While on the Foxglove trail between Devil's Rest and Devil's cut-off, I noticed new? flagging, the beginning of a worn path, and some cut oregon grape. I followed an owl up a little ways. Is this a creation in progress that might link back up to Palmer Mill Rd? I like this idea anyway, I've started dropping into these trail systems from the south recently to avoid all the 30 has to offer these days.
Edit to add - I see mention of a connector from arlohike's post from last month.
Primrose Trail?
Re: Primrose Trail?
Regarding the question of Palmer Mill Road access from the south...there are "rumors" of a cross country route that may become a trail, rumor has it that it might be named "She Devil".
Well Jim, where to next?
Re: Primrose Trail?
A lot going on out there. Thanks!
Re: Primrose Trail?
Well that looks like a big improvement! The Swamp section only ever made sense as an opportunistic use of the existing logging road grade. Why else go back downhill, through a swamp, then up a steep, rutted boot path?!
Believe it or not, I barely ever ride a mountain bike.
Re: Primrose Trail?
The only problem is all the flagging. Flagging ad nauseum. There is so much flagging festooning these new trails that it feels like you're at a child's birthday party. I was standing at one spot and could see at least 8 different flags, all within 100 ft radius, in a variety of colors. The trail tread is obvious, much if it is on old road. We didnt need flagging before, and dont need it now. Some of the flagging is wrapped, some is stapled and some poked into the trees with wooden golf tees. Completely unnecessary and totally ruins the scenery. We dont need the flagging to find the dam trail. If someone was out there and had to rely on flagging to find the trail, they shouldnt be out there. Besides we all have a little electronic virtual flagging device in our pocket these days.
I have mixed feelings about rogue trailbuilding. But flagging is unambiguously LITTER. Please Redshorts, the ghost of Basil Rathbone is looking down on you with a frown. Stop with the flagging!
I have mixed feelings about rogue trailbuilding. But flagging is unambiguously LITTER. Please Redshorts, the ghost of Basil Rathbone is looking down on you with a frown. Stop with the flagging!
Re: Primrose Trail?
Addressing the "only problem": Red Shorts would like Team members and other users (over 100 people involved), to please assess your flagging, and temporary signage, in the area and remove as appropriate, when the purpose for communication no longer exists. We did utilize flagging for the grand opening celebration, communicating work needing done, alternative routing, alerting for hazards, and as an aid for navigation in times of low visibility, at junctions, at turns, or when there was no obvious footpath with unfamiliar users at risk of getting lost.
Red Shorts is reluctant to remove flagging without permission that others have put up, he has already removed quite a bit of stuff he has put up, as recently as Thursday May 25, 2023. He apologizes for focusing more on completing improvements and maintenance on ALL the trails he maintains, including official ones. He will give a bit more priorty to assessing and removing his flagging. Please be patient. There are only so many hours he can spend out there, he must be strategic in prioritizing his time so achieve the greatest benefit for all.
Red Shorts only recently got involved this is this multi-year effort to improve this rather unique user maintained trail system . He is not being paid to do this and has considerable expenses as an independent volunteer. He is probably the most visible maintainer in the area and is quite often first responder for blowdown, rock and debris fall , and water management needs. His first priority is safely making the trail passable and protecting the trail from further damage. He acts as an on-site information and education resource for others, especially newcomers to the area. He has assisted many a lost hiker and fully understands the drawbacks of unexperienced users relying on GPS and maps, which they not be able to even afford or obtain.
It should be noted that the "new" trails are in fact old trails (not on any official map) that were used mainly by experienced hikers because they knew that, even cross country, there was a better way coming in from the west to the top of Devil's Rest. The OSM map has again been updated to better reflect the current finalized routes and will be updated further as things progress with further improvements and "new" public trails.
Red Shorts is reluctant to remove flagging without permission that others have put up, he has already removed quite a bit of stuff he has put up, as recently as Thursday May 25, 2023. He apologizes for focusing more on completing improvements and maintenance on ALL the trails he maintains, including official ones. He will give a bit more priorty to assessing and removing his flagging. Please be patient. There are only so many hours he can spend out there, he must be strategic in prioritizing his time so achieve the greatest benefit for all.
