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The Temple Fork Trail located in Logan Canyon is an easy, beautiful, family friendly hike that can be enjoyed by all ages. The trail follows the Temple Fork Creek, and ends at an old historical sawmill that was constructed in 1877.
From the parking area, the trail meanders through a fairly flat sage brush valley and offers views of the creek and several beaver ponds. There is little to no shade on this first stretch, so always come prepared.
As you continue up the trail it enters a canyon. At this point you will pass several more beaver ponds, and this is also the point where the trail will start to gain elevation. Once you reach the sawmill you must cross the creek to see the historical marker, and the few relics that remain.
Sawmill History:
According to the very weathered historical marker, the sawmill was constructed in 1877 to provide timber for the Logan Temple and Tabernacle. Most of the workers at the sawmill were volunteers with about 20 of those workers being paid $2.50 per day, to keep the sawmill up and running. Weekly events took place at the sawmill and family members often made the difficult journey to the mill. In the winter months, this journey took nearly a full day. The only remnants left of the sawmill are the historical marker, and a few metal parts. It is said that old foundations liter the site, however, we were unable to locate them.
Hiking Tips:
As you hike the Temple Fork Trail always stay to the left in order to reach the sawmill. On the trail you will pass two full size bridges that cross the Temple Creek. If you cross the bridges you will no longer be on the Temple Fork Trail. Make sure you bring plenty of water or a decent water purifier, and always be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Hiking with your Dog:
The Temple Fork Trail is a dog friendly trail. Our little Yorkie loved this hike, and he especially enjoyed cooling off in the creek. As always, if you bring you dog, be sure to clean up after them.
Getting to the trail:
From Logan, travel 15 miles up the canyon to the Temple Fork turnoff. From the turnoff, travel up the well graded dirt road until you come to a Y in the road, with a sign pointing to the Spawn Creek Trailhead.
Take the Y left, towards Spawn Creek. The first parking area is the trailhead.
This is where we made the mistake and continued up the canyon to Temple Flat. Although it was a pretty drive, this is not were the trailhead is located.
Trail Stats:
This trail is very easy and family friendly, with very little elevation gain. Depending on where you get your information the elevation gain of this trail is anywhere from 640 feet to 720 feet. Plan on elevation gain of 640 feet plus, by the time you reach the sawmill. The exact mileage is also difficult to narrow down. The actual trailhead sign states 3.2 miles one way. Other mileage found online range from 5.0 miles roundtrip to 5.8 miles roundtrip. So, plan on at least a 5-mile round trip hike.
Best hiking Season:
Due to the elevation, the best time to enjoy this hike will be towards the end of April through September. If hiking this trail early in the season you may find snow, and muddy trail conditions. During spring runoff, some portions of this trail may be flooded. This would be a great snowshoeing trail; however, you would have to start at Logan Canyon road which would add approximately 1.5 miles to this hike.
Nearby City / Town:
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