Elder Mountain Demonstration Forest Trail

This is a short loop trail that takes through a forest that was clearcut in 1949 and has been managed for quick growth and maximum production. Numbered posts are found along the tour route. Additional things to see along the walk are indicated on the map below.

Directions to the trailhead ( Jefferson State byway map )

Some of the route to the trailhead takes you on gravel surfaced roads managed by the Forest Service (USFS). A Forest Service map and tires suitable for driving on gravel roads are recommended for this trip. The road may be closed by snow in the winter.

From Highway 199: Turn on to Jefferson State byway and drive 9.1 miles the intersection of USFS 4804 to Elder Mountain. This intersection is on a sharp right turn making it difficult to see oncoming traffic at the point where you make the turn. Use caution when turning left to get on USFS 4804 from the Jefferson State Byway. USFS 4804 is a well graded gravel road but be careful for rocks or branches that may have recently fallen on the road. Drive 2.3 miles to the trailhead. The only intersection along the route is at mile 1.4 where a road takes off uphill to the right. Continue straight ahead at this intersection. The trailhead is marked by a 4x4 post (see picture of the trailhead).

Trail Map

Map of Elder Mountain Demonstration Forest, Jefferson State Byway, Cave Junction, southwest Oregon Siskiyou Mountains.

1) The forest around you began growing after the existing old growth forest was harvested in 1949. Stumps of the old trees can still be seen and provide an insight to how trees in a natural forest were distributed.

A) Fourth Order Stream: Fourth order streams are controversial because they are considered as part of a stream network but only have running water during the winter. Logging is now generally prohibited in fourth order streams. The large size of stumps in this drainage may indicate that underground water is more prevalent and this may feed springs that sustain rivers through the summer.

2) Steep terrain is common in the Siskiyou Mountains and forest managers must consider how trees can be produced while at the same time prevent disturbance that leads to erosion and land slides when trees are harvested.

3) Forest debris: Trees constantly drop leaves and branches that accumulate on the forest floor. A problem in forest management is how to deal with this debris. High levels of forest debris is the main reason for the increasing catastrophic fires in the nation every year.

B) The hardwood trees seen along the trail probably got their start when the forest was just starting to grow after being clear-cut. Over time, these trees are out competed by the Douglas-fir. Most of these trees are tanoak but some canyon oak are also found along the trail. Note the rings of holes made in the tree by sapsuckers (see picture of sapsucker holes).

4) Trees planted after the forest was clear-cut were thinned to create a dispersed forest.

5) The small foot bridge was installed because of the water that has seeped to the surface in this area.

C) The hardwoods above the trail grow in a ring that started as sprouts around the stump of hardwoods cut down in 1949. Note the woodrat nest cradled in the trunks of one tree cluster.

6) The large open area is an old log landing where trees were stacked before being shipped down the mountain to the mill.

7) (Uncertain what was being pointed out at this stop)

D) As walking down the road note the forest on the left has the lower branches trimmed on the trees. This is a fire prevention measure. Also note that there are more hardwoods and manzanita bushes that have begun to grow because of more sunlight.

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Disclaimer: All information in Highway199.org is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, conditions in outdoor settings can change dramatically after storms or fires. For this reason, travelers are advised to check current road conditions before traveling through the area, drive responsibly and take measures to understand safety issues in the region. When participating in outdoor activities, always plan and prepare for safe hiking, swimming or any other activities mentioned in the Highway 199 website. More on disclaimer and copyright...