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
The trailhead - looks normal so far!
Just above the powerline road, some moss has been burned off this rock
Herman Creek - the fire didn't get to the bottom of the canyon
I wonder if this spot-burned tree was already dead?
Ground cover gone, lower tree singed, but tree crowns were still green
Some views have opened up - Columbia River and Table Mtn
Some holes where trees burned out down into the ground
Top of the ridge at 3000', still mostly green
But looking down the west side, mostly burned
Red rock viewpoint, only slight burn
Some burn at camp, but more green
Looking towards Nick Eaton Ridge from camp
There were lots of mosquitoes and this huge fly, about 1/2", drew blood before paying the ultimate price
Up on Benson Plateau, a section of full burn
Faint Benson Way trail, mostly green
Main camp at Hunters Camp, still green
Ruckel Creek trail still closed
Ruckel Creek a little above camp
Blond trail where covered in deep needles
Lower Nick Eaton Ridge, lots of burn
Mt Adams from red rock view on the way down
Benson Plateau report
- MarkInTheDark
- Posts: 220
- Joined: August 11th, 2008, 3:58 pm
- Location: Portland, OR
Re: Benson Plateau report
cool report, thanks!