South Kelsey Trail to 8 Mile Creek
Our camp on the river bar at 8 mile creek
Over the Memorial Day weekend we decided to take our annual backpacking trip. This past winter there was record amounts of snow which made some of our annual spots inaccessible. We decided to look for trails that are at lower elevations. Our original plan was to do the Rogue River Trail, but the day before we were about to leave Sonny’s friend recommended a spot in the Siskiyou Wilderness. South Kelsey Trail to Gunbarrel Camp.
There were a couple of reasons we decided to do this trail instead of our original plan. The first reason is we really enjoy backpacking in less crowded regions, while this is a popular trail it is not nearly as popular as the Rogue River trail. The second reason is we recently stayed at an Airbnb outside of Gasquet near the Smith River, it is truly a beautiful area. While we were at our Airbnb we did some small hikes and discussed how we both wanted to explore this area a little more. The last reason was, it was a shorter drive. I know it sounds silly, but hey sometimes its nice to only have to drive 2.5 hrs vs 4.5.
After a nice peaceful drive up the coast and along a winding road beside the South Fork of the Smith River, we arrived at the trailhead around noon. There were a handful of cars in the parking area as well as a couple of people getting ready to hit the trail.
Looking down from the trail to the river below
After gearing up we hit the trail. The first part of the trail you are pretty much traversing from the top of the mountain to the bottom where the river is. Once you get to the base you are pretty much on a pretty flat trail through the woods.
The first notable spot along the way is Buck Creek Shelter. The Shelter is made of wood and has three sides to the covered building. On the open side of the building is an old forest service style camp stove. From the shelter you can walk down to the river and I have read that there are some nice places to swim.
Zoë & Sonny on the trail
About two miles after Buck Creek you will come upon the Summit Valley trailhead. From what I understand this trail is pretty steep from what I hear, but I am sure the summit has some spectacular views.
Next to the Summit Valley trail is Elkhorn camp. We stopped here for a quick break and to check out the area, but we didn’t stay long due to the large amount of mosquitos. Elkhorn had a decent sized camp spot, that sat a little ways above the river.
From here the trail remains relatively flat with a couple spots with a decent incline. Our original goal was to get to Gunbarrel camp, but when we arrived at 8 mile creek we would have to ford across the river. This was technically doable with the water coming up to about waist high, but with the water being as cold and swift as it was we decided that we would rather just camp at 8 Mile camp.
At 8 Mile camp there are 4 camp sites. One on the river bank and the other three on a narrow and shaded flat above the river. Since it was Memorial Day weekend we definitely were sharing the space with other backpackers (no biggie).
Sonny reading by the river
We really enjoyed our time at 8 mile camp. It was beautiful watching 8 mile creek converge with the South Fork of the Smith. The water was an amazing turquoise blue color with amazing visibility. I would imagine that this would be a great spot to swim in the summer.
Either way, we all agreed that we would definitely like to do this trail again, with the goal of making it up to Gunbarrel camp next time.
A quick selfie on Buck Creek Bridge
At the trailhead ready to drop down into the river valley