Kings Mountain - Jones Creek via Wilson River Trail, optional swim at the end

TOTAL DISTANCE: ~8 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: ~2400 feet
PACE: ~1.7 mph
HIKE/SWIM TIME: 6 hr + 1.5 hr drive
RATING: Moderate
Starting Trailhead (TH): King's Mountain
End point: Jones Creek day use area

Less than an hour's drive west of Portland, in the Tillamook State Forest, there's a trail systems that travels next to the Wilson River for nearly 27 miles. Most of this trail travels level with the river and close to Hwy 26 with the exception of the section between the King's Mountain trailhead and Jones Creek (a great swimming hole after a long hike).

Starting at the King's Trailhead, we will cross several streams before we start climbing steadily towards the ridge. We will take a short detour to climb the Coronary ridge to King's Mountain summit, enjoy the view and take a short break to eat a snack, relax and catch our breath.

We will continue the trail west to the Wilson River towards Lester Creek, pass the Pinnacles (a couple of basalt formations) and then hike down past Diamond Mill across the 110' bridge above the Wilson River. Finally finishing at the Jones Creek day use area with an optional swim in the cool and refreshing Wilson River.

This hike will require a car shuttle which shouldn't be a problem as the two trailheads (Kings Mtn and Jones Creek) are about 5 miles apart.

Safety: some parts of this hike are very steep and rocky along the Kings Mountain trail. Slip and slide falls are common on a 1/2 mi steep, dusty and rocky section near the summit so I recommend bringing trekking poles for this hike. We will maintain a steady but not rushed pace of about 1.7 miles/hour, which will be aerobicly challenging on the steep trail.

CARPOOLING: We will meet at 10am in the Target parking lot by the Tesla charging station. Look for the old, rusty, light blue Dodge Dakota truck. Or meet at the Kings Mountain trailhead at 11am.

75 miles round-trip; $10 cash fee for carpool riding (mandatory). Exact bills make it easier to divide among our drivers.

What to bring:

• $10 cash for carpool riders (Mandatory)
• swimsuit (optional) for swimming at Jones Creek
• backpack (light-weight)
• Sturdy hiking boots/shoes
• Trekking poles (recommended)
• Trail food, water (>1 liter)
• 1st Aid kit w/ guaze + Ace band

Jones Creek via Kings Mountain Trail on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/jones-creek-via-kings-mountain-trail?sh=dfo3rj&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

• Always a good practice to be equipped with The 10 essentials during hikes: 1. Navigation 2. Nutrition 3. Hydration 4. Insulation 5. Illumination 6. First aid 7. Sun protection 8. Emergency shelter 9. Tool/repair kits 10. Fire kit

Completing a safe hike for everyone is my highest priority. I usually hike about 1.5 mph but change speeds depending on the group. We will always stay together as a group. Do not lose sight of the other hikers in our group at any time. If someone has a problem hiking, needs help with an obstacle or sustains an injury I expect everyone to offer help, especially for the hikers nearest to you. I reserve the right to remove anyone from the hike at anytime based on their fitness level, vulnerability to sustaining an injury, willingness to stay with the group, negative attitude or any other problem identified by me. I will always tell you honestly why you can't go on the hike.

If you are on the going list, and decide to cancel, please change your RSVP to "Not going" ASAP. If you Cancel after 12 pm the day before the hike without a reason given you may be marked as a "no-show". Please don't take a spot from someone else and then not go.

Disclaimer: Hike leaders are volunteers doing their best to make the hike a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, but assume no liability for any loss, damage or injury during the event or getting to or back from event. Each member is required to read and approve the waiver when agreeing to become a member, and are completely responsible for their own safety and well-being.