Lake Fork #2172

Lake Fork Trail is 2.3 miles long. It begins at an intersection with Cayton Gulch Trail #2162 [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=41265&actid=104] and ends at Little Muddy Road (Forest Road 842). The trail forms part of 6-mile loop opportunity with the Cayton Gulch and Little Muddy Trails (described below). To access the Lake Fork Trail, begin at the Cayton Trailhead [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=41267]. Follow the Cayton Gulch trail south for a short distance to the green cattle gate; the Lake Fork Trail takes off to the right just past this gate. From here, follow the trail along the hillside as it alternates between scrub oak and dark timber. Be sure to enjoy the impressive views back toward the Ranger Station as you make your way northwest. At 0.9 miles the trail will make a left turn and will continue following the contour of the ridge for the next mile. Along this stretch, the trail will cross through dense brush and navigation may be difficult in certain places. At 2.1 miles from Cayton Gulch, the path will reach an intersection with the Muddy Creek Trail #2172.1A. Take a right turn to continue following the Lake Fork Trail, which will end at the Forest Road in 0.15 miles. To continue the loop, proceed straight ahead onto Trail #2172.1A. Follow this trail for 0.4 miles to East Fork Trail #2172.1M. From this intersection, take the left fork on Trail #2172.1M, follow it for 0.9 miles, and then turn left onto the Cayton Gulch Trail. Proceed north on the Cayton Gulch Trail to complete the loop. Lake Fork Trail is within the habitats of bear, mountain lion, and elk. The trail is likewise located on rangeland, and visitors may come into contact with cattle. Please take precautions, and do not approach wildlife or livestock that you encounter on the trail. Lake Fork Trail is open to horseback riders and hikers. A .pdf trail map is located here [http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd645443.pdf].