Marckworth Forest — Monday, Apr. 19, 2021

Limited time and no desire to spend hours in the car again meant a willingness to keep an open mind. Though this one had been on my list for years I haven't had much luck lately picking obscure hikes so I was hesitant about striking out again. I wasn't disappointed, in fact IMHO this is the best hike (if like me you consider road walks 'hikes') in the Marckworth Forest. Manning called this little range the Tomtit Alps in Footsore 2 which was the source for my going here.

To be fair while the right side of the road is deep moss covered forest with tumbled down boulders and little seeps and creeklettes the left side is logging devastation. The one redeeming value is the first looks at Mt. Pilchuck and Three Fingers. Once you reach the 1.5 mile mark though the scenery changes after the road crosses a large creek where a logging spur goes left to a landing. I followed the spur to the end and climbed the slash pile to see the view but I wouldn't say it was worth it.

Back at the road I continued up now climbing a little more steeply through nicely recovering forest.  Here the road is bordered by a tall cliff face on the left and a forested ravine on the right. I'd heard there was rock hounding here and judging by the little mole holes under tree stumps there's probably crystals. But I digress. At the two mile mark the road makes a hairpin turn right and a steep spur goes left climbing the rocky ridge which has been clear cut. Here you'll find great views not only of Pilchuck and Three Fingers, but Blue Mountain, Stickney, Tomtit Lake, and 'Hatfields Daughter'. I could also just make out the Canadian Range. This isn't the Tomtit Vista:Low that Manning described which is another mile but satisfaction enough.

If you're a stickler for making the official spot go the extra mile. The forest looks beautiful further on so if you have the time it might be worth it though how much better view is debatable. I covered 4.25 miles with 620 feet of gain. Take Cedar Ponds Road all the way to the lake and find the DNR gate about half way along the lake. There's parking for two cars.