any litter you find along the trail including your own. The following trail maps are marked with their Forest Service trail numbers.

A guide to these and more extensive trails can be found in the booklet"Cache Trails", available at most Logan bookstores. A wide selection of USGS 7.5 minute maps and expert advice are available at Trailhead Sports. 117 North Main, Logan, and at the Outdoor Recreation Center on the USU campus in Logan.

Destination: Jardine Juniper

Trailhead: Wood Camp turn-off, 12 miles from Logan on US 89
Elevation Start/End: 5400/7200 feet
Length: 4.4 miles one way
Ref. Map (7.5 min.): Mt. Elmer
Features: A good view of the main ridge of the Bear River Range can be seen from many points along the trail. Also the paths of several winter avalanches are visible. Many flowering plants and shrubs can be seen. Fall colors are outstanding and generally peak in September. The Jardine Juniper is an extremely old tree - its age is estimated to be three thousand years.
Trail Information: Cross the bridge at Wood Camp to the small parking area up the hill. The trail crosses a stream bed near the beginning and again at about 1.5 miles on the south side of an open area. The trail divides at the ridge above Cottonwood Canyon. The left fork goes to the upper part of Cottonwood. Take the right fork to the juniper. The trail divides at about 4 miles to go around a hill; the left fork overlooks Cottonwood Canyon, the right fork overlooks the Logan Canyon area. The trails rejoin about 1000 feet from the juniper, and switchbacks take you down to the tree.

Destination: White Pine Lake

Trailhead: Tony Grove Lake Loop
Elevation Start/Middle/End: 8000/8800/8400 feet
Length: 3.4 miles one way
Ref. Map (7.5 min.): Naomi Peak
Features: This is breathtaking alpine hiking typical of the Great Basin highlands. There are many stands of fir, spruce and aspen. The glacial lake is in a beautiful setting of cirque cliffs and high mountains. Wildflowers are abundant, and their colors peak during July and August.
Trail Information: The trailhead is the loop road at Tony Grove Lake, 7 miles up a paved - road from the turnoff from US 89. The trail is easy to follow, but you will be climbing a ridge both going and coming back. Allow at least four hours for this trip, and longer if your group includes small children.

Destination: Old Ephraim's Grave

Trailhead: Lomia Camp or Lodge Campground Right Hand Fork, Logan Canyon
Elevation Start/Max: 5600/7200 feet
Length: 5.4 miles one way
Ref. Map (7.5 min.): Temple Peak
Features: A hike through some trees and open meadows to the area where "Old Ephraim," the last known grizzly bear in Utah, was killed in 1928. A description of the bear's death is available at the Logan Ranger District Office. The names (if the canyons and hollows (Steel, Cowley and Ricks) are those of early settlers.
Trail Information: The Right Hand Fork is about 10 miles from Logan. Park just beyond the Lomia buildings and follow the road about 0.7 mile; turn right, cross the stream and go up Ricks Canyon for another 0.7 mile. Turn left to Steel Hollow. There are quite a few OHV tracks noticeable at the upper part of Steel Hollow, but the road at Dog Spring is easy to follow. There is a stone marker beside the road to identify the area. The road continues to Temple Fork.

Destination: Riverside Trail (extended)

Trailhead: There are seven entry/exit points:

Across US 89 from the forest boundary sign at the mouth of the canyon. The gate is usually closed and locked. Park at the boundary sign and cross the road.
Red Bridge turn-off on the right side of the highway about a mile farther up the canyon. Three or four cars can park here.
Bridger Campground just past Zanavoo,
Gus Lind Flat summer home, no parking.
Fishing access road just below Third Dam.
Spring Hollow picnic area.
Guinavah Campground, near amphitheater.

Elevation Start/End: 4900/5400 feet
Length: Entire trail, 4.2 miles; sections are 1-2 miles
Ref. Map (7.5 min.): Logan Peak, Mt. Elmer
Features: The lower section of the trail follows the Logan City water line, which is buried beneath the road, The trail parallels the river and is never more than a few hundred feet from US 89, although traffic is not visible for most of its length. The trail follows the roads through Bridger Campground and Gus Lind Flat. It passes the Third Dam and joins the Youth Conservation Nature Trail at Spring Hollow and thence to Guinavah. Moose have been seen near the river, and many species of birds and plants can be observed along the trail.
Trail Information: This trail is under development. The middle is the least developed section; both ends are easy to follow. The Bridgerland Audubon Society has a brochure describing scenic points along the trail.

Destination: Wind Cave

Trailhead: Left side of Highway 89 opposite the Logan City water springs and Guinavah Campground, about 7 miles from Logan. Park on the river (right) side of the highway.
Elevation Start/End: 5100/6000 feet
Length: 1,1 mile one way
Ref. Map (7.5 min.): Mt. Elmer
Features: The cave is at the top of the China Wall geologic formation on the north side of the canyon, part of the same formation as on the Crimson Trail on the south side, It is dry enough for hiking in early spring. The vegetation is mainly mountain maple and plants of the composite family. Fossils representing the Mississippian period are common.
Trail Information: Because it is short and uses lots of calories, this is a popular trail. This side of the canyon is warm, so you may be lucky enough to see or hear a rattlesnake. If you do see a snake, please do not disturb it. There are very few left in the canyon.

