Indian Race Track Trail #171

The Indian Race Track Trail #171 is a 5-kilometre point-to-point trail in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington, United States, gaining approximately 130 metres of elevation along its route. Rated easy to moderate, it threads second-growth forest and exposed basalt terrain before opening onto the storied Indian Racetrack meadow — a centuries-old Native American gathering site — and finishing near the historic Red Mountain fire lookout.

About the Indian Race Track Trail #171

Tucked inside the Indian Heaven Wilderness of Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwest Washington State, Trail #171 is one of the region's most culturally significant short hikes. The route packs remarkable variety into just 5 kilometres: dense second-growth forest gives way to a sustained rocky climb, then suddenly releases hikers into a sweeping subalpine meadow carpeted in late-summer wildflowers and wild huckleberries.

The meadow at the heart of the trail is known as Indian Racetrack — a broad, oval clearing where members of the Yakama, Klickitat, and Columbia River tribes gathered annually for centuries during the August huckleberry harvest. They raced horses around the perimeter of the meadow, a tradition that continued into the early 1900s. The name is not metaphorical: the flat, elongated shape of the meadow mirrors an actual racing track, and tribal oral histories record its use with great specificity. Walking this ground connects hikers directly to that living heritage.

The trail runs point-to-point between two trailheads reached via Forest Service roads: the Upper McClellan Trailhead to the north and the Red Mountain Trailhead (Road 6048) to the south. Most hikers arrange a two-car shuttle or walk out-and-back from their preferred starting point. Beyond the meadow, Trail #171A branches east from the Racetrack to join the Pacific Crest Trail #2000, opening up longer loop options within Indian Heaven Wilderness for those who want to extend the adventure.

The US Forest Service trail page describes the route as travelling through second-growth forest, rocky terrain, and a meadow before ending near the Red Mountain fire lookout — a succinct summary of an experience that rewards far more in practice than those few words suggest. The wilderness atmosphere, huckleberry-rich slopes, and deep cultural layering of this trail make it genuinely unlike anything else in the Gifford Pinchot system.

Route Overview & Stages

The trail connects two trailheads separated by approximately 5 kilometres of varied terrain. Many hikers begin at the Upper McClellan Trailhead in the north, which places the cultural highlight of the Racetrack meadow in the second half of the walk. Others start from the southern Red Mountain Trailhead and walk north, saving the forest sections for last. Either direction works; the point-to-point format rewards a shuttle arrangement.

Total distance: 5.0 km  |  Total elevation gain: ~130 m  |  Trail type: Point-to-point

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Indian Racetrack Meadow — The oval clearing at the trail's heart, historically used by Yakama, Klickitat, and Columbia River tribal members for horse racing during the annual huckleberry harvest. The flat, elongated shape is unmistakable even today, and the silence here carries a tangible sense of place.
• Red Mountain Fire Lookout — A historic fire lookout near the southern terminus, with the original structure dating to 1910. On clear days, the summit area offers views across the Cascade Range including Mount Adams (only 25 km to the northeast) and Mount Hood rising beyond the Columbia River Gorge to the south.
• Falls Creek Crossing — A natural ford with no bridge, midway through the northern section. Water levels run highest in June from snowmelt; by August the crossing is typically ankle-deep. Check conditions before visiting in early season.
• Indian Heaven Wilderness — The trail enters designated wilderness shortly after the Falls Creek crossing. No mechanised equipment, no bicycles — this is a quiet, lightly trafficked corridor even on peak-season weekends, a rarity in Washington hiking.
• Wild Huckleberry Scrub — The rocky terrain of Stage 3 transitions through dense huckleberry (Vaccinium membranaceum) that blazes brilliant red by late September. This is the same berry that drew tribal gatherers for centuries, and picking for personal use is generally permitted in National Forest wilderness.
• Trail #171A PCT Junction — At the meadow, a signed junction splits east toward the Pacific Crest Trail (approximately 0.5 km away). This is the gateway to multi-day loop hiking in Indian Heaven Wilderness — a compelling extension for anyone already carrying overnight gear.
• Second-Growth Forest Cathedral — The northern section passes through Douglas fir, western hemlock, and Pacific silver fir that replaced old-growth after 19th-century logging. Mossy nurse logs and vine maple understorey create exceptional early-morning light conditions for photographers.
• Columbia River Basalt Formations — The exposed rock slabs on Stage 3 belong to the Columbia River Basalt Group, the same volcanic geology that shaped the entire Indian Heaven plateau and the Columbia River Gorge. These slabs become dangerously slippery when wet; trekking poles are strongly recommended.

Best Time to Hike the Indian Race Track Trail #171

The trail sits within Indian Heaven Wilderness at elevations between approximately 1,000 and 1,230 metres, meaning snow can linger in the rocky sections and at the meadow well into July. Access roads — primarily Forest Service Roads 65 and 6048 — typically open between late June and early July, depending on winter snowpack.

