Alder Springs Trail is a 6 or so mile in-and-out moderate hike located in the Crooked River National Grassland. It is spectacular.
The trailhead is found at the end of five miles of fair to somewhat rough road off Holmes Road north of Hwy 126. The trail runs along Whychus Creek which, like the nearby Crooked and Deschutes Rivers, has cut a deep canyon in the overlying lava. If you hike the entire length, you will end up at the confluence of the Whychus and the Deschutes, right across the river from the Scout Camp Trail (another awesome hike).
Trail condition is mostly good with a few steep parts but relatively flat overall. You do have to descend from the lava plateau to the creek but it's more gradual than with some other nearby hikes, such as Scout Camp and Otter Bench. One thing, though: at about the halfway point, you'll have to ford Whychus Creek. There is no bridge, makeshift or otherwise. The creek is not too wide at the crossing point and unless you're there during peak snow-melt time, it's easily crossed. But unless you like hiking with wet boots, it's best to take along a pair of water shoes. The creek-bed is composed of slippery river rock and I don't recommend flip-flops.
Along the trail, you'll experience varied terrain: high desert, sparse juniper forest, some big ponderosas and where the trail cuts close to the creek, lots of reeds and other wetland plants. Beware that the trail is known as a rattlesnake den. We even ran across one on the trail (coming and going!) when the weather was a bit cool. I don't think I've seen an account of someone hiking this trail where they didn't see a rattler. But they're cool and will scurry out of the way as soon as they sense your presence, which is well before you see them.
The road to Alder Springs Trail at the Holmes Rd gate is closed to motor vehicles from Dec 1 to March 31. So unless you want to add the extra ten miles round-trip, take note. read more