Destination: Crimson Trail

Trailhead: Guinavah Campground, 6.5 miles from Logan; or Spring Hollow picnic area, 7 miles from Logan
Elevation Start/Max: 5200/6000 feet
Length: 2 miles one way
Ref. Map (7.5 min.): Logan Peak, Mt. Elmer
Features: This trail was the "Senior Walk" of Brigham Young College (closed 1926). The school colors were crimson and gold, thus the trail's name. The major part follows the China Wall on the south side of the canyon. This exposure gets more water than the north side, so the vegetation tends to be more lush. It also remains icy until late in the spring. The trail looks down on Guinavah Campground some 600 feet below. The Spring Hollow end of the trail is at the former site of the "Girls' Camp."
Trail Information: Spring Hollow is just beyond the Third Dam. Cross the bridge and drive straight up the paved road to picnic tables. The trail starts at the small bridge. The Guinavah trailhead is across the bridge near the amphitheater parking area. Use caution in descending the short scree slope as you come off the China Wall at the Guinavah end. There is steady climbing at each end, but the view is worth the effort.

Destination: Naomi Peak - (National Recreation Trail)

Trailhead: Tony Grove Lake Loop
Elevation Start/End: 8000/9980 feet
Length: 2.9 miles one way
Ref. Map (7.5 min.): Naomi Peak
Features: At 9980', Naomi Peak is the highest point in the Bear River Range. The trail goes through spectacular meadows of wildflowers which are at their peak in July and August. The summit offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks and of Cache Valley.
Trail Information: The Tony Grove turnoff is 22 miles from Logan, and the lake loop is 7 miles of paved road from the US 89 turnoff. The trail is well defined, steep in a few places and moderately rocky. Snow banks persist into the summer, and a cold wind usually blows on top. The trail at the ridge continues to High Creek and Cherry Creek canyons. The trail to Naomi Peak is south along the ridge.

Destination: Coldwater Spring

Trailhead: Tony Grove Lake
Elevation Start/End: 8000/8700 feet
Length: 1 mile one way
Ref. Map (7.5 min.): Naomi Peak
Features: This is a well-shaded trail through a spruce-fir forest, giving way to aspen near the spring. For many years the spring has been used to water stock which grazed in the area. Hikes to many canyons and hollows, providing good vistas of the Mt. Naomi Wilderness and Logan Canyon, begin in this region.
Trail Information: The trailhead is on the south side of the road, before the campground sign. Please do not park in the camping area. The trails to Twin Creeks, Cottonwood Canyon, Smithfield Canyon, Green Canyon and Blind Hollow all take off near the spring. USGS maps should be consulted and used with caution, as several of these trails are difficult to follow and have been rerouted or obliterated in places.

Destination: Limber Pine

Trailhead: Limber Pine rest area, Bear Lake summit on US 89 about 35 miles from Logan
Elevation Start/Middle/End: 7800/7880/7800 feet
Length: 1 mile round trip
Ref. Map (7.5 min.): Garden City
Features: A short walk with an elevation change of about 80 feet attained by a series of switchbacks through the fir and aspen forest and meadows with abundant wildflowers. The goal is a large limber pine, which is actually several trees grown together. It is quite a bit older than most other trees in the area. There are good views of Bear Lake from several points.
Trail Information: A trail guide produced by the Bridgerland Audubon Society is available, giving much information on the flora and fauna along the trail.

Destination: Deep Canyon Wellsville Ridge

Trailhead: West end of 300 North in Mendon. Take UT 23 to Mendon on the west side of Cache Valley.
Elevation Start/End: 5400/8600 feet
Length: 3 miles to the Wellsville Ridge, 2 miles farther to Stewart Pass
Ref. Map (7.5 min.): Honeyville, Wellsville
Features: The first part of the trail passes through a lush region of maple woodland, shrubs and flowering plants. Higher up there is frequent evidence of winter avalanche damage. Both valleys can be seen from the ridge, which is covered with flowers during the summer. This ridge is a favorite birdwatching area, as it is in a major raptor flyway.
Trail Information: This trail is deceptive: it begins at a moderate pitch but then increases dramatically, requiring many trail switch-backs. Stewart Pass is 2 miles south along the ridge. Stewart Peak (Wellsville Cone) is about a mile farther south. No water is available; carry your own. Hikers can descend via the Maple Bench Trail.

