Noonday Trail
Noonday Trail (#1405) Distance: Approx. 6 miles
Approx. Running time: 3 Hours one way
Difficulty: Most Difficult
Located in the hills east of Cottage Grove Oregon, the Noonday trail was constructed in 1896 as a supply route to the Bohemia Mining District. As it climbs away from Champion creek the trail makes several switchbacks and climbs steeply to join FS2212 (Noonday road) on top of Noonday Ridge.
Due to the tight switchbacks the trail is suited for short wheelbase vehicles with good ground clearance and is not recommended for larger vehicles. It is suggested by some that the route be traveled one way only down hill due to the steep hill climbs. A winch is a must and the trail may not be passible when wet.
Once on top of the ridge, take the time to visit the Fariview Peak Lookout tower just to the west as the views are unbeatable and it is a good place to stop and have lunch.
Getting There:
From Cottage Grove take the Roe River Road east following the signs for Dorena Lake and Disston. Just past Disston the pavement ends and the road becomes a single track as it follows Brice Creek eastward. 3.8 miles from Disston, Donna creek road will bear off to the right. Stay left and continue along Brice Creek. At approximately 7.75 miles from Disston, FS22 will cut off to the left, stay to the right to follow Champion Creek Road. You will cross over a small bridge and the Noonday trail will be on the left. There may or may not be a sign here for the trail and the trail can be hard to see at times.
