Lightning Ridge

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

The trail ascends Lightning Ridge and provides views of Scott Mountain, Onion Valley, Garden Valley, Crouch, and the surrounding mountains and valleys. There are some short stretches of the trail that are steep, rocky, and boggy. Overall the trail is an amazing ridge ride that will take you from Deadwood Reservoir to Garden Valley.

In August 1986, the Lightning Creek drainage and the last few miles of trail near the west trailhead were the northern edge of the 18,500-acre Anderson Creek Fire.

Bordered by huckleberry bushes, the trail begins in a lodgepole pine and Douglas-fir forest. Within 1.5 miles, the trail crosses Daisy Creek. It parallels Trail Creek for about 3-miles and then ascends sharply to Lightning Ridge. The ridge is topped with weathered granite outcrops and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Next you'll descends steeply to Onion Valley, crosses Onion Creek and then soon afterward intersects with the Onion Valley Trail. You'll then climb again with views of Scott Mountain and its lookout. Then you'll pass through the area burned by the Anderson Creek Fire. Finally, you'll follow the ridge for several miles and then descends to FS 611.