Eliot Branch Crossing Status (see last post for update)
- Splintercat
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Re: Timberline Trail Elliot creek new trail report
Those were probably Forest Service contractors, not Forest Service employees -- the trail is still closed, per Mount Hood National Forest.
Tom
Tom
Re: Timberline Trail Elliot creek new trail report
That will please the kids no end and make them eager to join you next time around to fatigue you some more!abeizen1 wrote: (in which Dad was exhausted at the end!).
Cool that the new trail is finally taking shape.
Some people are really fit at eighty; thankfully I still have many years to get into shape…
- rainrunner
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- Joined: June 29th, 2011, 6:55 am
Re: Timberline Trail Elliot creek new trail report
Tom, we ran into a couple hiking the TT and they said the ranger told them NOT to take the ropes, rather the new route.
Ann
Ann
The mountains are calling and I must go.
John Muir
John Muir
- biketowork
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- Joined: May 21st, 2012, 7:19 am
Re: Timberline Trail Elliot creek new trail report
My family camped out at Cloud Cap Saddle on Wednesday night and I had a chance to chat with some of the contractors. They were eager to both finish and get people on the new trail. They mentioned they were going to do a better job marking it and posting signs to direct people hiking. They also mentioned that despite them finishing soon, and not minding hikers using the trail, that it would not be officially open for a little while.
Re: Timberline Trail Elliot creek new trail report
Here are some pics of the new Elliott Creek crossing
- Splintercat
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Re: Timberline Trail Elliot creek new trail report
I checked in with the Hood River Ranger District recreation manager, and she was surprised that the contractors had said that -- they've been expressly told to direct people away from the trail during the construction phase (as there is still tree felling going on, and a lot of other rough hazards on the more finished portions). It's still officially closed, so if trail contractor tells you otherwise, feel free to correct them, per the USFS! But my advice continues to be: wait 'til next summer. There are plenty of other trails to hike on Mount Hood, after all!Tom, we ran into a couple hiking the TT and they said the ranger told them NOT to take the ropes, rather the new route.
Ann
Tom
- Splintercat
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- retired jerry
- Posts: 14424
- Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:03 pm
Re: Eliot Branch Crossing Status
I just did this
I would recommend the new route. It's essentially done - just a couple bumpy places to level out.
The contractors said I was fine.
From the West side, traffic is directed to the new route - there are branches across the old trail
From the East side there's a "trail closed sign" but it doesn't say "no trespassing" or anything
It's just a typical Mt Hood trail - good tread with few rocks or anything. Except for the Eliot crossing, but it's not too bad especially compared to other stream crossings. Really good job by the Forest Service.
New route is an extra 150 feet of elevation loss and gain, and maybe a little further, but the trail is so much easier it's worth it. No question.
I don't know what to say about the official administration recommendation that the trail is closed.
Eventually, someone was going to get hurt crossing at the ropes. There was some risk from a rock falling on you or a rock slide. New trail so much better.
I would recommend the new route. It's essentially done - just a couple bumpy places to level out.
The contractors said I was fine.
From the West side, traffic is directed to the new route - there are branches across the old trail
From the East side there's a "trail closed sign" but it doesn't say "no trespassing" or anything
It's just a typical Mt Hood trail - good tread with few rocks or anything. Except for the Eliot crossing, but it's not too bad especially compared to other stream crossings. Really good job by the Forest Service.
New route is an extra 150 feet of elevation loss and gain, and maybe a little further, but the trail is so much easier it's worth it. No question.
I don't know what to say about the official administration recommendation that the trail is closed.
Eventually, someone was going to get hurt crossing at the ropes. There was some risk from a rock falling on you or a rock slide. New trail so much better.
Re: Eliot Branch Crossing Status
Good enough for RJ, good enough for me.
"The top...is not the top" - Mile...Mile & a Half
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