State of Dickey Creek Trail - Bull of the woods #553

[sk8sn0surf]

Hello, anyone know the current status of this trail? I am looking to lead a trip here in the spring and a few sources mention downed trees and unstable ground during the initial descent. Is this still the case?

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/ ... ecid=52912

Thanks!!

[RobFromRedland]

A little less than a mile in, the trail takes a steep descent. Until about 4 or 5 years ago, this was just a trail, with no steps and was REALLY steep. When it was wet, it was more of a slide than a trail. Sometime in the last 4 or 5 years, there has been a lot of steps installed down this steep section which makes it a LOT better. There are still some rough sections, but it is WAY easier than it used to be.

Here are some photos of that initial descent with the new steps (I couldn't find any "before" pictures):





I was on it last spring and there were a few trees down, but not too bad. You can expect more have come down this winter. If you are concerned about it, I would suggest doing a recon hike before your "guided" hike to make sure it matches your expectations.

You can also get more info here (including a GPS track): https://www.trailadvocate.org/trails/553-2/

[sk8sn0surf]

This is perfect! Thanks!

[sk8sn0surf]

How about the number of campsites at Big Slide Lake? Enough space to accomodate a group of 12 on a Saturday in late may/early June given there will probably be other groups there?

[RobFromRedland]

That might be tight. I haven't been all the way to big slide lake in close to 10 years, but my recollection is that there aren't too many sites there. 3 or 4 at the most I think, but my memory may be faulty. I do remember when we went there was no one else there. Maybe there is more than I remember, though. Part of it will depend on how cozy you want to get.

[mattisnotfrench]

There are at least 3-4 sites at Big Slide Lake but probably more. If you explore around the lake you'll probably find something to your liking.

[greenjello85]

There were quite a few small trees down on the way up to big slide lake as well. Nothing too difficult to climb over but many that were a few feet off the ground.