Red Mountain Lookout via Indian Racetrack — Friday, Aug. 9, 2013

South Cascades > Mount Adams Area

Most days, I consider myself very, very lucky to have the job that I do. Today, when my task list read "Hike Indian Heaven Wilderness", was definitely one of those days. WTA is hosting a weekender trail work party on the Indian Racetrack Trail #171 (you can sign up here: http://vols.wta.org/web/web.pl?sm+20653+ON) on August 24-25 and my job for the day was to go and check out what kind of work the trail needs. I parked at the Falls Creek Horse Camp, as that is where we will meet for our weekender. There are two ways to access Trail #171 from this access point; the first is crossing FR 65 and entering the trail right across from the horse camp. Walk on that for about 1/8 mile where it meets up with #171. The second option is to walk North on FR 65 for a few hundred feet, and you will find the #171 trailhead to your left (east). I chose the former option to start my hike. The Indian Racetrack Trail is in pretty good condition. Aside from some steep cupping. There is evidence of trail maintenance (check steps, drain dips, etc) but this section of trail is definitely in need of some TLC. It looks like our work party will be busy with berm removal and putting in some timber and rock check steps. I noticed some down trees and plenty of rock in the area to use as native material for these projects. I made it to the Racetrack in good time and decided to continue to the south trail head and the lookout at Red Mountain--definitely worth it if you have the time and energy! The section of trail south of the racetrack also some had drainage issues and some sections where the bear grass was a little out of control. The trail is definitely still visible and passable, but the trail could use some brushing. It is a bit of a climb from the meadow to the Southern trailhead, but again, worth it for the views from the look-out. You'll find the lookout about 300 yards up the road from the trailhead. I was the only one in the area so was able to take my time and enjoy the views before heading back down the trail to my car. All in all, it was a great day and I'm looking forward to getting back out there to spruce up the trail some. And in case you missed it earlier in the post, here is the link to sign up to join WTA on the weekend work party on August 24-25: http://vols.wta.org/web/web.pl?sm+20653+O Hope to see you out there!