I went on an overnighter with Leloo. We put in about 10 klicks. We explored areas currently maintained by DNR. Previously maintained by Indians for millennia. Masters of the control burn they shaped it there to the fifth plain, and provided optimal conditions for berries and camas and other things of which I am not aware. Come with me, will you not, and discover some old spirits that are still there under the rock and in some trees, in the dank fog and sharp breeze. Most have left to hang on to the ridge of dried fires down stream of the bridge.

I started at Rock Creek Campground and took the new segment trail #3 that WTA is putting in. Work continues and it's really shaping up nicely.  There are a few areas that need some grading and adding of culverts to keep water off the trail and erosion down. I'll be on the next volunteer group on 12/7 to help out.

Tarbell is such a great area and I'm so glad that there will be segment trails added on 24+ mile loop. So much more exploring can be done. Now that this area has grown in popularity with Mt biking too. 

Anyway, road conditions are always kept up in this area, signage is great, snow hasn't made its way down quite yet. Rock Creek is flowing very fast. Watch any little dogs going down for a drink. As stated above some areas of the trail are muddy, but that's to be expected in the NW. 

As always I hope you enjoy the trails we have. Thank you WTA for doing what you do. 

Happy Trails...

Hiked Tarbell Trail down from Silver Star to Grouse Vista Trailhead.

DON'T DO IT! New logging road just went in in, unfinished  loose dirt road with huge dirt walls.  We had no idea this was happening. Heard this loud noise and as we got closer saw it's a huge vehicle  pushing dirt around. Had a heck of a time finding the trail as you lose the trail at a 3 way intersection (tip: head straight down on the new dirt road. The trail is along to your road up to the right)

We had to cross the stupid dirt road one more time and it wasn't too bad finding the trail there.

It's always a good day to tackle Silver Star.  Today we tried the Tarbell to Hidden Falls, and up to the summit. Then the Grouse Vista trail down. There was a nice mix of wildflowers and snow up closer to the summit.  

The summit itself was melted out. It was a bit socked in when we arrived so we did not have the vast views of the volcanos this day, but the summit was rewarding nevertheless.   Initially shrouded in fog, you could make out the  goat that was laying atop the summit as we got closer.   King of the hill indeed!  Needless to say we did not make it to the true summit today, happy to leave it to the GOAT.