Mossy Maple Trail

The Mossy Maple Trail, located in the Thurston Hills Natural Area near Springfield, offers hikers a scenic journey through diverse landscapes, from old apple orchards to dense forests of Douglas-fir, oak, and cedar. This 3-mile round-trip trail, which opened to the public in 2017, begins at the North Trailhead off Highway 126 and features a gradual 360-foot ascent with numerous switchbacks, making it suitable for both casual walkers and more adventurous hikers.

Trail Summary

Trailhead: Thurston Hills Natural Area

Length: 3 Miles Round Trip

Elevation: 360 ft. Ascent from the Trailhead

Difficulty: Medium

Surface Conditions: Lower – Compact Gravel, Upper – Natural Rock

Featured Landmark: Old Apple Orchard

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Trailhead Locations and Access Points

The primary access point for the Mossy Maple Trail is the North Trailhead, located at 7575 McKenzie Highway in Springfield, Oregon. This well-equipped trailhead offers amenities such as restrooms, an information kiosk, picnic tables, water, and a bike cleaning and repair station. Hikers can easily access both the lower and upper sections of the Mossy Maple Trail from this starting point.The trail system in Thurston Hills Natural Area provides multiple connection points, allowing hikers to customize their experience. At mile 1.5, the Mossy Maple Trail intersects with the Mossy Maple Connector Trail, which leads to the Yew Haw Trail. Further along at mile 1.9, hikers encounter another junction where the Mossy Maple Trail meets a gravel road serving as an additional connector. These interconnected trails offer opportunities to extend or vary the hike, with options to link up with other paths such as the Basalt Rim Trail and Cascadian Thumb Trail.

Route Length and Surface Conditions

The Mossy Maple Trail consists of two main sections: Lower Mossy Maple and Upper Mossy Maple, each approximately 1.5 miles long. The total length of the combined trail is about 3 miles round-trip. The Lower Mossy Maple Trail features a compacted gravel surface, making it suitable for both hikers and uphill mountain bikers. As hikers progress to the Upper Mossy Maple Trail, they encounter a more naturally rocky surface.The trail has an elevation gain of about 360.8 feet and is rated as medium difficulty. Hikers should be prepared for some switchbacks along the route, which help manage the elevation change. The trail’s surface conditions can vary depending on the season, with potential closures to bikes during rainy periods to prevent trail damage. Hikers should proceed with caution, especially after storms, as there may be debris on the trail.

SPRINGFIELD

Scenic Highlights and Landmarks

The Mossy Maple Trail offers hikers a diverse array of scenic highlights and landmarks throughout its journey. As the name suggests, the trail is renowned for its moss-covered maple trees, creating a lush, green canopy that provides a serene atmosphere. Hikers can expect to encounter a variety of flora, including Douglas-fir, oak, and cedar trees, as well as remnants of old apple orchards. Along the trail, visitors are treated to panoramic views from atop a basalt plateau, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape. The trail’s gradual ascent through switchbacks not only manages the elevation change but also provides opportunities to appreciate the changing scenery as hikers progress. At the 1.5-mile mark, the intersection with the Mossy Maple Connector Trail serves as a notable landmark, allowing hikers to extend their journey or explore different routes within the Thurston Hills Natural Area.

Sources:

Willamalane, Oregon Hikers, My Pacer, Go Wonder Wild

Yahoo News, All Trails, Trail Forks

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