Marckworth Forest / Youngs Creek — Sunday, May. 26, 2019

Rolled the dice on this one, and it turned out to be ok. An overgrown road walk above Youngs Creek, with an unexpected view. And I didn't see anyone all day...

But the grouse were out! Had a half dozen encounters, and got "attacked" several times, as the chicks ran for cover. "Wilderness Heart Attack" indeed!  And then later, after the sun popped out, I scared up a dozen garter snakes sunning on the trail, and they scattered in all directions. But other than a buzzard riding the wind above the Tomtits, that was the only wildlife. (Unless you count robins...)

Parked at DNR1029 again, and went straight at the bootpath, along the creek. A half mile later, it pops out on the road again; and a half mile later the road passes a gravel pit. At the upper right of it is the old road up the valley. Easy going for a half mile, then I hit brush. Still easy going - mostly chest high salmonberries and alder with a good trail below. No nettles or devils club, and very few blackberries. Just wade through. Lots of bear sign.

Almost turned around, but thought "When would I ever be back?", so kept going - only because it wasn't difficult. I was rewarded with a nice view north to Mt. Pilchuck where the road was carved into the cliff, high above Youngs Creek. Kept going to the end of the road, but nothing more to see; so returned and had my sit with a view of Pilchuck and the Tomtits.

I'm on the fence concerning a return visit. It's a little different view than the nearby Elwell Wall, but I don't know if it's worth the extra mileage; and there's no access to the creek. But it's an easy hike to a nice view, with lots of solitude - so it's probably worth at least one visit.

P.S.  - Found another balloon. Two, actually. A purple one, and a blue "Happy Birthday!" one. Almost passed that one by - it was barely visible, way out on a stump, and I didn't feel like trekking out to get it. But I turned around and fought my way through to it ... dammit. DON'T LET THEM GO!  Also pulled up some scotch broom that had somehow found it's way up there...