Thought I would see if the bridge over the Suiattle River was still out as mentioned in the trail report from July, 27th 2005. It still is, and from what little I could see on the other side of the river while standing on the remainder of the bridge, it looks like the road on that side is in bad shape. There is only about 100-200 feet of bridge missing. It looks like it would be relatively easy to repair as 95% of the bridge is still standing and in good shape.
However, way before the bridge, the road is washed out. The road has slipped into the river 6 miles down FS #26 and is passible in a small truck or sport utility. I did see someone with a car later that made it through, but I would not suggest trying to pass the blockage in a car. There were 2 fresh honey buckets 200 feet from the barricade.
To pass the blockage just look to the immediate left of the second barricade and you will see all the tire tracks. In about 50-75 yards you will be back on the road again and will be able to cruise at least another 4 miles till another place FS #26 has slipped into the river. This one is not passable in a vehicle but easily done on foot. I did see 2 vehicles parked here when I arrived, and one turning around to leave (they were 2 minutes in front of me).
Overall FS #26 is in very good shape even after the first wash out. It was still in great shape after the second washout, but I only continued about 3 or 4 more miles on foot.
I am going to try another approach to the Circle Peak / Indigo Lake area from the south hopefully next week, to see if I can make it to the trail head from the other side of the Suiattle River.
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