This is one of the many trails listed in ” 100 Hikes in Southern Oregon & Northern California” by William L. Sullivan. I’m planning on doing as many of the hikes in this book as I can this year. The Collings Mountain Trail is located at Applegate lake just outside of Ruch Oregon. Its 7 miles long with 1700 feet of elevation gain. Less than 1 mile in there is the only Bigfoot trap in the world. The trap isn’t operational any more of course but is still worth the detour. Beginning at Hart-tish Park the trail follows along a small creek (Grouse creek) for a short distance before climbing up Collings Mountain. There’s a nice place to take a break at approximately 3373 feet with enough room for a couple tents and views of the mountains but no water sources. The trail is well shaded throughout and should be pleasant even in summer months.

I hiked this trail in March of 2019 and combined it with Da-Ku-Be-Te-De Trail #940 to make a 10 mile loop. I parked at the Hart-tish Day Use area. Hart-tish Day Use area was closed but there’s enough room for a couple cars just outside the gate or on roadside at trail head. When Hart-tish is open there’s a five dollar charge for parking. You can also start from Watkins Campground but I recommend starting at Hart-tish so that your last 4 miles is nice and easy (assuming you do the full loop). Otherwise park a shuttle car at either end.

GAIA GPS Tracks