Red Shorts only recently got involved this is this multi-year effort to improve this rather unique user maintained trail system . He is not being paid to do this and has considerable expenses as an independent volunteer. He is probably the most visible maintainer in the area and is quite often first responder for blowdown, rock and debris fall , and water management needs. His first priority is safely making the trail passable and protecting the trail from further damage. He acts as an on-site information and education resource for others, especially newcomers to the area. He has assisted many a lost hiker and fully understands the drawbacks of unexperienced users relying on GPS and maps, which they not be able to even afford or obtain.
It should be noted that the "new" trails are in fact old trails (not on any official map) that were used mainly by experienced hikers because they knew that, even cross country, there was a better way coming in from the west to the top of Devil's Rest. The OSM map has again been updated to better reflect the current finalized routes and will be updated further as things progress with further improvements and "new" public trails.
Well Jim, where to next?
Re: Primrose Trail?
Green Way is no more! Shown by update to OSM map below. More signs have been added, relocated, taken down,
as well as Red Shorts now having removed the majority of his prior flagging and temporary signage.
More to come...
Well Jim, where to next?
Re: Primrose Trail?
I'm a proud remover of forest trash, including and especially flagging. The nice thing about tape flagging is it's easy to remove because it's always tied at a convenient height and it's so light. Bring a box cutter to make quick work of removal.
But I'll point out one example of flagging done in a useful way: Goat Mountain near Mt St Helens has a user trail to the top from the Fossil Trail. The user trail is faint and steep (1K+ ft in about a half mile). Somebody has tied orange tape on non-moveable objects at eye level, which, in this case is close to the ground. That somebody even trimmed the tails off. It's just enough flagging to efficiently guide the hiker without the visual offense.
Re: Primrose Trail?
Red Shorts reports that 97 flags he put up have now been removed, 47 more yesterday (May 30th, 2023),
plus all 3 temporary Green Way signage.
GAIA users please note that if you preload the "Outdoors" map layer (Maps © Thunderforest, Data © OpenStreetMap) you will see something like the screen photo below.
Expect all default GPS maps (and Field Guide) to be updated eventually, as the OSM database now has this section renamed to "Old Foxglove Way" and in database as no longer maintained.
Someone has placed logs that you can step over, and still use old trail, at both ends
as is common practice in the area to indicate preferred default routes. Map signs at both ends are contemplated.
There are 3 different routes to the top of Devil's Rest.
Primrose Path comes in from the north and is properly treated on maps.
A "route" is composed of "ways" that can be labeled as different segments. The labeling "Angel's Rest Trail" as a preferred route that includes Red Shorts Cut as a way might be changed to "Red Shorts Cut Trail" route or another name that is more appropriate to avoid confusion, suggestions will be considered!
Note that "Devil's Rest Trail #420c" route is already taken by the official Forest Service trail approaching from the east.
plus all 3 temporary Green Way signage.
GAIA users please note that if you preload the "Outdoors" map layer (Maps © Thunderforest, Data © OpenStreetMap) you will see something like the screen photo below.
Expect all default GPS maps (and Field Guide) to be updated eventually, as the OSM database now has this section renamed to "Old Foxglove Way" and in database as no longer maintained.
Someone has placed logs that you can step over, and still use old trail, at both ends
as is common practice in the area to indicate preferred default routes. Map signs at both ends are contemplated.
There are 3 different routes to the top of Devil's Rest.
Primrose Path comes in from the north and is properly treated on maps.
A "route" is composed of "ways" that can be labeled as different segments. The labeling "Angel's Rest Trail" as a preferred route that includes Red Shorts Cut as a way might be changed to "Red Shorts Cut Trail" route or another name that is more appropriate to avoid confusion, suggestions will be considered!
Note that "Devil's Rest Trail #420c" route is already taken by the official Forest Service trail approaching from the east.
Well Jim, where to next?