Trail Advocates Messages

Bull of the Woods fires

Doug Firman — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 03:19:55 GMT

I was up on Big Slide Mtn today and could see several fires burning within the Bull of the Woods or nearby. One was about a quarter mile from me, along the ridge which continues to the east from Big Slide Mtn. It looked like it had been burning on the south-facing slope, which was still producing a lot of smoke, and had come up to the top of the ridge. I couldn't actually see any fire, but could hear it burning on the ground. Also two smaller smoke columns maybe 1/2 mile north of there on the west facing slopes. And quite a bit of smoke from somewhere near the upper Collawash or lower Elk Lake Creek. More smoke columns in the distance several ridges to the south.

While I was up there, a small plane was flying around observing all the smoke columns. Followed by a helicopter making numerous passes through the area the rest of the afternoon. So I assume that the FS is informed of these fires.

No doubt this wet weather will keep these fires from spreading for a while at least.

Re: Ground truth for part of Grouse Point Trail 517 vs USGS TOPO

Robert Koscik — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:26:22 GMT

For what it's worth, the west side of 517 past the Roaring River is clear and only about 1/2 mile down to the river. It's a STEEP 1/2 mile though! FS 4611 is pretty crazy but the solitude makes up for it. Very beautiful country on an old Indian trail.

Re: Ground truth for part of Grouse Point Trail 517 vs USGS TOPO

Donovan Harding — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 19:43:04 GMT

Very nice. It looks like you came on to 517 at or near the old camp and spring. Looking forward to the truthing of the rest. With the exception of one bypassed switchback, the rest down to the river and up to 4611 should be more accurate.
If you ever do find the side trail to Grouse Point, please flag it. That stretch of trail needs a place to pause and take in a view.
517 from Roaring R to 518 is one of our least used trails. Definitely not for the faint of heart. Elk use it more in places than humans do. They are the ones who shorted the switchback first. Then a crew cleared their 45 degree ramp.

Ground truth for part of Grouse Point Trail 517 vs USGS TOPO

Paul Turner — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 06:33:37 GMT

I think most of us know how bad the USGS TOPO map trail locations can be so I thought readers on this site might find the following map of the hike I did yesterday interesting. Here is a link to the big version of the map. Various sizes are here. The direction of the hike was counterclockwise in the direction of Shining Lake starting from Frazer Fork Campground. Eventually I'll go back and do the GPS track for this section of the 517 starting from 4611 to the intersection with Dry Ridge.

Since I was off trail coming to the intersection with the #517, it was important to get the waypoint for the intersection correct - after looking at the map, I attribute my use of the USGS TOPO trail information for locating the intersection with the #517 to dumb luck My waypoint was right on but when I got there, I had to stand in the trail to actually see the path as it is so faint. My kind of trail. I walked off it only once and another time had to head scratch. There's blaze, ribbons here and there - very steep in spots.

And another item from the GPS track, I can see why people miss Grouse Point - the trail doesn't exactly go there.

It was a great day - the heat got to me towards the end - mosquitoes were real bad at times.

--Paul

Paul Turner

Re: Bull of the Woods feedback needed

Simon Harding — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 19:50:21 GMT

You can leave a sixer or half rack of Hamm's at the trailhead. Just let us know where you left it!

Re: Bull of the Woods feedback needed

Matt Reeder — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 23:54:43 GMT

We did Whetstone Mtn and the Ridge today. Thanks to all for maintaining the trail; it was really nice! I'd buy you a round if I knew you all.

Re: Bull of the Woods feedback needed

Donovan Harding — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:25:02 GMT

Thank you. This is perfect information. We hope to get up there soon and cut all that out.

Re: Bull of the Woods feedback needed

Patti Winters — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:38:11 GMT

I went up to Bull of the Woods tower on August 12th. I started from Pansy Lake Trail #551; only four or five trees down. On the Dickey Lake Trail #549; twenty or more trees down, many in groups. I was lucky that someone had been up there before me (last sign in was on the 8th), some groups I could climb over others had to be gone around. On Bull of the Woods Trail #550, five or so trees down. The bugs were heavy; they don't know what bug spray means. It was a good hike though. I didn't see anyone until I was heading back on FR 6350, two forest service guys. My hike to Whetstone on August 3rd was great! The view was fantastic! I past some of the guys clearing trail's, I want to thank them again for doing that.

Re: Bull of the Woods feedback needed

Robert Koscik — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:40:20 GMT

Sorry I missed out on the adventure. I have to get my crosscut in order, that would be a good fall project. Anyone have a spare handle out there????