The hiking season runs from July through mid-October. Conditions as of 2026 follow the established Pacific Northwest pattern: expect lingering snow patches on the basalt of Stage 3 in early July, stable and dry conditions through August and September, and the first hard frosts arriving in October. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in July and August but usually brief.

The single best month to hike is September. By then, all snow has cleared, the wild huckleberries are at peak ripeness (typically the first two weeks of September at this elevation), wildflowers in the Racetrack meadow are finishing their season, vine maple and huckleberry scrub begin to turn orange-red, and summer crowds on the PCT connection have thinned considerably. Daytime temperatures reach a comfortable 15–18°C (60–65°F) with cool mornings around 5–7°C (41–45°F).

August offers the warmest and most reliable weather window and is the most popular month. October brings spectacular autumn colour across the subalpine meadow but increases the risk of early snowfall and icy road surfaces on the Forest Service access routes. Check current road and trail conditions with the Gifford Pinchot National Forest ranger station before any late-season visit.

Avoid the period between November and late June unless you have snowshoe or backcountry ski experience and solid winter navigation skills. Neither trailhead is maintained in winter, and the access roads are unploughed.

Practical Information

Accommodation

No huts or hostels exist along Trail #171. The practical overnight options are:

• Dispersed Wilderness Camping — Camping is permitted throughout Indian Heaven Wilderness under Leave No Trace principles. The area around the Racetrack meadow sees the heaviest use; aim to camp at least 60 metres from the meadow edge, trail, and any water source. No fee, no reservation required.
• Falls Creek Horse Camp — A developed Forest Service campground near the north trailhead, primarily designed for equestrian groups but open to all. Sites cost approximately €15–18 per night (converted from ~$18 USD). Vault toilets, corrals, and a water source on site. Reservable via Recreation.gov during the peak season window.
• Meadow Creek Campground — Located roughly 8 km from the trailhead on Forest Service Road 65, offering basic tent sites for approximately €12–15 per night. Vault toilets; no hookups.
• Stevenson, WA / White Salmon, WA — The nearest town-level lodging is roughly 40–50 km south in the Columbia River Gorge corridor. Motels and B&Bs range from €80–140 per night. Stevenson offers the broadest services including fuel, groceries, and gear basics.

Getting There & Back

The nearest major airport is Portland International Airport (PDX), approximately 105 km south. From Portland, drive north on I-205 across the Columbia River into Washington, then take SR-14 east to White Salmon or Hood River (OR), then head north on WA-141 and Forest Service Roads 24 and 65. Total drive time is approximately 2 hours under normal conditions.

From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), allow approximately 3.5 hours via I-5 south and SR-14 east.

There is no public transport to either trailhead. A private vehicle or organised shuttle is essential. For the point-to-point route, arrange a two-car shuttle between the Upper McClellan Trailhead (north) and the Red Mountain Trailhead off Road 6048 (south) — the drive between them takes approximately 20–25 minutes on Forest Service roads.

Trout Lake, WA — roughly 20 km from the southern trailhead — is the last reliable fuel and supply stop before entering the forest. Fill up and buy food before leaving the main highway corridor; services inside Gifford Pinchot National Forest are non-existent.

Permits & Fees

A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking at both trailheads. The pass costs approximately €4.50 per day (~$5 USD) or €27 per year (~$30 USD annual pass). The annual pass is valid across National Forests throughout Washington and Oregon — excellent value for anyone planning multiple Pacific Northwest hikes in a season.

No advance permit is required to hike Trail #171 or to enter Indian Heaven Wilderness. Self-issue wilderness permits are available at the trailhead register box at no charge — complete one before crossing the wilderness boundary.

Campfire restrictions vary by season and fire danger index. In late summer (typically August–September), the area usually falls under fire restrictions prohibiting open fires below 5,000 feet. A canister stove is the reliable leave-no-trace solution for cooking during this window. Check the current fire order with the Mount Adams Ranger District before your trip.

Gear & Packing List

The Indian Race Track Trail is a comfortable half-day outing for most fit adults, but the exposed basalt of Stage 3, the natural creek crossing at Falls Creek, and the open exposure near Red Mountain demand proper footwear and layering. For overnight wilderness trips — particularly if you extend via Trail #171A to the PCT — a lightweight, well-fitted pack transforms the experience. Plan your food carefully; our guide on how many calories you need hiking a full day will help you avoid bonking on the rocky Stage 3 climb.

