Augspurger Trail — Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022

We report on the trail quality from the Augspurger North Trailhead to Augspurger mountain.  A WTA volunteer trail crew worked alongside  two National Forest seasonal workers.  Together we undertook trail restoration and brushing from the trailhead (located next to a quarry) and heading south.  The equipment was power brushers, saws, loppers, green grubbers, self-cleaning rakes, and McClouds.  WTA was last here in 2017, and we returned to take on five years of growth.  Photos are visuals of our mission.  

The day was warm, but a cool breeze helped.  This is a mixed conifer forest with Douglas Fir, Hemlock Fir, Noble Fir, Western Red Cedar, and the rare Western White Pine.  The squirrels are just now taking down ripe Noble cones (found on the trail).  Most of the trail is in an aging forest with a closed canopy and sparse understory.  The beauty of this trail is taking in the north view at first and then by mile two a south view overlooking the Columbia River Gorge.  One of the features which may hesitate trail runners and horsemen is the rock scree that need crossing at Mile 0ne.  Loose rocks are ankle twisters and the steepness of the rock slide intimidating.  Its one of the reason why most hikers come up from the south and turn around at Mount Augspurger instead of finishing the full trail and slogging uptrail again.  

The trip in from Home Valley, WA (Highway 14) to the trailhead takes 45 minutes of a road jolting trip requiring a high clearance 4-WD vehicle (the shorter route is washed out).  The parking area is not easy to spot but is next to the trailhead with space for 6 cars.