Oregon · Hiking

South Fork

0.6 mi
round trip
100 ft
climb
2,863 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
best months

Is South Fork open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Willamette National Forest. It doesn't name South Fork, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Willamette National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

South Fork is a short, easy hike in the McKenzie River Ranger District of the Willamette National Forest in Oregon, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is about 0.6 miles long and rises roughly 37 feet from its low point of 2,819 feet to a high of 2,863 feet, making it a gentle out-and-back. The route is natural-surfaced and allows horses, so it works for hikers and riders alike. The climb is minimal, with about 100 feet of gain and loss over the course of the trip. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show May highs around 70°F and September highs around 76°F, though that station sits well below the trail, so temperatures on the route run cooler. Elk Creek Trail starts just 0.1 mile away, and the South Fork McKenzie River offers canoeing about 1.2 miles off. Roaring River Ridge is a hike 1.3 miles away, and Frissell Crossing Campground is about 2.5 miles away for an overnight stay.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct

    Best time to visit South Fork

    Best months: April–June and September–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      43° / 31°

    2. Feb

      47° / 32°

    3. Mar

      53° / 33°

    4. Apr

      61° / 37°

    5. May

      70° / 43°

    6. Jun

      77° / 47°

    7. Jul

      86° / 51°

    8. Aug

      86° / 49°

    9. Sep

      76° / 45°

    10. Oct

      59° / 39°

    11. Nov

      47° / 35°

    12. Dec

      41° / 31°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mckenzie Rvr Rs, OR, 16.4 mi away at 1,478 ft. The station sits about 1,400 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.