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A few week’s ago my wife and I took a needed vacation to the Wichita Mountains in Oklahoma. Because of the pandemic many destinations are either closed or the destinations have limited the number people allowed on the property. We decided to go somewhere where there weren’t a lot of people and we could get out in nature. So after some research we decided to get out and do some hiking and get as far from civilization as possible. We are both still new to backpacking and hiking and decided to stay at an AirBnB as our area basecamp. Each day I made plans for us hike certain areas of the refuge. Those hiking trails ranged from easy to moderate. Our first hiking trails was the Orange Loop Trail at Medicine Park, Oklahoma.
Orange Loop Trail Medicine Park, Oklahoma
The Orange Loop at Medicine Park, Oklahoma trail head is located where the roads E. Lakes DR and Waters ST cross. We parked near the damn. This parking lot also gives you access to other loop trails not yet listed on AllTrails.com. The orange and yellow loop trails start by the old Ranger Station. At the trail head you will find a map of the trails. The trail markers point you in the direction you need to go. Its designed for you go counter clockwise. The trail is about 2.5 miles.
Our Hike – The Orange Loop Trail
We had some difficulties find the trail when we arrived in Medicine Park. But that was our fault. I forgot to look at the map and manually map out some directions to the trail head. Once we figured it out we made our way to the trail head. We started out mid morning a gloomy and windy day. It was just cool enough to need a jacket. By the end of the hike the jackets were put away and the sun was out. Throughout the hike we had some beautiful views of the lake and Mount Scott. Then there were some ugly views of nice development and a large radio tower. Sections of the trail were overgrown and difficult to find the right way.
The trail was easy enough. I am out of shape and get winded on hilly trails. I only had to stop a few times to rest. The trail is a single track dirt track that has some loose rocks on it. Sections of the trail have slick rock and loose rock. I found my hiking sticks to be useful and keep me from tripping up. My wife didn’t need them and if your stability is good you may not need them. They just make it a little easier.
For whatever reason my GPS went out on my phone and I accidently reset my watch GPS while trying to reset the tracker. But the trail took about an hour and half. Some of that because we got off trail and having to take a break after hiking up hill for a while.
The trail is blazed with orange or yellow signs. But, there aren’t enough and not that easy to follow. Luckily someone had used orange spray paint directional arrows, and pink ribbon tied to branches or stakes.
We believe that there was some sort of mountain bike race a few days before our hike or someone was marking out the orange and yellow trails so the riders don’t have to figure out their way during the ride. At several places we found dangerous conditions tape blocking off sections of the trail. But without a detour we took the trail (planned to turn back if it was dangerous) and had no issues.
The Trail
Both the yellow and orange loop trails start at the same spot and for the most part follow each other. At times the trails goes off in thier own direction. The trails starts off flat but quickly does some switch backing up the mountain side. Then it follows the ridge line up where you will find a lot of elevation changes. Eventually you will pass the tower and follow the power lines. At some point you start going down the other side of the mountain towards the marina.
You will pass through hilly prairies then down into a forested area of stunted trees. From here the trail gets rough. You will find a lot of rocks and loose gravel on the ground. At this point you are close to the road and if you get tired of the hike, you can hop onto the road and follow the road back to your car. The trail follows along the road.
Once out of the trees, you will slowly work your way back up hill and then back to the start of the trail.
The pictures are in order of the trail as we hiked.
Final Thoughts
The trail was fun with a lot of good views. However, we didn’t like seeing the development so close to the trail. But if you don’t look in that direction you don’t really notice it. But in the end it got kind of boring and we were ready to move on to another trail. We thought about trying out some of the other trails in the area but decided it was time for a change of venue. We do not plan to do this trail again if its just the two of us. But will plan to do the other loop trails in the area.
I don’t always share my hiking adventures on here. But to plan to add more adventures as I am able to. Even add some hiking/camping gear reviews.
I do my best to document, track and review all the trails I hike on AllTrails.com. You can follow me there.
About the Images
The images were shot mid morning and early afternoon. It was windy and gloomy. I had some issues getting some of the images to stay in focus. I was able to fix some of the issues in post. I used my Sony a6000 using my Sony SELP18105G E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS. I then edited the images with Adobe Lightroom CC and Topaz Labs Denoise AI and Topaz Labs Sharpen AI and DXO NIK Collection
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