I'm going to be out of commission for a couple weeks, heading to the coast, then my kid goes off to college. We still have to plan on that Plaza trip...what about September 4 to ?

Re: Bull of the Woods feedback needed

Simon Harding — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:40:24 GMT

Yeah now that we've had a week or two to rest! I'd go back any time. It was fun.

Re: Bull of the Woods feedback needed

Donovan Harding — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:44:35 GMT

You're welcome. There were four of us, Ryan, Simon, and Don. It beat us up but were ready for more.

Re: Bull of the Woods feedback needed

Rob Williams — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 23:20:07 GMT

Thanks, Donovan! Clearing 3369 to the summit must have been a LOT of work!

Re: Elk Lake Road

Kevin Wright — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 23:49:29 GMT

I would say barely doable. I was up there last summer, and the road portion between the Breitenbush highway (#46) and the saddle where you turn left is still full of potholes and severe washboards on the steep climb up towards the saddle. Also some larger rocks buried in the roadway, but nothing too major. The last 2 miles to Elk Lake are much improved over years past, new toilets and campground improvements were made also...some talk at Detroit district about making it a fee camp in the future. It no longer resembles a dried up riverbed. I saw a Honda Accord and a minivan when I was up there, but I would suggest some caution and pick your routes carefully.

Northwest Forest Conservancy trail work

Donovan Harding — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:11:23 GMT

The Northwest Forest Conservancy is welcoming helpers in their regular commitment to keeping the 544 Bagby Trail maintained. Consider giving them a hand. Details are on their web site.

Re: Bull of the Woods feedback needed

Donovan Harding — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 02:51:53 GMT

The Whetstone trail and 3369 to the summit are cleared of trees down except one at the beginning of the trail for which we need to bring the larger saw.
We are still in need of info about 550 to the tower and from Pansy Lake to the tower. We want to get the crosscuts in there as soon as possible.
Everyone we met on the trail this weekend complained about 544 from Silverking to the Twin Lakes cutoff.
544 is adopted by the Northwest Forest Conservancy. This segment is so far in that it will require a work camp and many man days of labor. I will see what we can get arranged. But the tower loop will be our next priority because it is so popular.

As for cougars. Expect them at any time. We were eating trail mix on the Burnt Granite trail at 2pm August 20 two years ago and had TWO cougars come visit us. They were less than thirty feet away. They were exceptionally beautiful for about three seconds. Then they were exceptionally terrifying. We were being studied as prey.
After standing and making whoop, etc., they slunk off. Another 3/4 mile up the trail, they closed in on us again. We were terrified. I had a Pulaski and a rock. My wife threw a rock and ran. They closed in on us in a flash, I cursed and profaned them and threw the baseball sized rock at the closest one who was doing the lowered approach. They responded by bounding off like elk through the brush.
The year before, I met a cougar kitten at Hambone Springs.
To much cougar for me. I am exceedingly wary. A cougar encounter is kinda like a car wreck; you may or may not have anything to do with it and you never know when or if it will happen.
Give them reason to be scared and don't behave like prey.

Elk Lake Road

Matt Reeder — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 22:35:50 GMT

Well, it looks like Elk Lake has finally melted out. Unbelievable it took this long! What I'm wondering is just how driveable the road is. When I went up there as a kid the road was among the worst I've ever seen. Now that I'm older I would imagine the road would be even worse, but I've heard rumors the road was seriously improved over the last few years. Is it doable for a low-clearance sedan?

58 to 4610 - no snow

Robert Koscik — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 16:07:38 GMT

Just wanted to report that the route heading northward-ly is open. Didn't see any snow whatsoever. Smooth sailing!

Re: Bull of the Woods feedback needed

Patti Winters — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 04:34:23 GMT

Thank you, Rob and Doug for the information. Due to the weather, I didn't go today. I wanted to be able to enjoy the veiw, so instead I will go Sunday. I enjoy more challenging hikes than the people I know, so I go alone. I have always wore a whistle and I now care a side arm. I am so looking forward to this hike!

Patti

Re: Bull of the Woods feedback needed

Rob Williams — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 01:22:12 GMT

Boy, you are an early riser! To get on the trail by 8:30, you had to leave early... I don't usually get on the trail till at least 10:00 or later due to the driving (and me not wanting to get up at the crack of dawn).

At any rate, interesting info. I hope I don't meet one, but I feel pretty confident that I'd be fine if I did (although it would probably scare the bezeeses out of me!)

