Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area

The Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area the largest wilderness in Oregon and is part of the magnificent Siskiyou National Forest. This pristine and rugged area of 180,000 acres is accessed by traveling up the north bank of the Chetco River.

There are several road accesses to the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, but the most popular is via Vulcan Lake. To reach Vulcan Lake, from US Route 101 in Brookings, turn east onto the North Bank Chetco River Road (county road 784) and follow for 16 miles (25 km). North Bank Chetco River Road turns left and becomes NF-1376 (it is possible to turn right and travel via NF-1909, but this road is not maintained as well). Follow NF-1376 and bear right on NF-1917. Continue past Packers Cabin and Quail Prairie Lookout (both National Forest rentals). After the lookout, there is the Upper Chetco trail head. NF-1917 merges back onto NF-1909. Continue past Red Mountain Prairie campground. There is a trail head to Chetco Divide Vulcan Peak on the right, or continue onto the Vulcan Lake / Johnson Butte trail head at the end of the road.

Alternative routes include travel past Snow Camp, or to the Illinois River trail head. From Snow Camp, follow NF-3680 (do not turn right to the Snow Camp cabin, stay on NF-3680) and follow to Game Lake.

The Illinois River trail travels along the edge of the wilderness while several side trails travel into the wilderness.

Many of these roads, especially those to Vulcan Lake, are gravel and should not be driven by low clearance cars. The roads are not maintained in the winter and can become snow covered and blocked by fallen trees.

More information.