The lightly used Gotchen Creek Trail is located just south of the Mt. Adams Wilderness. The trail begins near a livestock corral on Forest Route 8020. The trail passes through selectively harvested forests, intersects with Cold Springs Trail #72, and crosses the Hole-in-the-Ground Creek. It then climbs McDonald Ridge where it ends on Forest Route 8020.

Directions: From Trout Lake, Travel north on Forest Route 23 to Forest Route 80. Take 80 north across the forest boundary for about one mile to Forest Route 8020. Follow 8020 north for approximately 2.5 miles to the trailhead. The trail can also be accessed by continuing on 80 north, past 8020, to Forest Route 8040, which takes visitors to the trailhead.

Distance: 3.0 miles

Usage: Light to Moderate

Difficulty: Strenuous

Visitor Information