Wanted to add to the previous report since I made it out a little further. Camped at Lightning Creek.
There are more of the same, down trees of various sizes - all relatively easy over, under or around type situations. Water levels are high this time of year, so rock hoping isn't always an obvious option. I went with quick drying shoes & pants & extra socks which worked well for me given the nice sunny weather.
Now, the serious stuff. Ticks! Wear long sleeves and pants if you can stand the heat. I found 6 on me, 2 of them got a bite. Bring your tweezers and do tick checks. They're everywhere! *shudders* No mosquitoes, though. So there's that.
Second, two sections of the cliff-side portion of trail are going to need some work. There's rockfall and some center slumping/holes in one section. The end closest to Devil's creek is in need of serious repair as the retaining wall is falling apart. The trail here is sliding down the rocks. I did choose to make the crossing, but I could see how this might turn some people around and really, after a couple of good hard rains it could be gone. I don't see it lasting another winter. As stated in the previous report, this trail is no longer suitable for stock.
Comments
cmhikes on East Bank Ross Lake
Hi Petunia! Am I right that the rock-fall you think could turn some people back is between Devil's Junction and Lightning Creek? We were hoping to take the water taxi to Lightning Creek next weekend if the water level is high enough, but I would like to have the choice about whether we cross that rock fall or not. So if it is North of Devil's Junction I think we would take the taxi there. Thanks for the excellent trip report!
Posted by:
cmhikes on May 20, 2018 11:02 AM
petunia on East Bank Ross Lake
The trail slumping is South of Devil's Junction where it starts to hug the cliff side. The trail between The Junction and Lightning Creek just has some brush and blowdowns.
Glad it was helpful. The slumping is doable, but it looked like the type of thing that could change quickly, especially since the retaining wall is falling apart. That, and because of the steep terrain right above the crumbling terrain to the waterside, it's a risk worth thinking about. Everyone has different comfort levels.
Not many people out there right now. You'll have a great time!
Posted by:
petunia on May 20, 2018 12:33 PM
cmhikes on East Bank Ross Lake
Thanks so much, that is really helpful! We'll probably just skip the taxi and do it as an out and back with that information in mind. Can't wait!
Posted by:
cmhikes on May 20, 2018 03:39 PM