Decided to check out a section of the CCC Road Trail #1264 between the Upper Trailhead and the Bessemer Road. There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, but no restroom. This is the same parking lot for doing the CCC Trail going NE to the Middle Fork Campground. There is a new restroom a few miles back down the road at the new Oxbow Lake Loop Trail. The trail begins by a rock wall and heads west. In about 1/2 mile is the unsigned junction with the trail going up to the Pratt Balcony view area. See my report on that trail dated May 10, 2017. Just past the junction is a large unnamed creek, now dried up, that really roars during the Spring snow melt. Further along the trail leaves the conifer forest and enters an area of large big leaf maple trees. Then back to the conifer trees as the trail side hills some really steep slopes. Along the way I spotted the end of an old wooden culvert with a metal band around it from when the road was built by the CCC back in the 1930's.
Next I got to the area of the Tall Moss Cliff and had a view east to the Pratt River Valley. Further on the trail there were several creek crossings, all rock hops. I then finally got to the Bessemer Road and my turn around spot, 2.9 miles from where I had started. There is a Forest Service sign saying the trail is open to hikers, mtn. bikers and horses. At a stream near the road I found a good rock for a seat and lunch. After eating it was time to head back. The last 2 miles the skies opened up and decided to pour rain. Glad I had dry clothes to change into when I got back to the trailhead.
Since this trail is on the old CCC Road, the up and down grades are moderate. Some sections I hiked are very overgrown with brush and ferns. There where four trees down over the trail that need to be cut out. I saw a few grouse, and one squirrel and a Stellers jay. Did not see any other hikers on this trail that does not get much use. Made for a quiet hike away from the other crowded trails along I-90. George
Comments