Benson Plateau report

This forum is used to share your experiences out on the trails.
Post Reply
User avatar
drm
Posts: 6133
Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:03 pm
Location: The Dalles, OR
Contact:

Benson Plateau report

Post by drm » June 18th, 2018, 6:17 pm

I went up Herman, Herman Bridge, and the PCT to camp juse below Teakettle Springs. From there I did a loop up the PCT, right on Benson Way to Hunters Camp, left on Ruckel Creek to the PCT and back to camp. The best report is that Hunters Camp is completely untouched and the part of Benson Way I was on was mostly green. Benson Way has always been faint and it stil is but it is not really any worse. The few places where the trail disappears, just look 30 feet ahead.

Also: bugs are out in force up there. And: Teakellte Springs was in sad shape. Just a trickle and the main pool was very muddle. I dug out a lower pool for clear water, but it will probably fill again.

Sign at the trailhead, we are going to have to get used to these
Image

The trailhead - looks normal so far!
Image

Just above the powerline road, some moss has been burned off this rock
Image

Herman Creek - the fire didn't get to the bottom of the canyon
Image

I wonder if this spot-burned tree was already dead?
Image

Image

Ground cover gone, lower tree singed, but tree crowns were still green
Image

Some views have opened up - Columbia River and Table Mtn
Image

Some holes where trees burned out down into the ground
Image

Top of the ridge at 3000', still mostly green
Image

But looking down the west side, mostly burned
Image

Image

Red rock viewpoint, only slight burn
Image

Some burn at camp, but more green
Image

Looking towards Nick Eaton Ridge from camp
Image

There were lots of mosquitoes and this huge fly, about 1/2", drew blood before paying the ultimate price
Image

Up on Benson Plateau, a section of full burn
Image

Faint Benson Way trail, mostly green
Image

Main camp at Hunters Camp, still green
Image

Ruckel Creek trail still closed
Image


Ruckel Creek a little above camp
Image

Blond trail where covered in deep needles
Image

Lower Nick Eaton Ridge, lots of burn
Image

Mt Adams from red rock view on the way down
Image

User avatar
MarkInTheDark
Posts: 220
Joined: August 11th, 2008, 3:58 pm
Location: Portland, OR

Re: Benson Plateau report

Post by MarkInTheDark » June 18th, 2018, 6:33 pm

cool report, thanks!

Post Reply