Rob

Re: Bull of the Woods feedback needed

Doug Firman — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:13:41 GMT

Rob,

It was about 8:30 am in mid-July. A bit past dawn for that time of year, but maybe this guy had a busy night and was running late that day ;-)

Doug

Re: Bull of the Woods feedback needed

Rob Williams — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:18:30 GMT

Doug:

I read that page you posted, and it verified something I had thought was true: That Cougars are most active from dusk to dawn, although they can be active during the day.

What time of day did you see the Cougar? I've hiked that trail several times and never seen one.

Just curious....

Thanks for the link. It was interesting reading.

Rob

Re: Bull of the Woods feedback needed

Doug Firman — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 04:45:16 GMT

Patti,

I did see a cougar a couple of years ago on the Dickey Creek trail. It was actually walking along the trail a good distance ahead of me as I came around a bend. We both stopped and looked at each other and then it sauntered off into the underbrush. I continued on with my hike past where the cougar had been, and have hiked that trail several times since, and have not seen another cougar. I do most of my hiking in the Bull of the Woods and surrounding areas, both on and off-trail, and this is the only time I have seen one.

Cougars are out there, but you probably won't see one. Go ahead and enjoy your hike, just be aware that you are in cougar habitat. Washington Dept of Wildlife has a brochure that might be of interest.

Re: Bull of the Woods feedback needed

Rob Williams — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 02:01:21 GMT

Patti:

Although I have heard of encounters, I have never seen any cougars while hiking this area. I did, however add a whistle to my pack this year for two reasons: If I get lost/hurt, and also to scare off (hopefully) any wild critters if I come across them. I also usually hike with my dog, which should give me a little more protection. Truthfully, I don't worry about it too much.

Rob

Re: Whetstone, Silver King Lake, Twin Lakes - Bridge to Nowhere

Rob Williams — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 01:58:30 GMT

We went down the 558 trail a bit, and found some flagging and what looked like an old camp with fire ring, etc (and some old big metal stuff). I figured that was where the mine was, but didn't see any sign of a trail. We also went down the trail a little farther, but it started going downhill pretty steeply, and figured we had gone too far. I'd love to know if it is still there, although I probably won't get in there for quite some time. But, if I know where to look, maybe that will prompt me to go back sooner! I wouldn't even think of going in the mine, I just thought it would be cool to see an actual mine.....

Sounds like we might have just not gone far enough....Bummer...

Thanks

Re: Whetstone, Silver King Lake, Twin Lakes - Bridge to Nowhere

Bill Cattrall — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 01:51:48 GMT

Rob,
I found the Porcupine Mine back in '80. It's below the junction of 558 and 573 trails. Look for old mining equipment farther down the slope. I recall that the tunnel is just under the trail and went into the slope under it. They may have blasted the tunnel closed to save us from ourselves. I didn't go in. I hope to get up that way soon and will see if it is still there.

Bill

Re: Bull of the Woods feedback needed

Patti Winters — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:36:30 GMT

I was wondering if anyone has seen any cougar while hiking this area? I haven't hiked this area before, but plan on going Saturday for a day hike.

Re: Road 63 damage - photos

Rob Williams — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:32:42 GMT

Based on the orange cones at the bottom of the slide, it looks like it is still sliding......It will probably be a while before that gets fixed, unfortunately.

When Donovan said it was a LONG detour, he wasn't kidding....Oh well, I guess there are plenty of other trails to explore.

Re: Bull of the Woods feedback needed

Rob Williams — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:30:39 GMT

Speaking of camper caused fires: Just a reminder to everyone to make sure that your campfires are OUT COLD before you leave a campsite. When we got to the Silver King Lake campsite, the fire pit was still hot, and outside of the fire pit, the duff was smoldering.....We doused it with water a couple of times before it stopped smoking.

Re: Whetstone, Silver King Lake, Twin Lakes - Bridge to Nowhere

Kevin Wright — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:53:09 GMT

The Amalgamated mine was an old mine site in the Jawbone Flats area of Opal Creek - -

Re: Bull of the Woods feedback needed

Donovan Harding — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:46:57 GMT

Thank you Rob and Doug for this excellent information. This tells us what we need to know.
The fire was late last Summer. I will try to find out about restoration of the site. I can't remember if it was camper or lightning caused. I do remember that it was very quickly suppressed.

Re: Whetstone, Silver King Lake, Twin Lakes - Bridge to Nowhere

Rob Williams — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:03:58 GMT

Did you see the tree that had been burned out but was still alive? It was pretty amazing. Over half of the lower trunk had burned out, but the upper part was still alive (for now). The area will recover pretty quickly, I'm guessing.

