Big Creek — Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022

To echo the January 27th report, there is still a great deal of clearing needed beyond the approximate mile already cleared - many thanks to the Mount Rose Trail Crew for their hard work!

I did a solo scout trip counter-clockwise and despite all the down trees and debris on the trail, it was an interesting and enjoyable hike.  Most of the obstacles were easy to get around or cross, and micro-spikes were helpful in places.  The biggest problem was just after the Skinwood Creek bridge.  This is where the trail was partially washed out and narrow with a skinny packed snow layer a few inches thick.  After pushing through down tree limbs, there was a fairly large washout that took out the trail for several yards, as well as a large tree.  You can get around the rootball pretty easily with poles for stability.

After that stretch it was bare trail on and off, eventually becoming all snow.  The track was clear and packed all the way to the SW side where I continued the loop.  It wasn't long before the snow was mostly gone, then returned as I got closer to the campground.  A whole lot of work remains for the trail crew though.  Overall, a beautiful not-too-cold day on this pretty forest trail!