Cossatot River Trail

Cossatot River State Park

      This is a beautiful fourteen mile trail running along the Cossatot River between AR 246 and US 278 (State Park Visitor's Center).  It goes right past Cossatot Falls at near the half way point.  The trail has some great scenery high above the river, and sometimes is down along the river.  It crosses the river twice (both on low-water bridges) and there are multiple creek crossings that probably require waders in wet season. Although this trail has the potential to be one of the premier trails in the state, it is, unfortunately, not finished.  The route is laid out and well marked, but no trail tread exists.  Therefore (in 2005) most of walking is on steep hillsides on side of feet -- very rough on knees and ankles.

     

Planning notes: 

   Until this trail is "finished" (i.e., tread built), it should be done in smaller stretch than full 14 miles.  There are several options:  Northern TH to Falls (7.6 miles); Ed Banks Bridge to Visitor's Center (@ 9 miles); Falls to Visitor's Center (@ 7 miles). 

   The trail is listed at 14.5 miles long, but based on the short trip from mile 13 to end, it is more likely only 14 miles total.  In 2006 work has started on the tread - but only on the part north of Ed Bank's Bridge; so the best route in near term is probably Northern TH to falls.

   Shuttle time of 35 minutes between the two trailheads (AR 246 and US 278) on gravel road 52200. (Wey. Rd.)  Road is well marked with signs to the interior access points like Cossatot Falls, Sand Bar Bridge, and Ed Banks Bridge.  A shuttle/logistics driver is very helpful.

   This trail makes a long day because of travel time.  It is almost 2 hours from HSV; an hour from Glenwood.  Trailheads at both ends (AR 246 and US 278) and at Falls have good parking facilites and bathrooms.  Southern end is a very nice Visitor's Center with excellent interpretive displays.  Worth some time spent.

 

Access Notes: 

Northern TH (AR 246):  Take US 70 to Salem; turn West on AR 84; go west about 18 - 20 miles to Athens.  Turn right in Athens on AR 246.  Go about 15 miles to Cossatot River.  TH is just across the river on right.

Southern TH (US 278):  Continue through Athens on AR 84 to Umpire (about 5 mi).  Turn left on US 278 (old AR 4).  Go about 6 - 7 miles to Cossatot River.  State Park VC is just across the river on left.

     

For additional info:

            State Park trail maps available at most state parks; this is a new trail so is not included in most of the common hiking guides.

            Club members Bo Lea, Billy McMillen, and Ben Glazer.  Bo made a map from the internet of the roads and access. Ben has driven out all the roads involved.

            Information is also available at the visitor’s center.         

 

Recent Hikes:

 

       April 27, 2006         Leader:  Glen McClain           7 Hikers                 OMH Thursday

        Route:   From Ed Banks Bridge south top State Park Visitor's Center

         9.0   miles                     Difficulty Rating 4                             Scenic Rating 4

         sss:  Views down on river and small falls; views along river;           Waterfall: Cossatot Falls

                   Secluded glens and creeks.

                   View from under the high hwy bridge at VC.

Notes:  We did five miles less than the last time we hiked this, but it is still a tough trail.  Still no tread, but now compounded by quite a bit of overgrowth and storm damage.  We "lost" the trail several times.

Lunch at Cossatot Falls.  It was flowing, but not a lot.

 

       Oct 27, 2005           Leader:  Bo Lea                                                  6 Hikers                 OMH Thursday

        Route:   From northern terminus (hwy 246) past falls to southern terminus (SP Visitor's Center US 278).

         14.0   miles                    Difficulty Rating 5                             Scenic Rating 4

         sss:  Numerous views looking down on the river from hill tops; lots                 Waterfall;  Cossatot Falls

                  of special rock formations and small creek areas with falls

                  and pools; some huge trees.

Notes:  This was first time club hiked this trail.  Trail description apparently scared many people off.  Only five started with intent to do entire trail, and two dropped out.  Bo, Jim Gifford, and Glen McClain are only three who finished this hike.  Billy McMillen had knee swell up at first stop (Ed Banks bridge / mile 5.2); he and Kris dropped out.  Ben was shuttle driver and drove them out. Ben also met us at Falls for lunch and for last mile of trail.

Lunch at Cossatot Falls; falls was almost completely dry.

After the hike, Brenda Lea cooked chile and coconut pie for the hikers at their home in Glenwood.