A rainy day yesterday made for a cool and cloudy hike today. We saw lots of big toads, huckleberries, and some ghost pipes. The trail is in great condition - the recent brushing work by WTA is still evident.
The big washout is the same as it's been for years. Zigzagging across the big logs can be fun, but right now, it is very easy to walk across the creek using some well placed rocks. Simply cross the first big log and then descend down to the left to find the relatively easy creek crossing.
BTW, keep your eyes peeled on the drive in and out. One of the clear cuts above the road has quite possibly the most fireweed I've EVER seen in one place - absolutely solid as far as you can see up the hill.
Comments
Willow's Humans on Baker River
Do you remember how far down the road the mass of fireweed was?! It’s my favorite wildflower and I’m hoping to hit up a couple of trails in the area this week. I seem to remember clear cuts being closer to hwy 20, but just curious if I need to drive to the end of the road.
Posted by:
Willow's Humans on Jul 14, 2025 07:12 PM
Derek Posey on Baker River
I don't remember exactly where it was, but yes, the clear cuts are closer to the highway than the end of the road. It wasn't one of the first ones though - further north. I actually didn't see it on the way in from the passenger seat. It's one of those clear cuts that's on an impossibly steep hill. I suppose clear cuts can have their own unique beauty, but I thought this was more impressive than pretty. I'm also not sure if there would be a great vantage point for photos or any kind of access if you wanted to get closer. Happy fireweed hunting!
Posted by:
Derek Posey on Jul 15, 2025 09:44 AM