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The Lost & Boulder Ditch
Posted: June 4th, 2020, 5:51 pm
by Webfoot
While exploring Old Barlow Road east of Mount Hood I found a feature I learned is called The Lost & Boulder Ditch, an irrigation canal that brings water to Smock Prairie. "Ditch" doesn't do it justice. The woods here are pleasant and the water placid yet briskly flowing. The berm along the canal is presently easy walking but unless it receives boot traffic I fear it will soon be overgrown. I had not allowed for a long walk so I only went a bit over half a mile one-way, north from 3530, but the open berm continued in both directions.
I am encouraging others to hike this while it is possible, explore its extent, and help keep the tread open in the process. I believe this is the easiest way to access the segment I walked:
- Take FR 48 south from Oregon highway 35 at White River, or west from Wamic
- Turn south on FR 4885 (45.1838, -121.5412)
- Continue for 0.9 mile and turn left/east on Old Barlow Road 3530 (45.1792, -121.5255)
- Drive half a mile to Boulder Creek and park on the near side of the bridge (45.1763, -121.5173)
- Cross the bridge on foot, pass through an erosion-damaged section of road, and continue for a third of a mile to where 3530 crosses The Lost & Boulder Ditch (45.1758, -121.5133)
- Walk the west side of the canal in either direction.
Re: The Lost & Boulder Ditch
Posted: June 4th, 2020, 6:24 pm
by bobcat
It looks in pretty good shape. I wonder what it's like closer to Smock Prairie - I had planned to explore there this spring were it not for covid . . .
Re: The Lost & Boulder Ditch
Posted: June 4th, 2020, 7:59 pm
by Chip Down
Looks like fun. I like exploring anything having to do with water distribution.
Map shows it's virtually flat, just barely enough slope to keep water moving.
Regarding the approach, I guess one could also stay on road 48 until it crosses the ditch.
Re: The Lost & Boulder Ditch
Posted: June 4th, 2020, 8:28 pm
by Webfoot
Chip Down wrote: ↑June 4th, 2020, 7:59 pm
Regarding the approach, I guess one could also stay on road 48 until it crosses the ditch.
I looked for that but I couldn't see the canal from the road. The day was getting late however and I wasn't determined. I'm sure you'd do better.
I hope you hike this; it goes for miles and with luck that berm could be fresh enough to walk it as far as you care to. See page 35 of
https://wascoswcd.org/linked/wrws_assessment.pdf
Re: The Lost & Boulder Ditch
Posted: June 5th, 2020, 10:09 am
by pcg
This old irrigation ditch, as well as the one on the other side of the White River, are best explored this time of year by a small flotation device. Warning: Frequent short portages required.
Re: The Lost & Boulder Ditch
Posted: June 5th, 2020, 10:38 am
by Webfoot
pcg wrote: ↑June 5th, 2020, 10:09 am
This old irrigation ditch, as well as the one on the other side of the White River, are best explored this time of year by a small flotation device. Warning: Frequent short portages required.
Interesting, but are there any hazards? I wouldn't want someone to get sucked into an intake pipe. Getting back up stream could be difficult so I presume you need a planned extraction point?
Re: The Lost & Boulder Ditch
Posted: June 5th, 2020, 12:09 pm
by pcg
Yes. There are hazards in the form of sharp rocks in shallow water and metal pipe culverts that require one to be alert as the water can be moving pretty fast his time of year. The ditch goes by the northern border of Lower White River Wilderness. Gaia is a good source for finding a FS road that works for a takeout. You will have to hike 50 yards up the canyon to get to the road that goes down to the edge of WR canyon. LWR wilderness is a fun place to explore as well. The sides are steep, brushy, and rocky.
Re: The Lost & Boulder Ditch
Posted: June 5th, 2020, 12:11 pm
by pcg
Yes. There are hazards in the form of sharp rocks in shallow water and metal pipe culverts that require one to be alert as the water can be moving pretty fast this time of year. The ditch goes by the northern border of Lower White River Wilderness. Gaia is a good source for finding a FS road that works for a takeout. There lots of options for putting in and getting out. You will have to hike 50 yards up the canyon to get to the road that goes down to the edge of WR canyon. LWR wilderness is a fun place to explore as well. The sides are steep, brushy, and rocky.
Re: The Lost & Boulder Ditch
Posted: June 7th, 2020, 5:42 pm
by Guy
Re: The Lost & Boulder Ditch
Posted: June 7th, 2020, 8:37 pm
by Webfoot
That's great! I hope you found it worth your time and effort. In any case thank you for following the lead and posting the report.