Manila Discussion archive for:
  • Re: Grouse Point Trail 517 (#)
  • I hiked down to the river on #517 from 4611 on 9-8 with the intent of bushwhacking up to the confluence with the South Fork. Very impressed with the condition of this portion of trail this season; many thanks goes out to those responsible for the work. I stayed on the west side of the river up to Periwinkle and then scrambled up and over the falls. From this point it is less than a half mile to the confluence of the mainstem and south fork roaring r. While the west bank of the river's canyon walls remain steep up to and past the confluence, the east bank of the river flattens out and opens up. It was on this east bank about a 1/4 mile prior to the confluence that I picked up on a trail which I assumed was an animal trail. Yet this trail was very well established, and it soon led to an excellent campsite, where I even found an old, weathered knife. Past this campsite, the trail turned south into the woods following the south fork. Initially I thought that this must be the old #511 south fork trail, but there were no blazes and after inspecting some old maps that night it looks like the #511 is on the north side of the south fork. I ended up having to hastily end my search for the #511 since I was running out of daylight, and the river wasn't getting any warmer to wade.
    • Re: Grouse Point Trail 517 (#)
    • You may have come upon an old indian trail that shows on the GLO (Government Land Office) first township survey of the area.
      I don't think old 511 runs to close to the South Fork at the confluence as it had to run up the mainstem to meet the Corral Springs trail.
      There may be no blazes. We were down the old 508 (Cougar Creek) the other day and there were no blazes. It appears there was nothing to blaze when the trail was built. That said, the top of 511 is blazed in the Silver fir for a little way at least. Most apparent was the corridor.
      We have been trying to improve the walking surface on 517 a little each year. Thanks. The other side of the river up to Dry Ridge, however, we work infrequently since few appear to use it.
      Sound like a great day. Thanks for sharing it.