Kerby Flat Trail, Oregon

Wild and Scenic Illinois River Road Guide

The Kerby Flat Trail (formerly Star Flat Trail) is a moderate hike following a historic trail down a ridge to Deer Creek where a 4x4 road is followed for a short distance to the Star Flat fen (bog) and the site of the Star Flat Ranger Station. The entire length of the trail is on rock and soils of the largest serpentine outcrop in the nation. Exposures of heavily serpentinzed rock can be seen in outcrops along Deer Creek.

Directions

Follow Highway 199 to Selma and turn on the Illinois River Road into the Wild and Scenic River corridor. The turn is marked by a blinking yellow light with a post office on the corner. Turn and drive past the post office to get on Illinois River Road. If you turn the other way you will be on Deer Creek Road. Drive 4.3 miles to where you drive through a large road cut and get your first glimpse of the Illinois River about 200 feet below the road. You will want to park in the turnout on the left but it is difficult to see on-coming traffic because the turnout is located on a curve. The safest way to park at the trailhead is to drive a short distance down the road and turn around at one of the turnouts where on-coming traffic is easier to see. Return to the trailhead and park. Look for the trail running along the ridge to the left of the river vista.

Trail Description

The trail begins next to the viewing platform at the "gateway" to the Wild and Scenic Illinois River. It starts out as a narrow, single track tread for about 300 feet where it drops to an old road. Continue following this road straight ahead for about 500 feet. At the place where the road turns sharply left to go around the ridge, look for the trail that continues down the top of the ridge to the right. About half way down the ridge, the trail enters a forest of Douglas-fir and cuts sharply to the right. It briefly exits this forest and enters another where it turns sharply to the left at the point offering a vista of the Wild and Scenic Illinois River. The trail becomes less defined as it crosses a couple of meadows but cairns (rock piles) help to mark the route. The trail ends at a dirt road next to a large manzanita bush. Make a mental note of where this is located because you will need to find it on the return trip. Turn left and follow the dirt road for about one fourth a mile to the large meadow on the right. The Star Flat darlingtonia fen (bog) is located here. An abandoned road through the meadow takes you to a nice part of Deer Creek.

You can follow the road in the other direction to the Illinois River. If you are planning to take a swim, be certain you are aware of and prepared for hazards of swimming in rivers with deep pools and strong currents.

Features

The plant community growing on the serpentine rock of the Star Flat trail was not burned in the 2002 Biscuit Fire and offers an opportunity for visitors to compare this forest with plant communities that experienced high intensity burns, such as can be seen on the right side of the road for most of the distance to the trailhead.

About half way down the ridge the community of manzanita and oak growing on the serpentine rock suddenly changes to a deep forest of Douglas-fir (picture). If you look at the ground under this forest you will notice it is made up of gravel deposited by the river before it eroded its way down to where we see it today. These soils provide conditions that support the growth of a Douglas-fir forest.

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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...