King Crest Trail (North: North Slide Trailhead to King Peak)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Views

A permit and bear canister are required for overnight (backpacking) stays in the King Range Wilderness. The permit can be reserved at www.recreation.gov.

From the small parking area at North Slide Trailhead, hike a short way through the trees to manzanita covered slopes. The trail follows a decaying old road (not much more than a bulldozer track) for a mile before shrinking down to proper singletrack. It alternates between forest and brush and sandy, sun baked ridge. The land erodes easily and even the forested areas offer views down gullies that drop faster than they travel as they move water inevitably to the ocean.

Along the way, it passes the Miller Loop Trail about 2 miles from the trailhead and Rattlesnake Ridge Trail shortly after the loop returns. It passes Lightning Trail just before the final climb to King Peak.