Alpha Trail

Length: 0.41 miles  |  Elevation Gain: 258.3 feet  |  
  • Trailhead: Lewisburg Saddle Gate, Lewisburg Saddle Gate, Lewisburg Saddle Toilet & Lewisburg Saddle Toilet
  • Season: Year-round
  • Hours: Daylight
  • Family Friendly: Yes

Alpha Trail can be accessed from the 600 Road gate at the Lewisburg Saddle. The Lewisburg Saddle gates are located along NW Sulphur Springs Road between NW Lewisburg Avenue and NW Soap Creek Drive. The Lewisburg Saddle gate is home to an information kiosk with brochures, as well as a port-a-potty. To access Alpha Trail, follow the 600 Road west to Ridge Trail. Once on Ridge Trail, follow it to Alpha Trail. Alpha Trail is a multiple-use trail open year-round to hikers, bikers, and equestrians. Due to a large landslide that occurred during a January 2012 storm event, Alpha Trail no longer connects with the 620 Road. A fence has been constructed a short distance away from the landslide in order to keep visitors safe. Alpha Trail now connects the 810 Road to Ridge Trail. This trail is four tenths of a mile in length with a 94 foot gain in elevation. Although this trail is short, it climbs steeply and has many technical features, making it a favorite among mountain bikers. Research related to the third installation of College of Forestry Integrated Research Project (CFIRP) is located along Alpha Trail. This research began in 1989 and is ongoing. The research seeks to determine the effects of clearcuts, partial overstory harvests, and small patch cutting within a Douglas-fir forest. Fauna of interest along this trail include tall bugbane, an uncommon native wildflower. Tall bugbane flowers in the early summer and can reach heights of three to seven feet! Alpha Trail also passes through an old growth reserve. Old growth reserves located within McDonald Forest are low-elevation coniferous forests containing some large, 200+ year old Douglas-fir trees, as well as snags and fallen trees. Students and researchers study the ecology of these old growth reserves. Stop by and enjoy all the opportunities Alpha Trail has to offer!

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Trail attributes

  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Dogs allowed under voice control
  • Hike
  • Historic Interest
  • Horseback Riding
  • Mountain Biking
  • Rare Habitats
  • Run
  • Wildlife Watching

Know before you go:

  • Dogs: Only on leash
  • Site Fee: None
  • Current Conditions: Lorem ipsum
  • Tips: Road to site not maintained for winter travel sample link. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.

Photos

Osu_collegeforests_alpha1_hiker_01152013_samdussel_gmail.com
College Forests (Sam Dussel)

Trail Manager