Three weeks ago, I hiked Purcell Mountain Trail #284 via Hwy 12 in Randle with Grassy Mountain my destination. My turnaround point was at 4.9 miles with approx. 3500ft Elevation Gain. Sadly I didn’t make it to Grassy. I have yet to take this trail to the Purcell summit and don’t know that portion of the trail.
Last year this trail was overgrown with little trail maintenance. This year major trail maintenance has been done. The portion above 2800ft looks like the stopping point, although I don’t know their schedule or plans. Kudo’s to those who spent the time to make the trail a pleasant hike. Thanks so much!!! A big improvement over last year! You can tell where much of the overgrowth on both sides of the trail has been cut. All of the tripping hazards have been cut or moved. With the exception of some Salmon berry bushes (or look alike) in the beginning, the trail is easy and quick for a trail with approximately 1000ft elevation gain per mile in the first 4 miles.
I took a break at the 3100ft level flat-ish spot where there appears to be an old camp of some sort but not used in years! 1.5 miles later is the old gate which is nothing more than rotted posts on both sides of the trail. The trail junction is here. Right to Purcell Mountain and left to Grassy Mountain area or toward it. I went left toward Grassy.
I was expecting to see some water in about 100 yrds. But what was flowing fast last year…was now dry! A half mile later I found a barely flowing spring in a awesome meadow. Difficult to get water but doable. This is the only water to this point. This half mile was riddled with wildflowers, beargrass and holes near the trail that look like they were dug out. This section is overgrown and parts of the trail are narrow and hard to see. Very easy to step on the downhill side and loose balance.
This is a more strenuous hike with active trail maintenance. There seems to be renewed interest in it. Views are in the higher elevations. However for me, starting at the Purcell Mountain Trail #284 trailhead towards Grassy seems to take almost 6-7hr round trip counting breaks and on two attemts haven’t made it. This trail seems to take me left of Prairie Mountain. Possibly taking Purcell trail right of Prairie Mountain and hitting the back side of Grassy is better? Not sure if it’s doable but a thought. Anyway, leave early and return late depending on hiking style and bring lots of water. There is none this time of year. I will do an overnighter and explore Grassy and adjoining ridges and the actual Purcell summit on a weekend shortly.
The first link below is the trail profile thus far with waypoints and pictures. The second link is a shared Google Album with more pictures and more wildflowers
Comments
Chuck Spears on Purcell Mountain Trail
Did you see any side trails that might have lead off to
Hopkins Creek Falls around the 1600' level?
https://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/waterfall/Hopkins-Creek-Falls-5344
Posted by:
Chuck Spears on Jul 30, 2019 11:10 AM
Kevin C. on Purcell Mountain Trail
Yes possibly...I vaguely remember a side trail that went in the creeks direction around that elevation but overgrown and paid no real attention to it. On the next trip by, I will check it out now that I know where it might lead.
Posted by:
Kevin C. on Jul 30, 2019 12:06 PM
Kevin C. on Purcell Mountain Trail
In regard to Hopkins Creek Falls...I didn't know they existed! You'd never know by looking. Good to know.
Posted by:
Kevin C. on Jul 30, 2019 12:10 PM
Olywa on Purcell Mountain Trail
I think you were closer to old route than you might think. Link to 1962 USGS topo.
https://prd-tnm.s3.amazonaws.com/StagedProducts/Maps/HistoricalTopo/PDF/WA/62500/WA_Randle_243371_1962_62500_geo.pdf
Posted by:
Olywa on Aug 28, 2023 11:53 PM
Kevin C. on Purcell Mountain Trail
Thanks for the link. I appreciate it. Yes...I was closer than I thought. Drove by it today...and the sign was gone. Soon I'll check it out.
Posted by:
Kevin C. on Sep 09, 2023 02:35 PM