I just found out that the trail following Rhododendron Creek up to Rho Ridge is now officially back on the USFS system, after at least 20 years of abandonment! After tons of hard work by volunteers, a trail that was once extremely difficult to follow (many huge down trees, brush, faint tread, etc.) is now once again a clear route thru the forest. The trail was originally constructed circa 1920 (possibly earlier?).
It's come a long way in two years. It is a long drive out to the trailhead but well worth the trip.
Word of mouth thru Trailavocates advocates, and it's now on the FS site under the trail list.
If you haven't been back there in 2 years you're gonna be surprised! It's a real trail now. The saw guys did a ton of work. The tread is still faint in spots but not like before.