Racetrack, Red Mountain
Location: Indian Heaven Wilderness
7 miles total, 1,300' gained
driving directions
trail map
forest service site
history
weather forecast for this area
This is an out-and-back hike to Racetrack and Red Mountain in the Indian Heaven Wilderness starting from the Falls Creek horse camp.
The trail is rather unassuming until you reach Racetrack Lake and the racetrack itself. Once there, observe the 1/4 mile long or so depression in the meadow created from Native American horse contests years ago. Viewing this simple feature should place you back in time, appreciating a previous way of life, far better than a display case in a museum can offer.
Carrying on past the racetrack takes you to the top of Red Mountain, at about 5,000'. An active lookout is present - tossing you into the modern era once again - but the views of the area and northwest peaks are tremendous.
Retrace the route back by the racetrack, contemplating past vs. present.
Two alternate trailheads are available for accessing this area (see trail map).
Highly recommended for late August through October, as the bugs are brutal at other times of the summer.
driving directions
trail map
forest service site
history
weather forecast for this area
This is an out-and-back hike to Racetrack and Red Mountain in the Indian Heaven Wilderness starting from the Falls Creek horse camp.
The trail is rather unassuming until you reach Racetrack Lake and the racetrack itself. Once there, observe the 1/4 mile long or so depression in the meadow created from Native American horse contests years ago. Viewing this simple feature should place you back in time, appreciating a previous way of life, far better than a display case in a museum can offer.
Carrying on past the racetrack takes you to the top of Red Mountain, at about 5,000'. An active lookout is present - tossing you into the modern era once again - but the views of the area and northwest peaks are tremendous.
Retrace the route back by the racetrack, contemplating past vs. present.
Two alternate trailheads are available for accessing this area (see trail map).
Highly recommended for late August through October, as the bugs are brutal at other times of the summer.
Racetrack Lake
Racetrack
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