Benson Plateau update

[drm]

Was up there recently - my first visit to the plateau. Much melting progress. My full report is at http://www.deanmyerson.org/benson_plateau_1

I went up from Herman Crk, via the bridge and then the PCT. Camped at the PCT/Benson Way junction and did dayhikes up Benson Way trail to Ruckle Ck (no snow) and up the PCT and right to Benson Camp (patches still). There were many flies up there, but not biting, just a nuisance, flying into my ears and behind my glasses. They went away in the evening and weren't there in the morning.

More details at the report above.

As to Teakettle Spring - its just a trickle now. Does anybody know if this is year-round reliable?

Teakettle Spring

Ruckle Creek at the Ruckle Creek / Benson Way trail junction

near camp

Typical PCT on the plateau

Benson Camp

Cutie near Herman Ck bridge

[joerunner]

Thanks. Any idea what the conditions are further South on the pct towards Whatum lake and around to the Hermann creek trail?

[drm]

Joerunner - There was a group camped at Ruckle Creek that had come down the PCT from Wahtum Lake. They said that there was a fair amount of snow and they needed GPS to find the way.

As to Herman Creek, I was up that was a few weeks ago. It's mostly clear. You would probably run into snow only in the last section near the rim above Wahtum Lake.

[MarkInTheDark]

Fantastic photos! Thank you for the Benson Plateau update!

[Thomas M]

Tea Kettle has had water in it within the last couple of years. Although it slows to just barely a trickle, it always has a small pool of clear water available for use. Unless the year is an especially dry one, I think you can get water there....that is until it's covered in snow again.
Has anyone else seen it totally dried out recently????

[texasbb]

As to Teakettle Spring - its just a trickle now. Does anybody know if this is year-round reliable?

I was there August 4 last year and it looked almost exactly like your picture. Seehttp://www.portlandhikers.org/forum/vie ... ttle#p3369

--Todd

[jimsiff]

As of Friday/Saturday, the Benson was basically clear except for a few small patches covering Ruckel Creek Tr. and the PCT was clear. Herman Creek was clear to the Anthill, but covered in 1'+ from there to at least the intersection with Tomlike. With a bit of wandering you could find your way, but wait a week or two and the snow should be gone. The rest of the Wahtum area appeared clear of snow from what I could tell. Eagle Creek Trail is snow free and at least eye-level (for a 6'3" person) cleared of brush to just above Inspiration Point, where my clippers broke. From there the brush is a bit cozy in spots until 7.5 Mile camp.