North Fork Taneum to Fishhook Flat Trail

The North Fork Taneum Creek trail is more than 15 miles long, and has several trailheads to access the various sections. This segment makes for a good longer day hike. 

For a relatively easy walk in old growth forest, start at the trail's crossing of Forest Road 3300-133 and walk west. The trail gradually works its way down to the creek and stays along it for several miles. The intact forest is typical east side old growth, with big old Douglas fir and Ponderosa pines, along with scattered hemlocks and cedars and a few aspen breaks. 

Starting around the fourth mile in, enter a more canyon-like environment. The walls of the valley close in and become cliffy. The trail crosses the creek seven times on bridges. The tread is excellent — one benefit of walking on a motorcycle-friendly trail is the excellent maintenance. You're not likely to encounter any blowdowns and brush is definitely not a problem. A good turnaround spot is a junction with Fishhook Flat Trail #1378, about five miles from the trailhead.

Note: The bad news for hikers is this is a motorcycle trail. The good news is motorcycles are only supposed to use the trail June 15 to October 15, so hikers have the trail to themselves in May and early June, then again in late October.