Manila Discussion archive for:
  • Metsker's Map

    I just (by luck) picked up a Metsker's Sportsman map of Clackmas Country, circa 1940-1951.  It shows the pre-roaded state of the Clacky area, with all the trails listed...simply incredible.  No wilderness yet, only "Mt. Hood Wild Area" is listed.  Have you seen such a map before?  It's a blue line print, all hand drawn.  I'd imagine all of you veteran outdoorsmen are aware of all these former trails, but to me it's an eye opener....all that logged out and roaded area was wilderness not that long ago, with nothing but trails.  Damn. 
    It seems like it would be a good resource for locating abandoned trails, depending on the accuracy of course.  Looks like a lot of trails were turned into logging roads.  One item of interest: the map shows a trail down the Roaring River, heading East/West, connecting Twin Springs with Hambone Springs.  I wonder if there are any remnants.

    I'm really interested in the history of the Clackamas area, looking forward to this summer and meeting some of you on a hike or 2.

    Metsker's Map
  • Re: Metsker's Map (#)
  • This is Bruce at OregonPhotos.com--- I've got several web pages on the subject of old and abandoned trails in Oregon, especially the predecessor to the Pacific Crest Trail, the old Skyline Trail. I discovered several segments of this old gem many years ago when I worked as the Forest Service Wilderness Ranger for the Sister Ranger District. A couple years ago I included in my webpages scanned versions of several very old maps, dating from 1931. My pages about the Skyline Trail and others can best be found within my 200 page site by using my search engine on this page:  http://www.oregonphotos.com/wilderness-information.html--- Please take a look and let me know of your old trail knowlege and interests. brucej@oregonphotos.com
    • Re: Metsker's Map (#)
    • I thought I noticed the Willamette NF had a Passport in Time project locating the Skyline Trail through their land last Summer.  Do you know anything about it?  I would like to be able to do the same from Olallie to Clackamas Lake.  I have seen several maps showing differing routes.  The Skyline road was put in relatively early and some of the route seems to have become the road.  There also are two alternatine routes (1920s).

      It would be a great project.  I never have liked the PCT route through our District.  The Skyline is prettier and better watered.  It would be a great longterm goal to restore it.  Would need a ton of lobbying to achieve.

  • Re: Metsker's Map (#)
  • There is an old trail sign at Twin Springs that reads "Plaza Way Trail -- Hambone Springs 8 Miles"  I belive it is referring to a route by way of Plaza Creek to the Roaring River and then east and then up to Hambone Springs.  I have looked around for a trail descending into the Roaring River near Hambone Springs and also at nearby "Bear Springs" but have not found anything.  One needs to remember that many of these areas were young fire regeneration, the trees too young to blaze.  Also, some of these routes were always "dim".

    There is a nice trail leading out of Hambone Springs into the Wilderness.  It's easy to follow to a saddle giving a great view of the "pallisades" of Iron Creek.  Beyond that the tread is easy to see but highly littered.  I am not an authority on the Salmon Huckleberry, but is seems that about half their trails are abandoned, like this one.

    Always enjoy seeing old maps.

    • Re: Metsker's Map (#)
    • Hi, a qestion for you.  I've seen blazes on trees, usually a notch or a paint dot.  Are there any other methods of marking a trail?  If I were looking for an abandoned trail, what are some key items to look for, besides the path itself?  When are blazes used?

      thanks!