Category: Hiking
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20240826 Burnt Mountain, MBSNF
After exploring the USFS 45-77 Rd, I drove Hwy 12 thru the Rimrock Retreat Burn – it was very sad to see an area I love so much still smoking after the devastating fire. However, not all is burned over in the Tieton Valley, and the massive oak tree I like to visit is likely…
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20240825 Scouting along Cortright Ridge, USFS 45-077 Rd, GPNF
Thinking about the Orogenesis Trail, and wondering what’s at the end of the USFS 45-077 Rd. Does any kind of trail continue from there toward the USFS 1284 Rd? Spoiler: It does not. But I had a very enjoyable day exploring this road. Images taken August 25, 2024 along USFS 45-077 Rd, GPNF 6.84 miles…
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20240722 Backbone Ridge Ramble, GPNF
Not much to write about for this one… after spending a lovely evening alongside the Muddy Fork, and not quite ready to wade back acoss the river to head home, I decided to check in on Backbone Lake. I also explored some of the 1270 Road beyond the trail head, then wrapped up my ramble…
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20240717 Exploring Lone Tree Mountain, GPNF
Joined fellow ancient trail explorer Gabriel Amadeus Tiller in exploring Lone Tree Mountain for a possible routing of the Orogenesis Trail. First thought: Impossible! Especially after my previous exploration of the area just above Camp Creek Falls. On getting back to my overnight campsite at the 5508-019 spur (de-commed, great site!), my tune has changed.…
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20240519 Camp Creek, GPNF
Spent the night at Cispus, and then spent a rainy day exploring Camp Creek, above the falls. Gabe has me thinking about a trail up Lone Tree Mountain. I followed a faint trace up the mountain to a dog-leg in the old, abandoned logging road, but the landscape looked steeper and rougher than I wanted…
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20231021 Klickitat Trail #7, GPNF
A last minute decision to spend the weekend hiking finds me heading for Packwood late Saturday morning. Turning off on USFS 20 Rd, I park at the Jackpot Lake trail head, enjoying the autumn colors on the way up the canyon. The road is in good shape, the potholes not so deep and numerous, large…
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20230704 Yellowjacket Creek, GPNF
While camped down along the Cispus River, I explored the lower reaches of Yellowjacket Creek, and found a great swimming hole! Images taken along Yellowjacket Creek, Gifford Pinchot National Forest. 3.8 miles hiked, with 107 feet of elevation gain, and a whole lotta getting wet.
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20230626 Jumbo Peak Hike, GPNF
After everyone left Sunday, I spent Monday hiking up to Jumbo Peak via the Dark Meadow Trail, making it a loop by returning via the USFS 2324 Road. It was a gorgeous day, with the threat of weather, but nothing ever materialized, beyond some thunder. Images taken June 26, 2023 along the Dark Mountain Trail…
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20230625 Takhlakh Wander, GPNF
Another family campout, but with the whole family this time – Barry, Katie, Liam, and Luke. Except for the clouds of mosquitoes, we again had a really great time. The boys and I explored some of the trails around the campsite, and the next day went on a geo-caching adventure on the lava flow at…
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20230527 Family Campout at Orr Creek GPNF
My brother Barry and nephew Liam joined me for a weekend campout alonside Orr Creek, GPNF. We had a great time, did some exploring, and even a hike to Horseshoe Lake, and very much enjoyed Liam’s first campout complete with tent, campfire, roasted marshmallows, and starry night skies. After they left on Sunday, I sought…