Wittaker Creek Ridge
The Whittaker Creek Ridge Trail, located near Walton, offers hikers a scenic 3.8-mile loop through diverse ecosystems of the central Coast Range, including riparian zones, second-growth forests, and old-growth Douglas fir stands. According to the Bureau of Land Management, the trail begins at the Whittaker Creek Recreation Area campground, providing access to a National Recreation Trail that showcases the area’s rich biodiversity and geological features.
Trail Summary
Trailhead: Wittaker Creek Recreaction Area
Length: 3.8 Miles Round Trip
Elevation: 880 ft. Ascent from the Trailhead
Difficulty: Moderate
Surface Conditions: Primarily Native Soil with 10% avg. Grade
Surface Conditions and Terrain
The Whittaker Creek Ridge Trail features diverse surface conditions and terrain, reflecting the varied ecosystems it traverses. The primary trail surface is native soil, with an average width of 30 inches and a minimum width of 24 inches. The trail grade averages 10%, with some sections reaching a maximum grade of 16%. Hikers will encounter a mix of terrain, including boardwalks through cedar and salmonberry thickets, which can be slippery when wet. The trail also includes steps on upper slopes, limiting accessibility in some areas. As hikers ascend, they will navigate through mossy boulders and encounter sections with loose stones, particularly noticeable during dry conditions. The Armantrout Loop section, added in 2004, incorporates switchbacks to maintain a gentler grade. Throughout the hike, trail users should be prepared for potentially muddy conditions, especially during wetter seasons, and exercise caution on steeper sections and boardwalks.
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