Siouxon

From the first trailhead, Hickman's Cabin, a moss-covered shelter offers a glimpse of the past. Fires periodically swept through the Siouxon area for 30 years after the Yacolt Burn of 1902. Hickman's Cabin, built in the 1930's, served as a base camp for fire prevention forestry workers. Cross-cut saws were sharpened and stored inside, while workers stayed in tents. Crews of sawyers cut down many highly flammable dead trees to create a fire break. Much of the downed timber is still visible today. From the trailhead at the end of Forest Road 5701 delightful waterfalls await the trail visitor.

Some people shuttle this ride for the downhill while others park at various trailheads and entry points and ride this as a combination of a loop and an out-and-back.

How to Find It

• From Interstate 5, take Lewis River Road (503) east from Woodland and turn right onto Hayes Road, heading toward Amboy.
• Go right on N.E. Cedar Road for about 19 miles.
• When you reach Chelatchie, go past the ranger station on the left.
• Turn right on N.E. Healy Road and continue for 7 miles.
• When you reach a fork, stay right on the paved road that takes you into the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
• At the next Y, turn left on FR57 and take another left onto FR5701.
• The trailhead is on the left about 50 yards past a sharp right-hand bend in the road.

Siouxon (Lower)

There are two trailheads on Forest Road 5701. The first trailhead is at a sharp corner in the road. The most popular trailhead is at the end of the 5701 road.

Siouxon (Upper)

Trailhead is on FR 58 near Sister Rock.

Turn by Turn

This trail can be accessed from two points on Forest Road 5701. Approximately one mile down Forest Road 5701, after the first hair-pin bend, is the first entry point. This parking area can accommodate horse trailers. The next access point is 3 miles further, at the end of the road. The parking area is smaller, and horse trailers may have trouble finding a parking space and maneuvering if many vehicles are present at the trailhead. From the second trailhead, at the end of Forest Road 5701, the trail descends to cross West Creek and then follows Siouxon Creek upstream. The trail intersects with trail #140 Horseshoe Ridge trail in approximately 1 mile. Proceeding upstream the trail intersects with trail #156 at the confluence of Siouxon and Wildcat Creeks, after two miles. A short distance away the trail intersects trail #140 again. Continuing on Siouxon trail #130 about 1/2 mile further lies trail #130A. The trail parallels Siouxon Creek for about 3 miles, until reaching Calamity Creek. Calamity Creek crosses the trail and spans about 20 feet of the trail skimming over rocks. Caution is needed as the rocks can be slippery! The trail gains 1900 feet in the final 3 miles, with steep switchbacks making the ascent easier. The trail terminates on Forest Road 58. Users who elect to begin from Forest Road 58 should be aware that the switchbacks are difficult to negotiate and one does risk falling. Walking your horse or mountain bicycle offers a safe alternative.