Corvallis, OR: Horse Creek Trail

This easy dayhike in the 5,800-acre Drift Creek Wilderness begins on a high, forested ridge a few hours south of Portland (and only a few miles from the rugged coastline). After a short warm-up along timber-harvest areas of the Siuslaw National Forest, the trail plunges into a mystical woodland of Sitka spruce, hemlock, and Douglas fir, with the largest trees bulging to 10 feet in diameter. Huge ferns blanket the forest floor, and moss hangs from the 400-year-old trees. The path is well-maintained along the ridge but just past mile 2, the trail turns downhill where it begins a steep, switchbacking descent toward Drift Creek.
Though the trails are marked and maintained, there are sections encroached by renegade foliage. Watch for poison ivy as well as resident black bear, elk, bald eagles and northern spotted owls—this is prime territory for all of them. The descent mellows about a quarter mile from a creek-side campsite. If you’ve got time to spare consider an overnight to enjoy salmon or trout fishing before retracing your tracks on the climb to the trailhead.
Note: With 120 inches of rain annually, this rainforest lives up to its wet-weather expectations. Be prepared for a damp hike, even in mid summer, and don’t plan to ford the creek in early spring or after heavy rains.
-Mapped by Steve Johnson

Trail Facts

• Distance: 11.4

Waypoints

HCT001

Location: 44.4811518, -123.9090228

The Forest Service road ends abruptly at four huge boulders. There are no facilities at this remote trailhead. Hike southwest on the old logging road.

HCT002

Location: 44.4745223, -123.9167261

Turn left off the logging road onto a narrow footpath. The trail heads into a mystical old-growth forest.

HCT003

Location: 44.4707277, -123.9153475

Before the trail begins descending toward the creek, look west through the trees for brief peeks at the Pacific Ocean. It’s about 8 miles (as the crow flies) to the rugged coastline from this lush trail.

HCT004

Location: 44.4647682, -123.9168334

The trails in this area are well-defined and maintained by the Forest Service: no easy task when it comes to clearing Goliath trees like this one.

HCT005

Location: 44.4586423, -123.9186466

About a quarter mile after the trail turns downhill you’ll turn left at a signed junction onto the new Drift Creek Trail. Up ahead, the trail begins a series of downhill switchbacks.

HCT006

Location: 44.4538024, -123.9242363

The trail drops quickly on the way to the creek, but masterful trail building makes the descent a breeze. The climb back up is another story.

HCT007

Location: 44.4521788, -123.9343858

Though this short hike is an easy day trip, there’s a sweet campsite near the creek that would make a great overnight stopping point.

HCT008

Location: 44.4517499, -123.9354372

Find a sandbar or dry rock and rest up for the return climb. During late summer when water levels are low, you could ford this creek and continue hiking on the Harris Ranch Trail.

Skyscraper Sitka

Location: 44.4784113, -123.9129281

Gorgeous Sitka spruce like this one are a treat on the early sections of the path.

Trailside

Location: 44.4738027, -123.9172411

Trophy trees are around every bend and the entire forest floor is covered with mosses, ferns, and other temperate forest and old-growth understory.

The Patriarch

Location: 44.4689793, -123.9160824

This area hosts some of the coastal region’s only remaining old-growth forest and this 10-foot diameter tree is a towering example.

Trail Maintenance

Location: 44.4647682, -123.9165759

Time to spare? Spend a few minutes counting growth rings on this ancient log.

Trail Maintenance

Location: 44.4596531, -123.918786

Hiking

Location: 44.4546141, -123.9247513

Towering trees still allow sunlight to penetrate the forest floor in some areas.

Drift Creek

Location: 44.4517652, -123.9352977

Cool flowing water in Drift Creek allows for a mid-hike cool down. Look for sandy and rocky banks to explore.