We did not see any campsites, but we didn't go too far around the lake, either.

Re: Whetstone, Silver King Lake, Twin Lakes - Bridge to Nowhere

Doug Firman — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 13:40:49 GMT

I was at Lower Twin Lake a week ago and also noticed the burned area. It wasn't that way a year ago. I'm guessing that it was caused by a lightning strike. Fortunately it did not spread. It's kind of ugly now, though, but then that's life in the wilderness.

There are a few campsites on the north side of the lake.

Whetstone, Silver King Lake, Twin Lakes - Bridge to Nowhere

Rob Williams — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:59:23 GMT

How is that for a subject line?

Anyway, just got back from three days in Bull of the Woods. My daughter and I took the Whetstone trail to the Bagby Trail, down to Twin Lakes Trail and spent one night at the Upper Twin Lake. Beautiful lake! The first evening, we explored Lower Twin Lake, which was kind of a mess. It looks like it had a recent fire at the west end of the lake, and part of the trail has disappeared. Didn't see any campsites there, either. The next morning after an evening of rain, we took a day trip up the Twin Lakes Trail to the Motherlode trail and tried to find the mine referenced in the trail sheet, but were unable to find it. We found a small camp there, but absolutely no trace of a trail down to the creek. It appears as though the rhodies have reclaimed whatever trail was there. We then went back up Twin Lakes and Bagby to Silver King Lake. This is a beautiful lake as well, a little smaller. After spending the second night there, we went back up Whetstone and stopped at the summit. I had forgotten what a beautiful view you get from the top of Whetstone. Probably one of the finest panoramic views of any of the peaks around. We ended up hiking somewhere around 30 miles in the 3 days, with quite a bit of elevation gain and a lot of brushy trails. (there is lots of up and down on most of those trails). On the way home, we decided to take a detour and find the "bridge to nowhere" which was mentioned here a while ago, and recently mentioned on the portlandhikers site. It was a long detour, but we did find it. Pretty interesting to see....A lot of hiking, but we had a great time.

So, I have a couple of questions for anyone who might be able to answer them:

- Was there a fire at lower twin lakes? When was it? Did there used to be campsites there as well?
- Anyone know anything about the "Porcupine Mine" referenced in the USFS sheet for the Mother Lode trail?
- On the trail to the summit of Whetstone Mountain, there was an old sign that said "Amalgamated Mine - 4 1/2 Miles" Which pointed back down the Whetstone trail. Anyone know anything about that?
- As far as the bridge to nowhere, I saw the story about it being built to service logging in the area, but it seems odd that another bridge was build just downstream of this one at the same time. Why would they need two bridges so close together, and why was one finished and one not?

Rob

Re: Bull of the Woods feedback needed

Rob Williams — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:25:28 GMT

Almost all of the snow is melted out on Whetstone. There are a few patches of 1-3' deep drifts, but there are only a few of them, and they are melting fast. As I've seen on other trails, the snow patches were limited to the middle elevations (3900-4200' or so). We went up to Whetstone Mountain, and there was no snow up there at all.

As far as tree counts go, there were probably 12-15 trees down over the Whetstone trail, however most of them were easy stepovers. There were only 2 or 3 that were difficult to get over, and a few of them could probably simply be moved with 2 or 3 strong people. I was able to move a couple of rotted logs off the trail myself. On the trail from Whetstone up to Whetstone Mountain (3369?), that is is rough shape. There are about 40 trees down, with at least 5 or 6 of them being rather difficult to get around. On the trail up to Silver King Lake, there is a LARGE tree that went down at the bottom of a rockslide that is VERY difficult to get around.

As I saw someone else report, the Bagby trail could use some serious brush removal. I had my clippers with me and did a little, but it needs a lot more work that one person with a set of hand clippers can do. Some sections of the trail are hard to see and get around, especially on the steeper sections since the trail is so narrow. The trail up to SIlver King Lake is in similar condition. Very steep, and the brush on the uphill and down hill sides of the trail make for a tough descent in many places.

All in all we had a great time, and saw some beautiful country. I'll post another message with additional details.

Road 63 damage - photos

Doug Firman — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:18:14 GMT

Curiosity got the best of me so I went and took a look at the damage to Road 63. Here are some photos: one, two, three, four. Looks like this will be challenging and expensive to repair.

