Thanks! Hopefully the FS can get some volunteers with crosscut saw experience out there to clear some of those trees. That's a lot of down wood for such a popular area. When I was down in the Middle Santiam last summer, it was the same situation. At least the tread is in good shape and the trails are easy to follow.
Did you make it all the way to Schriener Peak? I'd like to hear more about that trail, it's been somewhat of a mystery.
Sounds like you had a lot of fun. That's a lot of ground you covered.
From what Mr. D told me, the Schreiner Peak Trail was primarily used by a scientist (Dr. Schriener) who spent the summers doing studies up there many years back, so I'm sure the route wasn't up to Forest Service standards. So many ghosts hiding out there!
As far a trail maintenance, every little bit helps. You'd be surprised the number of people I run across that don't even bother to kick branches off the tread! It is much appreciated, and it also helps keep these trails alive. Every winter, so much blowdown occurs, and it really stacks up over the years if not dealt with. If you feel ambitious, bring a pair of shears or loppers on your hike to deal with encroaching brush. It will help keep it at bay for a year or 2 at least, and it gives your upper body a bit of a workout too, for that Whole Body Experience!
Thanks for your comments, it's very interesting to see what folks are up to out there...
I spend a lot of time down there during the year. It's really enjoyable working on the trails, as well as exploring. There's always somewhere new, year round. We're very lucky to have such an incredible place on our doorsteps...
History of the area is hard to come by. It's typical of many National Forests - first it was all wilderness, then in the early 1900s after the FS was created, trails and lookouts and guard stations were constructed. Then came more intense logging and road building, starting in the 40s and really picking up steam. The logging/road building/destruction seemed to peak in the 80s, until the wilderness and endangered species controversies put a quick halt to "rip and run". Things are sort of in limbo right now, lots of thinning projects, but no huge clearcuts or road building occuring at present. A lot of the abandoned trails out there were built 80 years ago for purely administrative purposes. Most of em' are still out there, hiding in the brush, ducking in and out of a zillion clearcuts...and in spite of it all, it's still a miraculous place.
I've been working recently on the Rho Creek trail. It's still quite rough, but is now followable for the first mile or so. Check it out, I hope to clear the whole route eventually. Wild country...
Bull of the Woods is a popular place, with easy to follow trails more or less...you may have to climb over a few down trees, but you won't get lost.
Get yourself a good Bull wilderness map. There are many options. Welcome Lakes are a nice destination for example.
I'm in need of some honest advice. I've looked at the map and read some of the reports. Please let me know what you think of this itenerary: trail550 then over to welcome lakes to camp first night, Then south either on geronimo or Elk Lake 559 for second night (is there a decent camp spot down by where 559 meets 558?) Then we would hike 558 out back to 550 to finish the loop. I'm looking at a group of 5 or 6 and in ok shape. Please tell me if this is a good idea or what you think in general. I'm responsible for the friends I'm taking out and I don't want to have the most amount of information possible going into this. Thank you