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Pinnacle along Wilson River Trail

Once on the mountain’s flanks, the trail makes an extremely scenic up-and-down traverse, crossing several small feeder streams of Lester Creek. The real attractions here, however, are a large basalt outcropping and a pinnacle next to the trail at 3 and 3.1 miles, respectively. These both feature terrific views to the west and make great lunch spots.

The pinnacles are the logical place to turn around, but if you have more energy, continue on the Wilson River Trail as it crosses the main stem of small Lester Creek and then traverses to an unsigned junction on a ridgetop at about 4 miles. The steep spur trail to the left goes to the top of Kings Mountain Junior, a good alternate destination for athletic types (see ssss1). If you have a second car and want to make this a one-way adventure, you can continue 1.6 miles down the Wilson River Trail to the Kings Mountain Trailhead (see ssss1).

TRIP 9 Kings Mountain Junior Loop

ssss1

Distance 4.6 miles, Loop Elevation Gain 2100 feet Hiking Time 3 to 4 hours Optional Map Tillamook State Forest (trail not shown) Usually Open March to November Best Times May and June Trail Use No dogs (allowed, but too rocky and rough for most dogs) Agency Forest Grove District, Tillamook State Forest Difficulty Difficult

HIGHLIGHTS Here is your opportunity to find both solitude and fine scenery on an excellent loop just west of popular Kings Mountain. The goal is a first-rate viewpoint from which you can enjoy sweeping vistas of the vast Tillamook Forest, including a particularly interesting perspective of the rugged west face of Kings Mountain.