Re: Fish Creek Basin Backpacking Adventure

Zack Byerly — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:27:18 GMT

You are absolutely correct Rob, bushwhacking around upper fish creek is slow going and sometimes painful. Devil's Club is prolific in some of the old clear cuts. That plant makes for a terrible hold when climbing up the hillside.

For two consecutive October's I have taken the route that you described to Surprise Lake. For all the hiking involved it was somewhat disappointing the first time I arrived and found evidence of ATV's camping/playing in the area, I was hoping it would be a bit more pristine. Albeit the lake feels about a 100 miles from anywhere, it's nice to photograph, and the fishing is fair. Also, the old roads are not yet overgrown by the birch saplings, and there are some great views of Mt. Hood and the basin sprawling out below you.

Re: Bull of the Woods feedback needed

Doug Firman — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:18:53 GMT

I hiked the Whetstone Trail 546 to Twin Lakes last Thursday, starting at the trailhead off of Rd 7020. There are occasional patches of deep snow from the Wilderness boundary until the trail begins to climb toward the junction with the trail to Whetstone Mtn. I don't recall any snow once the trail began to climb, except for a few patches within about 1/4 mile past that junction. Beyond that, the trail is clear of snow all the way to Twin Lakes. Still lots of snow at Upper Twin Lake, though.

There are several large trees down across the trail in the first mile of 546. After that, I don't recall any major problems. The worst part of this route to Twin Lakes is the one mile stretch of Bagby Trail 544, which is seriously overgrown.

Re: Rock Lakes, Serene Lake and Frazier Turnaround

Simon Harding — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:29:37 GMT

The mosquitoes at Serene and Rock Lakes aren't THAT bad. I was up there again over the weekend and cleared blowdown from Frazier (12-15 rigs parked there, the road isn't bad, just a bit rough)to Serene and also up to the three Rock lakes. There's one log down still over the trail at Serene Lake just before the outlet stream (coming from the Rock Lakes direction), but it is a step over.

All these trails could stand some lopper action, and tread work, so anyone going up there please think about dragging loppers and pulaski along.

Serene Lake is getting heavy use. If you want a quiet camp on a weekend, go elsewhere.

The snow is melting fast.

Re: Bull of the Woods feedback needed

Rob Williams — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:07:45 GMT

I will be going to that area this week to do a backpacking trip with my daughter. I'll be taking part of Whetstone (to Silver King Lake) to Twin Lakes. We probably won't be getting up to 550, though. I'll post when we get back on Thursday.

Rob

Bull of the Woods feedback needed

Donovan Harding — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 05:44:21 GMT

We need feedback regarding current snow conditions in Bull of the Woods from Whetstone to Silverking on Trail 546 and on Trail 550 to the lookout. Planning some trail work this weekend.
Thanks.

Re: Rock Lakes, Serene Lake and Frazier Turnaround

Geoffrey Posner — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 02:57:55 GMT

Just back today from Rock lakes. Entered from Shellrock and looped all the way through. Firstly the mosquitos are INSANE! I hosed down with DEET and don't think I was bitten but they drove my dogs nuts. Some blow down on trail from Serene to Cache Meadows. Lots of snow from Cache Meadows up trail 517. Lost the trail a few times but the old blazes on the trees helped. A vw bus was parked at Frazier so it seems like that "road" is passable.

Re: Fish Creek Basin Backpacking Adventure

Rob Williams — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 02:52:55 GMT

We had considered doing some bushwhacking, but MAN most of that forest is THICK! I didn't get too far trying to bushwhack down that old "road", especially in the afternoon when it was getting warm.

It looks like road 4550 goes west down lukens creek and goes over several un-named forest roads before ending up in Molalla. Looks doable, but difficult due to many twists and turns.

I think I see the road you are talking about. Do you bushwhack down the creek just west of Skookum Lake down to that road and then take it around to Surprise Lake? What is surprise lake like? Is it worth the trip?

The biggest problem I had with the old roads was the overgrowth. LOTS of young saplings growing very close together. Couple that with the uneven surface of the ripped up roads and it made for a tough go. I'd still love to get further back in there. It is a very beautiful area!

Re: Fish Creek Basin Backpacking Adventure

Zack Byerly — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 22:51:45 GMT

Rob-

Have you considered entering the south end of the basin via Thunder Mtn. and the Skookum Lake Trail #543 & #542? I have made two to trips to Surprise Lake by taking that route then bushwhacking down to the old road that leads to the lake (I have forgotten the old road # and don't have a map here at work). Most of the roads I've traveled in the upper basin are in pretty good shape, much better than the old road next to pick creek with its numerous downed logs.

