North Fork Salmon Trail

North Fork Salmon Trail is a long hike in the Marble Mountain Wilderness (Klamath National Forest), following the North Fork Salmon River through old-growth forest toward the English Peak area. The route is generally described as a single-track, dirt trail with a steady climb north and lots of river access along the way.

This is one of the main gentle ways into the English Peak country from the Salmon River drainage. Hikers use it for extended backcountry trips where you’ll find abundant campsites and swimming holes close to the river, with tributaries that support world-class salmon fishing.

Expect frequent water activity focus: the trail’s character centers on river travel—crossing the North Fork Salmon River and then continuing north in the drainage—so your plan usually revolves around timing around access to the river and its tributaries.

For trip planning, the route is generally accessible from May through October. There’s also been wildfire history in the area (notably 2017), which can mean the trail and connecting routes are overgrown or harder to follow in spots.

The trail begins at Mule Bridge Trailhead, adjacent to Mule Bridge Horse Camp, off Mule Bridge Road (FS 40N47). From there, it follows the river north into the Marble Mountain Wilderness and toward alpine-lake options off the main tread.

More information: Right Hand North Fork Salmon River, | North Fork Salmon Trail to Hancock Lake Trail