I started out intending to do a loop from Kettle Creek to Mesatchee Creek. I could not find the Kettle Creek trail head. So, after spending over 2 hours I decided to go up the Pleasant Valley Lake trail, across American Ridge and then down Kettle Creek. The Pleasant Valley trail starts on the south side of 410 at the Fifes Peak viewing area n(around mile 82 or so). Look for the horse crossing sign and this is the trail. Pleasant valley Lake trail (958B) is well maintained, steep, and pretty well used by horses (well maintained but dusty). The American ridge trail is easy to find. American Ridge is a seldom used trail along this section. Parts of it are hard to follow, but the solitude is nice. There was no water until I got to Kettle Lake. As usual, I took the wrong trail from the lake and started out following the American Ridge trail towards Mesatchee creek. It was climbing and the sun was not right so within a quarter of a mile or so I went back to the lake. GOLLY - there is a sign there that says "Kettle Creek". Kettle Creek trail is steep but it seems to get used a lot more than the ridge trail. I looked at old trail reports and it is evident that this is not a popular trail. Still, it was easy to follow and there was wate available. The trail ends (starts) at the Pleasand Valley campground. When you enter the campground, turn right past the information sign. Camp spot 4 was on the right and past it was a toilet on the left. The trail starts on the south side of the river, more or less directly across from this toilet. There is a large log jam to the east (left as you are looking at the river from the campground). All in all -- it was a LONG but good day. The weather as perfect but some of the plants are starting to turn red and brown - a reminder that the hiking season to short.

This was my second atttempt to find the start of the Loop Hike described in the book by Dan Nelson. Although I have enjoyed several great hikes as suggested by this book, it does have some errors, so use your judgement. The book indicates that you can drive across the American River to the trailhead, but the ranger in Naches said that the bridge has been out since 1996. If you park in the paved area at the Pleasant Valley Recreation Center and go to the bulletin board, you will find a paved trail (you will not find a map or any indication as to where the trails are). As you stroll along, you will soon realize that you are heading west along the highway, which isn't so bad with hardly any traffic, but if you want to get across the river, take the fork which heads that way near the start. Do the ford, which was only knee deep this time of year, then follow deer trails south a bit to Trail #999 (blue diamonds for skiing)and turn left(downstream). I scared up an elk and a rabbit on this portion. You will soon come to a sign for #999 west indicating a left turn if you are heading that way. An unsigned but clear trail heads north and slightly east to a shallow ford which brings you to the bathroom across from campsite #5. This is the rosetta stone that I discovered on my return and will use next time. #999 east heads south for about ten minutes before turning east at the junction with #957, so if you head directly south from the Bathroom Ford, it will be a while before you hit #999. I did not have time to do the big loop in the book so I went about 1.5 miles to #958.2 and up you go. Although in good shape, this trail is at times cruelly steep. 2.5 miles and 2200 feet of that and you reach #958; a bit to the left and down is the junction with #959. Another 1.2 and 800 feet up puts you atop Goat Peak (6473' not 7473' as per USGS map). You can do a loop by going down and east on #958 0.5 miles, turn left on #958.3, down steeply to Hells Crossing, then left on #999 2.5 miles level to #958.2 junction. You could also park at Hells Crossing and you wouldn't have to get your feet wet.

Trail is in good shape all the way up to American Ridge from Pleasant Valley. Only on blowdown exists and that is at about 5000 feet. There is no water along the way.