Cloverpatch Trail
This is a wonderful place to go earlier in the season before the snow has melted out higher up. There are a number of sloping meadows edged by small to very large cliffs. They are filled with many showy plants as well as well as a good collection of small annuals. Balsamroot is a real highlight in May.
Details
Trail: 2 miles round trip (2000–3280′)
Location: eastern Lane County; Willamette National Forest, Middle Fork Ranger District
USGS Map: Westfir West; T20S.R2E.S22
Habitats: forest, meadow, seep, rock, and cliff
Bloom: late April to June
Directions
From I-5, take exit 188a, and drive east on Hwy 58 a little ways past the 31 mile marker. Take the left into Westfir on Hwy 19, the Aufderheide, across from the Middle Fork Ranger Station. After you cross the river turn left. After 0.9 mile, take your first left onto Winfrey Rd. Cross the bridge and turn left. Continue on this road which becomes the one-lane paved Rd 5821, North Shore Rd. After 2.1 miles, the road crosses the railroad tracks and becomes gravel. A warning that the potholes can be numerous. Stay to the left on 5821 on the far side of the tracks. Don’t take Rd 5828 which heads uphill to the right. After 1.8 miles and another railroad crossing you will come to Lookout Point and a lovely view of the river. There is a pulloff on the right past the rock. It is worth stopping to look at the wildflowers and numerous butterflies at this spot. 1 mile past Lookout Point, cross the tracks again and take the immediate right onto Rd 5826, Tire Creek Rd. After 3.7 miles you will see a hiker symbol to the right just before the road curves hard to the right. Park in front of the trail on the left.
Plant Lists
based on 23 trips
plant list by genus • plant list by family
Blog Entries
https://westerncascades.com/tag/cloverpatch-trail
Map
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