Park at a trailhead opposite the Indigo Spring Campground entrance. A dramatic seven-mile stretch of trail follows the rugged riverbank up to the Road 2153 bridge at Paddys Valley. The trail generally follows the route of the historic Oregon Central Military Wagon Road, which crossed the Cascades at Emigrant Pass beside Summit Lake. Kingfishers, mallards, and many other birds frequent the riverbank. Expect elk in spring and early summer.
Beavers are here too, judging from gnawed stumps along the way.
In places the trail crosses old gravel bars where lizards scurry. A Trail Park permit is required to park at trailheads in the Willamette National Forest. 58 east for 42 miles. Beyond the town of Oakridge 1.3 miles turn right at a sign for Hills Creek Reservoir. After half a mile, fork right onto paved Road 21 and follow this route around the reservoir 12 miles.