Re: Road Analysis - MHNF

Rob Williams — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:16:02 GMT

Very interesting document. It looks like the only roads currently being considered for decommissioning/closure are spur roads, except for a 4621 and 4545. One interesting note: They talk about the superior road surface being gravel, at least in terms of how much maintenance it requires. Since gravel tends to allow water to soak in all over, and asphalt runs off, it makes maintenance costs less.

Interesting read (although I skimmed some of it). Thanks for posting the link!

Road Analysis - MHNF

Robert Koscik — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:47:30 GMT

An interesting Forest Service document:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood/documents/current/forest-wide-roads-analysis/roads-analysis-0903.pdf

Re: Rock Lakes, Serene Lake and Frazier Turnaround

Robert Koscik — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:36:59 GMT

Thanks Simon. Traildon Harding is gonna call the Gipper for me and see. Supposed to be heading up that way for a camp trip next week, who knew the snow would linger THIS long???

Re: Rock Lakes, Serene Lake and Frazier Turnaround

Simon Harding — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:43:24 GMT

Couldn't tell you. I talked to some fishermen (the guys with the jeep that they moved to Frazier) who had driven through to High rock and parked there. But we did not talk about anything beyond that. We were tempted to head up to Cache Meadow but the climb and the likely mosquito attack dissuaded us. Likewise, we never went to Upper Rock Lake.

Re: Rock Lakes, Serene Lake and Frazier Turnaround

Robert Koscik — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:36:03 GMT

Doesn't sound too good for getting past High Rock and 4610....any opinion on that?

Rock Lakes, Serene Lake and Frazier Turnaround

Simon Harding — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 03:02:18 GMT

As of Saturday the 18th the road to Frazier Turnaround is open to 4wd vehicles. I was up there, having walked in from Shellrock and saw a couple of fishermen who drove their Jeep in after someone with a large truck bulled through the last of the snow. Should be Subraru-able soon I imagine although the fichermen said they got stuck once.

There's some blowdown on the Frazier to rock lakes trail, only one or two and nothing bigger than a power pole. Still a bit of snow. From the Rick Lakes to Seren lake there's a fair bit of small blowdown - mostly small dead snags. Nothing larger than a power pole. We moved what we could.

The mosquitos are not as bad as I thought they'd be around the lakes as there was a breeze, adn sunshine. But head into the Huckles to do your business and they rise in force.

Didn't walk past Middle Rock lake up the hill toward the Cache Meadow trail.

Fish Creek Basin Backpacking Adventure

Rob Williams — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 02:32:03 GMT

Based on some postings here, and several scouting trips to the North section of the road, I had planned a 25 mile backpacking loop in the Southern half of the fish creek basin. The plan was to go up road 45, to 4550 (just before the Memaloose turnoff), and then follow it to 4540 to the end, and backpack the old roads up to Surprise Lake and up Wash Creek and Fish Creek.

Well, other things were planned for us, as shortly after getting on 4550, there was a HUGE (12+ foot diameter) boulder blocking the entire road. It couldn't have been placed better if someone had tried. We realized were weren't going to move it, so went to plan B, doing an out and back up fish creek from the north side. We camped at the third bridge, about 6 1/2 miles from the "trailhead", and did some day hiking from there. Someone had recently said they didn't think that the ATV's went much beyond the first bridge, but we saw 10 ATVs up there this weekend-6 on Saturday and 4 on Sunday-The ones on Saturday were at the third bridge (about 6+ miles South). I asked one of them where they were going and they said there was a trail that went nowhere further up the road, so it appears as though there is some sort of "destination" that they go to. None of them were camping that we could see.

Anyway, it turned out that we couldn't go from the south end, because I tried to go up the old road 54 that goes up Wash Creek, and there isn't any kind of a trail left. It is VERY overgrown in most spots, and there isn't much of a trail that you can see. A few spots of flagging here and there, but nothing that really helps find a route through all the brush, etc. I only went up to pick creek on Saturday afternoon and was pretty bushed. I can only imagine what the "roads" look like from the South end. The only reason the trail on the other side is easily followed is due to the ATV traffic keeping it open. Someone has kept the saplings trimmed back for the most part so there is still a route.

Someone had once said that there was some really nice Old growth past the second bridge, and there most certainly is. This country, although not wilderness, certainly feels like it.

At any rate, we had a great time, saw a bunch of new sites, some beautiful country, and had great weather. Some day, I'd love to explore the South end of the basin, but that will have to wait for another day.