'Other' Eagle Creek: troubling access issues

[AaronPDX]

I camped on the 4th of July (and yes, even just feet from the noisy creek I could hear fireworks!).

Salmon berries in abundance; currants as well. Thimble berries not yet mature... Newts/salamanders, mushrooms of course, and tons of spit bug spit!

Ideal temperature and conditions.

VERY overgrown in parts, though some recent trail maintenance was evident. You'll be at an advantage against all the encroaching vegetation if your trekking poles have a machete attachment (joke). (And watch your step where the path is obscured by vegetation; there are some minor surprise obstacles and holes.)

About the entry: There is now no legal access to the trailhead from Harvey Rd. According to the timber company signage, at least. Which makes me wonder how they have the right to block public access to a wilderness trailhead. Anyone know how that works?

See access photos below. Sorry they appear in reverse order; scroll to the bottom and then read upwards. (I look forward to a revamp of this site that brings it into the modern age!)

[-Q-]

Spit bugs
Wow!!
Mystery solved for this guy
Thanks!!

[aiwetir]

That closure looks pretty temporary and I'm sure they have a right to do it especially if it means dropping logs on your car without the closure.

[bobcat]

Yes, that logging operation has been in the works for a while now. I'm pretty sure it's a temporary thing.

How did you get in - via Douglas Trailhead?

As for the photos, it's a three-click process: Choose file, Add the file, Place inline - looks like you missed the third one - then you can put them in any order you want.

[AaronPDX]

Thanks aiwetir and bobcat.

Bobcat, thanks for the photo tip. I did see that option eventually. What I would love is some modernization of the site including drag and drop, and auto image-downsizing. (For the record, I have offered Tom my help with site upgrading.)

I would advocate for more visitor-friendly signage including:
• contact # / website to find out more
• date when access will be restored

As well as some mention online. (It does not appear in the Forest Service's road closure list.)

Also there are certainly days they are not working when they could at least allow hikers to walk in to the trailhead.

There's no more convenient access to this wonderful trail.

[bobcat]

Also there are certainly days they are not working when they could at least allow hikers to walk in to the trailhead.

Agreed. Don't know why they can't have it open on weekends and holidays, but it is private land up to the trailhead. There is a lack of information about this closure. Again, since it's on private land, no one is really under obligation to inform the public . . .

[AaronPDX]

@bobcat: Yes, the lack of information extends to what company is even doing the logging. Do you know a way to find out who owns what? I think I read a while ago that it's Longview (now KapStone), but I'm not certain...

[bobcat]

Yes, it's Longview. BLM owns the land the trailhead is on, but Longview owns the approach although some of that is a county road: http://www.clackamas.us/forests/documen ... ership.pdf

[AaronPDX]

That's a handy resource, bobcat. Thanks. Bit old though (2012); wonder how frequently they update it.

[AaronPDX]

Road closure update in this post:
http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewt ... =7&t=23950