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Recent logging activity has impacted several
trails on the east side of the Elbe
area. All trails are reported to be open but
several including the view point above the Beaver Creek
Camp area and much of Peggy's Trail have
brush and logging debris on the trail.
  
From the fills
above Sahara Creek Horse Camp you’ll think
you can reach out and touch Mount Rainier.
The Sahara Creek
Horse Camp horseman’s day use area is
accessed from WA-706 6 miles east of Elbe,
WA. The camp sign is very small and easily
missed. Watch for mile marker 5 and be
prepared to turn as soon as you see it.
The main trails
are regularly marked with white or orange
reflective markers, intersecting trails are
generally marked with the name of the trail
as well. The tremendous effort that the
Pierce County chapter of the Backcountry
Horsemen puts into this trail system shows,
especially around the Sahara Creek area
where the main trails are very well
maintained and are wide and clear of
undergrowth. As you proceed further afield
away from the more heavily traveled areas
the trails do become progressively wilder
and harder to follow. Be sure to carry a
trail map and reference it frequently.
The Sahara Creek
Camp itself is large and has space for 30-40
truck and trailer rigs, two vault toilets,
at least two water spigots, and a group
shelter. A camp host is generally
available.
Other toilet
facilities are also available at the west
end (day use) trailhead, the Beaver Creek
Camp, and midway down the Buck Crossing
trail.
Picnic tables
and hitching rails are located at the day
use trailhead, and the Beaver Creek Camp
rest area in addition to the Sahara Creek
Horseman’s camp.
Sites and views
available for users of this trail system
include fantastic Mount Rainier vistas from
several of the higher viewpoints in the
hills above the horse camp. Best spots for
views of Mount Rainier include the ledge
above the Beaver Creek Camp as well as on
the Upper Elk Spur and Buck Crossing
trails. Lower elevation trails are
predominately routed through mature forest
with dense stands of sword fern and devils
club. Trails higher in the hills
occasionally wind through clear cut areas
that offer an abundance of wildflowers in
season.
NOTE: Dogs must
be kept on leashes while in the campground
area.
Trail Sponsors
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