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  • Dry Ridge Trail

    Does anyone know anything about the cross country skiing area at the top of the Dry Ridge Trail that is mentioned in the info sheet?  It sounds like a fun winter adventure, but I've not been on that trail before, and wondered how difficult the ascent is (carrying cross country skis as well).  I know it is a 2000' +  hike up, but don't know if I will need any special gear to make the ascent.

    Any advice is welcome.
    Dry Ridge Trail
  • Re: Dry Ridge Trail (#)
  • 12/11/06; 10:25:07 AM ¦ by Robert Koscik
  • It's a nice trail but pretty steep with a zillion switchbacks.  I was puffin' with just a pack...
    • Re: Dry Ridge Trail (#)
    • 12/11/06; 10:42:35 AM ¦ by Rob Williams
    • How far up the trail did you go?  Does it flatten out on top with a potential for cross country skiing?  (maybe old logging roads, etc) Looking at the topo maps, I notice also that there are at least two creek crossings to get up on top.  I'm concerned about crossing those in the wintertime.  I've seen creeks that are little more than a dribble, and some that I would call small rivers, so I'm not sure what to expect.  I'm wondering if maybe I need to do a reconnaissance hike......

      Thanks for the response.
      • Re: Dry Ridge Trail (#)
      • 12/11/06; 11:44:43 AM ¦ by Robert Koscik
      • Check the maps, the La Dee Flat area is a potential for x-country skiing.  Also any logging road over 2000' due to snow cover.  Should be easy to find a place, just drive out there until snow blocks the road.
        • Re: Dry Ridge Trail (#)
        • 12/11/06; 12:23:16 PM ¦ by Rob Williams
        • Thanks for the info.  La Dee Flats is definitely a possibility (I've never explored that area), but I was looking for a little more "adventure", rather than just driving to a spot and then skiing.  I thought the hike would be an interesting experience.

          I've taken the family sledding on some of the forest service roads.  Just drive until you find snow, and then slide down the road!  Kind of nice, and you don't have to share the area with 500 other people....
  • Re: Dry Ridge Trail (#)
  • 12/11/06; 5:34:24 PM ¦ by Donovan
  • At three miles and at the top of the second set of switchbacks there is a a side trail to the 4635 road.  The roads would be nice to ski.  Dry Ridge Trail beyond this point is not blazed and would be difficult to follow in the snow.  The trail is well graded, not steep.
    The lower Cottonwood Meadows Trail emerges in an open area at the snow line after a short hike.  Might also be fun to ski.
    Cache Meadow Trail would be fun to ski if you could get to it.  It is blazed and much of it is in the open as it follows "shoestring" meadows.
    • Re: Dry Ridge Trail (#)
    • 12/14/06; 11:46:03 AM ¦ by Rob Williams
    • Sounds like Sunday might be decent weather, although a little cool.  Maybe time for some exploration of these various alternatives....Including the La Dee Flats area, looks like it might be accessible via the 4610 road from Promontory Point.

      Thanks for the info!
      • Re: Dry Ridge Trail (#)
      • 12/14/06; 3:19:29 PM ¦ by Robert Koscik

      • Keep an eye on the weather though, it's supposed to be a rocky couple of days.....

        I don't think you'll get too far up 4610, that's pretty high up.  You may have to hike up from 224.  Check the topos for elevation, anything over 2000' is blocked.

        • Re: Dry Ridge Trail (#)
        • 12/15/06; 8:48:07 AM ¦ by Rob Williams
        • Don't worry, you won't be seeing any news reports of "looking for lost hiker in the Clackamas Wilderness"....<G>  Thus far, it appears as though Sunday will be relatively good, although cold, which means more snow tonight and tomorrow.

          As far as 4610 goes, I was wondering how much snow is on the road above 2000'.  Looks like it is almost 3000' before you get up to La Dee Flats.  Even if I could drive up to 2000' and ski up the rest of the way, that might be an option.  That is why I wanted to explore a bit.....
          • Re: Dry Ridge Trail (#)
          • 12/17/06; 6:28:35 PM ¦ by Rob Williams
          • Well, I went and hiked part of the Dry Ridge trail today....I got to the point where it crosses Grouse Creek, but turned around since the creek was running pretty fast.  Not too bad of a trail, as far as grade goes.  It just keeps climbing!  The recent storms have not been kind to the trail, either.  There are quite a few downed trees, some over the trail, and a couple of root balls that took out part of the trail tread.  I didn't have my GPS with me, but according to the map, that crossing is about 2200'.

            Which brings me to a point, something I have never seen talked about anywhere:  How do you cross a creek safely, without getting soaked?  If it is a small creek, I have no problems, but it never fails, if the creek is running too fast, I always slip, fall in and get wet.  If it is running too fast, I opt not to go through the creek.  I've looked through various books, websites, etc, but found no hints or strategies to cross a creek.

            I also drove up the 4610 road about 3 1/2 miles.  I got into snow (and ice), and decided to turn around since I didn't feel like chaining up.  I didn't see any real open spots to ski up there, and there was a fair amount of traffic on the road, so I don't think the road would be a good option, unless I went up further where there was even more snow.

            So, I'm not sure either option would be good for skiing, unless I can find a way to cross the creek, or it is less congested or more open further up the 4610 road.....

            It was a BEAUTIFUL day to hike, though!  A little cool in the morning, but after hiking at bit, it was just fine...
            • Re: Dry Ridge Trail (#)
            • 12/18/06; 8:50:56 AM ¦ by Rob Williams
            • Well, after modifying my search a bit (substituting stream for creek), I found some info.  Here is probably the best page of info I found (and the site has a ton of other interesting info):

              http://www.hikingdude.com/hiking-watercross.shtml

              I usually tend to the "be willing to turn back or take a different route if the water looks too difficult or the weather too threatening" camp when the water is higher than about 4 inches (what my boots will keep dry).

              I can't imagine going through 30-40 degree water in water sandals.....But maybe one of these days I'll give it a whirl and see how it goes.
              • Re: Dry Ridge Trail (#)
              • 12/18/06; 8:56:59 AM ¦ by Robert Koscik
              • You're a brave man, I spent the weekend cowering by the fireplace....what a winter this has been!
                • Re: Dry Ridge Trail (#)
                • 12/18/06; 9:08:21 AM ¦ by Rob Williams
                • It was actually a beautiful day, and I wasn't even cold.  Getting out of the truck was a little chilly, but once on the trail, I had to remove my hat and gloves so I didn't sweat too much.  There were some really beautiful scenes on the way up the hill.  The snow and the sun made for a nice day.....
                  • Re: Dry Ridge Trail (#)
                  • 12/18/06; 10:31:43 AM ¦ by Robert Koscik

                  • I like that trail, especially after the switchbacks.  It feels really remote back there.

                    Maybe I'll head out somewhere on Wednesday, I have the day off.  We'll see, I get lazy with all these short days.