4x4 Trails near Crater Lake?

Red91Laredo

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Portland, Oregon
So I'm going camping near Crater Lake in couple weeks and was wondering if there are any good trails in the area worth checking out? Doesn't need to be anything hardcore as my XJ is pretty mildly built and we most likely won't have any other vehicles going along. Even just some fire roads with good views or interesting scenery would be cool to explore. We're actually staying near Prospect, OR which is like 45 minutes away from the lake so anything in that general area could work. I don't know Southern Oregon at all, only passed through on 101 and I-5. Any suggestions?
 
Check out the Fish Creek Valley. Go west/north on the 6560 rd from hwy 230 (across from Hamaker campground) Go about 6 miles (it'll turn into the 37 road), half a mile past the summit of the divide and turn left on the 800 spur. Go down 3.5 miles and left on 870 spur. The final four miles to the end of the road is supposed to be spectacular. "Arguably the most exciting back road in southern Oregon."

You can also go further north on the 37 until it turns into pavement, then go 1.2 miles, look for spur 200 on the right then take the unmarked turnoff on the left, which is 3702. Go up 3.5 miles to spur 500. It's described as moderate to difficult, very slow with a few rough spots, wet spots, bouldery spots and narrow spots and dozens of waterbars. I'm not sure about scenery on that road but it sounds like a decent drive.

Also if you KEEP going down the 37 road, you can get to Watson Falls, one of the taller waterfalls in Oregon.
 
Also check out Hershberger Mountain Lookout, go up the 6510 road to the 6515 to the 530 spur. Supposedly signed the whole way. Also, if you continue on the 6515 from Horse Camp, you can get to the Rabbit Ears, which are also visible from the top of Hershberger Mountain.
 
Awesome, thanks! I'll definitely try to check some of those places out.

We're staying at Jim Creek campground... just noticed in the description they say there is an OHV trail network nearby as well as an 'OHV play area' or something like that, I'm guessing they're ATV trails, but it will be interesting to check out.
 
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