Collings Mountain Trail #943

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · Views

Make a loop with this trail by utilizing the paved Applegate road, or Da-Ku-Be-Te-De.
As described, you'll encounter a shorter, steeper climb combined with a longer descent.

From the trailhead across the road from Hart-tish picnic and boat launch area, the trail drops down to beautiful, shaded Grouse Creek, making a couple crossings as it follows it upstream.

A short detour can be made about .75 miles up the trail to an abandoned (and now completely collapsed) miner's cabin and inactive Bigfoot trap, which is located about 200 yards uphill to the west of the trail - just follow the obvious use trail.

Leaving the creek, the trail climbs steeply, gaining 1,000 feet in elevation in about a mile.
From the ridgetop, a short descent is followed by a traverse along the west side and another short climb to the high point which is just SW of the summit of Collings Mountain.
Along the way, enjoy excellent panoramic views of the Applegate Lake and the Siskiyou Crest abound.

From the high point, descend steadily for 3 miles to Watkins Campground. The last 0.5 mile of trail passes through the 62 acre Watkins fire that burned in 1981.