• Footwear — Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support. The Columbia River basalt slabs in Stage 3 are uneven and become slick in rain or morning dew; trail runners are workable in dry conditions but add a grip-sole boot for the Falls Creek ford in early season.
• Trekking poles — Strongly recommended for the creek crossing and any descent on wet rock. Worth their weight on this trail specifically.
• Day pack (12–20L) — For a straight day hike, a minimal vest-style pack works well. The Salomon ADV Skin 20 is a close-fitting, trail-running-style pack ideal for the pace and varied terrain of this route.
• Overnight pack (25–35L) — If adding the PCT loop via Trail #171A, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Aero 28 handles a full overnight setup at ultralight weight — a strong match for the wilderness character of Indian Heaven.
• Multi-day pack (50–65L) — For extended basecamp trips or family camping near Falls Creek Horse Camp, the Osprey Aether 65 offers proven load management and fit across a long drive-in and multiple trail days.
• Rain layer — Pacific Northwest weather can change rapidly at elevation even in August. A packable waterproof jacket weighs almost nothing and could salvage the hike.
• Insulation — September mornings and evenings at Racetrack elevation drop to near-freezing. A synthetic or down mid-layer is essential for camp and for the exposed stretch near Red Mountain.
• Water treatment — Falls Creek and several seeps provide water along the route, but treat everything — giardia is present in backcountry Washington water sources. A squeeze filter or purification tablets add minimal weight.
• Sun protection — The Racetrack meadow and Red Mountain area are fully exposed. SPF 30+ sunscreen and a brimmed hat matter from July onward.
• Navigation — Download the trail GPX before leaving cell coverage. Signage within Indian Heaven Wilderness is generally good but early-season snow can bury markers in Stage 3.

For choosing a lightweight pack for longer Indian Heaven extensions, our roundup of the best ultralight backpacks of 2026 covers tested options across a range of carry weights and budgets.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the Indian Race Track Trail has sparked your appetite for hikes that combine cultural depth with compelling terrain, these routes share that quality. For a completely different landscape with equally rich historical layering, our guide to the Theth to Valbona Hike in Albania explores a dramatic mountain pass connecting remote villages through landscapes steeped in centuries of Balkan highland tradition. Closer to home in the American West, these trails stand out:

• South Kaibab Trail (United States) — A dramatic rim-to-river descent into the Grand Canyon, offering unobstructed panoramas at every switchback; pairs naturally with a shuttle hike to the North Rim.
• North Kaibab Trail (United States) — The Grand Canyon's north-side corridor through Roaring Springs Canyon, with year-round water sources and shaded inner-gorge walking that rewards a multi-day commitment.
• Hidden Canyon (United States) — A compact but vertigo-inducing slot canyon route in Zion National Park, showcasing sandstone geology in highly concentrated form over a short but memorable distance.
• Clouds Rest Trail (United States) — A Yosemite classic leading to the largest exposed granite slab in the park, at 2,998 metres, with sweeping panoramas across the Valley and surrounding high country.
• Panorama Trail (United States) — A high-country Yosemite route connecting Nevada Fall and Glacier Point with continuous wide-angle views and a satisfying point-to-point character similar to Trail #171.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the Indian Race Track Trail #171?

September is the single best month. Wild huckleberries ripen in early September, all snow clears from the rocky terrain, autumn colour begins on the vine maple and huckleberry scrub, and summer weekend crowds ease significantly. The full window from mid-July to mid-October is generally safe, but access roads may not open until late June depending on snowpack. Always check current conditions with the Mount Adams Ranger District before making the drive.

How difficult is the Indian Race Track Trail #171?

The trail is rated easy to moderate. The 5 km point-to-point distance is approachable for most fit adults, and total elevation gain is approximately 130 metres. The main challenges are the natural ford at Falls Creek — running highest in June from snowmelt — and the loose, wet basalt slabs in Stage 3, which demand careful footing. Trekking poles are strongly recommended. Fit beginners can complete the trail comfortably in a half-day of 2.5 to 4 hours.

How far is the trail and how many kilometres would you cover per day?

The trail is 5 kilometres one-way, point-to-point. Most hikers cover all 5 km in a single outing, typically finishing in 2.5 to 4 hours including rest stops at the meadow and near the lookout. If hiking out-and-back from one trailhead rather than arranging a shuttle, plan for a 10 km round trip and allow 5–6 hours. The terrain is varied enough that a leisurely pace is more rewarding than rushing through.

Is there accommodation along the Indian Race Track Trail #171?

No huts or hostels exist on or immediately along the trail. Dispersed wilderness camping is permitted throughout Indian Heaven Wilderness at no charge — set up at least 60 metres from water sources and the meadow edge and self-issue a free permit at the trailhead register box. The nearest developed campground is Falls Creek Horse Camp near the north trailhead, at approximately €15–18 per night, reservable on Recreation.gov during peak season.

Do you need a permit to hike the Indian Race Track Trail #171?

No advance permit is required to hike or camp here. A Northwest Forest Pass is needed for trailhead parking (~€4.50/day or ~€27/year), and a free self-issue wilderness permit must be filled out at the trailhead register before entering Indian Heaven Wilderness. In late summer, fire restrictions typically prohibit open fires below 5,000 feet (1,524 m), so bring a canister stove for cooking. Check the current fire order with Gifford Pinchot National Forest before your trip.