We arrived at the trailhead in Scenic at around 15:00. There were a handful of cars and plenty of parking available. The facilities were not the cleanest but were tolerable.
We walked the lower ADA accessible trail first and transitioned to the upper trail at the Martin Creek trailhead connection. The upper trail is overgrown on the sides but maintains a compacted boot path. Just wear long sleeves and pants and you have nothing to worry about.
We walked along to Windy Point, before taking the switchbacks down to the trailhead. Outside of overgrown bushes and ferns, the trail was free of obstacles. We may have had to step over one downed tree somewhere near the beginning. The bugs were present but not oppressive.
The historical ruins were incredible. I had coincidentally read “The White Cascade” by Gary Krist, which is about a major disaster on this very section of railroad track just before my partner picked this hike. It was both fascinating and somber to put real structures and locations to such an immense human tragedy.
We spotted a bolt ladder and quickdraws leading up and out one of the tunnels on the upper section, along with a rap station on a nearby wall. I am curious what that was about, as I could not find any info in my usual places.
Total distance was 7.35 miles with 708 feet of vertical gain. We look forward to coming back and starting from the Wellington trailhead next time.
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