Santiam Wagon Road West

This is the eastern-most trailhead along the historic Santiam Wagon Road .

Fish Lake Section: On this segment you experience an intact portion of Old Santiam Wagon Road that passes through mature forests in the Hackleman Creek area. Fish Lake Guard Station was major stopover for early travelers on the wagon road. It also played a dominant role in the early days of Forest Service management of the area.

Length: 2.2 miles

Elevation gain: 3100-3200 feet

Latitude: 44.41330130720307

Longitude:-122.045439056504

Hackleman Section: This developed route along the historic Santiam Wagon Road uses existing forest roads that tie back into the original wagon road location east of Lost Prairie Campground . This portion offers the most manageable terrain for vintage vehicles and wagons and includes terrific views of Three Fingered Jack and the Old Cascades to the north. This trail crosses US Highway 20 at two locations. This section can also be accessed by the Tombstone Pass/ Cone Peak Trailhead (Fee site).

Length: 6.5 miles

Elevation gain: 3200-4200 feet

Latitude: 44.4020746

Longitude: -122.0845649

This is the trail for accessing the Santiam Wagon Road from the farthest western end and is probably the most intact piece of the original Santiam Wagon Road, this segment will provide you with a true sense of early travel. The road parallels the South Santiam River and winds through lush old growth forests and crosses Elk Creek and several other tributaries to the South Santiam River along the way. Look for the old mill pond now grown in with red alder.

This moderate to easy trail section, along former segments of the historic Santiam Wagon Road and newer spur roads, mixes the present with the past. Young conifer forests dominate the setting as the trail ascends to Tombstone Pass. You will be rewarded with occasional views of Iron Mountain and Green Mountain. Mountain bikers may be especially attracted to this segment as other logging roads shoot off Santiam Wagon Road toward the north and south.