Cook and Green Tr959

As this trail is lightly used, be sure to check with the Ranger Station for current conditions. The trail is sometimes used by downhill shuttles, so be aware of oncoming traffic. The high elevation terrain will retain snowpack through late Spring.

Horse Camp Tr958 is open to biking but too steep for most to climb and the only upper TH access is by Pacific Crest Tr2000-R (biking prohibited).

Contact Rogue Valley MTB Assn if interested in helping with trail maintenance or other activities and information.

The name Cook and Green is derived from Robert Cook and two Green brothers who were partners in several mining ventures in this vicinity during the 1870s and 1880s.

From FR1040 the ride gently ascends a dense mixed forest comprised of canyon live oak, mountain mahogany and big leaf maple, with a 3.5mi traverse beside Cook and Green Creek before reaching the No-See-Em camp, followed by a gradual ascent along the west side of Bear Gulch.

The upper elevations pass through old growth Douglas fir forest, with ponderosa pine, noble fir, and the rare Brewers spruce. A small spring is passed just prior to reaching Cook and Green Pass, marking the end of Cook and Green Trail.

Hike option: From Cook and Green Pass, head southwest on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (don't ride this trail. FR1055 parallels PCT so use it to get to Horse Camp Tr958) for 2mi to the junction with Horse Camp Tr958 above Echo lake. Turn right and descend Horse Camp Tr958 for 3.9mi.

Red Buttes Wilderness Hiking

The Cook and Green Area Topo Map contains most of the Red Buttes Wilderness trails. This map covers the area south, to the Klamath river.

The Red Buttes Wilderness area straddles the crest of the Siskiyou Mountains, with twin summits of Red Buttes anchoring the California border.

Reddish peridotite rock supports unusual plant habitat. Rocky buttes, forested ridges, and small glacial-carved lake basins characterize this rugged terrain, with a dense jumble of manzanita, snowbrush, and other brushy plants carpeting the dry south-facing slopes.

Summers are typically dry, from July to September, so carry water.