Babyfoot Lake Trail

Location
42.224619, -123.792939  (Trailhead)

Directions
Drive five miles north of Cave Junction and turn left on Eight Dollar Mountain Road (the intersection is next to mile marker 24). The first four miles of this road are paved but after crossing the bridge over the Illinois River, the road turns to gravel. About a half mile on this gravel road there is a fork. Stay to the right and follow the road going up hill. Continue for another 11 miles to another intersection with a road on the right. Continue straight ahead (don’t turn right) for another half mile to the Babyfoot Lake trailhead.

Description
The distance from the parking area to the lake is about one mile in length with an approximate elevation drop of 250 feet from the parking area to the lake. It is possible to continue past the lake and climb to return along a ridge above the lake. The total distance of the loop hike is about three miles.

Most of the forest along the trail into the lake was heavily burned in the Biscuit Fire of 2002 and offers a unique opportunity for hikers to observe how the forest is recovering after a catastrophic fire. The intense fire killed most of the larger forest trees and baked the ground but this was not enough to kill the fire adapted plants now seen sprouting up from the forest floor.

CAUTION: Hiking in the burned forest can be hazardous especially in high winds and inclement weather. Trees may fall and rocks may break loose and roll down the hillside. Be aware that hiking in a burned forest subjects hikers to hazardous conditions. Check with the Forest Service for the latest hiking advisories in the area burned by the Biscuit Fire.