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Middle Fork Trail #6W01

 4.3 (3)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Southern California
  4. San Bernadino National Forest
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Length

4.9 Miles 7.9 Kilometers

63%

Runnable

Elevation

3,623' 1,104 m

Ascent

-79' -24 m

Descent

14%

Avg Grade (8°)

33%

Max Grade (18°)

7,566' 2,306 m

High

4,022' 1,226 m

Low

Conditions

Minor Issues 36 days ago
Dry History
Getting forecast...

“Beautiful trail crossing several streams on its way to the destination. ”

— Sung Kwang Kim
GPX File — Driving Directions

Overview

Wilderness permit required. No fires are allowed in the Cucamonga Wilderness.
Features: Fall Colors — River/Creek — Views — Wildflowers [Add/Remove]
Dogs: Leashed

Need to Know [Suggest Changes]

Adventure Pass required to park at trailhead.

Description [Suggest Changes]

The Middle Fork Trail will take you up to Icehouse Saddle without bringing you up with the crowds. The trail itself is more challenging than the other popular ascents in the area, such as the Icehouse Canyon Trail #7W07A. The additional challenge begins with getting to the trailhead. There is parking, but the road is rocky and more favorable to high clearance vehicles.

Once your laces are tied, get ready for a consistent, quad burning ascent. You'll cover nearly 3,000 vertical feet in just under 5 miles, which is nothing to sneeze at! Once you've gained the saddle, options and dramatic views abound, so be sure to take your time to enjoy a longer journey, or appreciate your efforts before heading back the trailhead.

Flora & Fauna [Suggest Changes]

Alder, maple and bay trees shade areas along the stream. Oaks, bigcone spruce, Jeffrey pines, sugar pines provide spotty shade elsewhere.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - San Bernardino National Forest Office

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Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 3 votes

#4

in San Bernadino National Forest

#4945

Overall
  4.3 from 3 votes
5 Star
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Rankings

#4

in San Bernadino National…

#535

in California

#4,945

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369 Since Nov 1, 2015
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Photos

Sign at Icehouse Saddle showing potential links and spur trails.
Sign at Icehouse Saddle showing potential links…
 6

1 Comment

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Dave JM
Dave JM  
Be aware this trail is 5.4miles one way. To get to the trailhead, you have to take Middle Fork road, which is a 3 mile uneven, rocky dirt road. This drive is not recommended for low clearance vehicles. Adventure pass for car and wilderness permit for hike required. I did this hike in Dec 2017 and temps were in the 70s, streams were fairly dry and there were numerous flying gnats in certain sections. I assume a mosquito net would be useful in summer months. Saw some Bighorn Sheep about 1 mile into the trail. About 2-2 1/2 miles into the hike, the trail splits....stay to the right (the trail to the left leads you to a campground). I would suggest not doing this trail with snow/ice on it because there are some scree areas between 3-5 mile mark that could be dangerous. Dec 12, 2017

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