The Collings Mountain Trail (USFS #943) is one of several trails near Applegate Lake that offer hikers a low-elevation option in the winter months. We last hiked it in late 2016. Today seemed like a good day to do it again, what with some weather (rain ❤ ) finally predicted to be heading our way. Thanks to persistent drought conditions, Applegate Lake is currently almost 100 feet below full pool. We combined the #943 with the Da-Ku-Be-Te-De Trail (USFS #940), which traverses the western shore of the lake between Hart-tish Park and Watkins Campground, to make a nice 10.6 mile, 1,700-foot gain loop. We found two geocaches along the way but didn’t stop to linger at the world famous (we hope) Bigfoot Trap!
BOOTS on the TRAIL 
Thank you for letting us know you like our posts. Geocaching is a recent addition to the hiking passion. But you’re right, it can take you to new & neat places. Just wish I’d known there was a cache on top of Red Butte the one time I hiked up there! 🙄
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That is a nice trail. I did it 2 and half years ago — and I was the last one to find that geocache on Collings Mtn. It doesn’t get a lot of visitors! Nice to see that you take in some geocaching breaks. I really enjoy combining the two hobbies of hiking and caching. Takes me to places I sometimes wouldn’t have found otherwise. I really enjoy getting your almost daily hiking reports. Well written and lots of pictures! I have to get out a little more often and try to find some of your trails. Thanks for sharing your passion for hiking.
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We parked at the Collings Mountain Trailhead sign almost directly across from the entrance to Hart-Tish. There’s room for about 2-3 cars along the side of the road. The gate to Hart-Tish is closed – I’m guessing it’s closed for the season. We’ve seen people park here too – being careful not to block the gate. You can also park at the Swayne Viewpoint (a real parking lot), which is where the Da-Ku-Be-Te-De Trail actually starts. But this adds 1.2 miles round-trip to your hike. All the trails are very obvious and easy to follow.
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So did you park in the lot at Hart-Tish park to start the hike? Thought about doing this loop, but wasn’t sure on the mileage. Trail easy to follow?
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