Joined BCHW on a 5-day logout. We started from Soda Springs Horse camp, headed out Cowlitz Trail, then turned onto Jug Lake Trail until PCT, then north until Fish Lake. We took out 10 logs across the trail so our pack support could bring in our gear. On Monday, we started on the Carlton Creek trail, logging until we met up with the WTA crew working from the other direction on Thursday. The Carlton Creek Trail is now clear of logs, which it has not been in 10 years, due to an excellent multi-organizational effort with lots of volunteers.
On day two, we started on the monster logs at the top of Carlton Creek. In one morning we made about 50 yards of progress, but that was the worst of it. A crew member saw a herd of elk come through Fish Lake in the evening. Cut nine logs, totaled 1.4 miles, (1.3 hiking to and from the site). There were voracious mosquitoes for most of the day, especially if you stop moving.
Day three we made it slightly further, still getting caught up on some big logs but making good progress for five people. Found out the hi-lift jack is incredible for changing binds. Around 15 logs and a big 2.1 miles today.
Day four we made better progress down the hill, making it about a mile more down the trail and clearing 22 logs.
Day five we cut down to the WTA crew and ate lunch with them before hiking out, again getting our gear packed out by BCHW (Thank you!). Coming down, the bugs seemed to disappear, which was nice. Near the bottom of Carlton Creek, we connected with the old forest road before taking the cut through to Soda Springs Pack Trailhead. Trail here was a bit dusty and dirty, but at least there were no logs across it. And thanks to a wonderful couple at the trailhead, we were treated to ice cream at the end of a long day.
Total of 77 logs cleared over 5 days with a fantastic team of sawyers.
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