Destination: Maple Bench to Stewart Pass

Trailhead: Watering trough at the end of the Forest Service road which begins just south of Mendon, west off UT 23.
Elevation Start/End: 6200/8400 feet
Length: 2 mi. to Stewart Pass, 1.5 mi. farther to Stewart Peak
Ref. Map (7.5 min.): Honeyville, Wellsville
Features: The trail passes through maple and aspen trees past the very small Coldwater Lake before beginning switchbacks to the ridge. The vegetation is lush, but beware of stinging nettles. The prominent hill on the left as one travels the road to the trailhead is known locally as Mount Hughes. John Hughes and Robert Stewart were instrumental in preserving this area for posterity. The entire mountain is now a Wilderness Area. If you follow the ridge south to Stewart Peak (Wellsville Cone), you will see numerous fossils, horned coral being the most common.
Trail Information: There is a trail to the Cone which bypasses the ridge. There is no water available. The trail continues south to Sardine Canyon, with spurs leading west to Cold-water Canyon, and to Box Elder Peak, the highest point in the Wellsvilles.

Destination: Leatham Hollow to Millville Canyon Road

Trailhead: East of Hyrum on UT 101 about 6 miles to Lefthand Fork (of Blacksmith Fork) sign. Go slowly, the sign cannot be seen very far ahead. Turn left, cross a cattle guard, take the first left turn and park.
Elevation Start/Middle/End: 5300/7300/5200 feet
Length: 3 mi. to ridge, 3 mi more to the forest boundary road near Millville
Ref. Map (7.5 min.): Logan Peak, Logan
Features: A relatively shady start through bigtooth maple, chokecherry, aspen, juniper and fir'. At the ridge, the trail meets a well-defined OHV road in an open sagebrush flat. The Millville side is similar' to) the Blacksmith Fork side, with a great view of the Wellsvilles and the valley.
Trail Information: An intermittent stream flows in the lower part of Leatham Hollow, but the trail bypasses most of it. A number of switchbacks on the trail lead to the ridge. The trail becomes indistinct at the top, but the OHV road is quite evident. The lefthand fork goes west, downhill to Millville Canyon. The right-hand fork goes to Providence Lake, Logan Peak and Cowley Canyon.

Destination: Richards Hollow to Cowley Canyon Road

Trailhead: East of Hyrum on UT 101 about 6 miles to the Lefthand Fork (of Blacksmith Fork) Road. There is a sign, but you may have to back up after you see it. Drive about 4 miles up the Lefthand Fork road passing the Forest Service guard station to just beyond Friendship Campground. The trail starts on the left in a grove of maples.
Elevation Start/End: 5400 1 7400 feet
Length: 5 miles to the Cowley Canyon Road
Ref. Map (7.5 min.): Logan Peak
Features: The trail starts in a narrow canyon with spectacular rocky cliffs on either side. A waterfall is visible from the trail as you climb through stands of fir and maple. The country opens up near the top, and remnants of beaver dams can be seen near the stream.
Trail Information: The trail makes a rather sharp turn to the right after about a halfmile, and goes up the east side of the canyon. The waterfall can be seen as you climb. Many animal trails cross the trail at the top, but the main hiking trail is not difficult to follow. OHV tracks are noticeable as you near the Cowley Canyon road. Logan Canyon is about 6 miles beyond the point at which you reach the Cowley Canyon Road. The map for the Old Ephraim trail (#3) shows both Cowley and Logan Canyons.

Destination: High Creek

Trailhead: Tony Grove Lake Loop; see the Naomi Peak trail description (Trail #7) first.
Elevation Start/End: 9800 1 5600 feet
Length: 7 miles from Naomi Peak, 10 miles from Tony Grove Lake Loop.
Ref. Map (7.5 min.): Naomi Peak
Features: This trail, as it winds through a riparian forest, parallels a booming mountain stream. It progresses into a wide glacial valley, eventually opening into subalpine meadows rampant with wildflowers. The trail culminates at 9000' at High Creek Lake, a glacial cirque lake surrounded by towering cliffs. Waterfalls are numerous in the last two miles. This is a popular trail for horseback riding.
Trail Information: The trail continues from High Creek Lake west to Cherry Peak and Richmond, or south to Mt. Naomi and Tony Grove.

Destination: Green Canyon to Tony Grove

Trailhead: About 5 miles up Green Canyon road, which starts at 1600 East 1900 North in Logan (North Logan). The road enters an open area and the trail starts on the right side near a fence.
Elevation Start/End: 6100 1 8100 feet
Length: 12 miles to Tony Grove Trailhead
Ref. Map (7.5 min.): Mt. Elmer, Naomi Pk
Features: The trail follows the crest of the Bear River Range for several miles. Most of the trail is in the Naomi Peak Wilderness, and it passes Jardine, Beirdneau, and Elmer peaks. Some of the most rugged areas of the range can be seen from the trail.
Trail Information: This is a two-car trail. See the description of the Coldwater Spring Trail (#8) for a description of the Tony Grove Trailhead. The trail climbs to just below the summit of Mt. Elmer, which is only a few hundred feet from the trail. It circles around the side of Mt. Elmer, down into the upper part of Cottonwood Canyon, then back up about 800 feet to Cold-water Spring near Tony Grove Lake. It is worth the effort. This trail can be easily lost, as numerous sheep trails and avalanche debris chutes intersect it.

Move on to Trail Finder: Wasatch-Cache National Forest