HI,
Yesterday I hiked what would normally be one of my favorite lollipop routes; Ramona Falls TH / PCT / Timberline Trail and back down Ramona Falls.
Log crossing for the Sandy River
Evidence of clearing already done since Labor Day
Crossing the lower Muddy Fork
First snow at just over 4,000 feet
There were a fair number of trees down on the climb up to the Timberline trail, but very manageable. Arriving at the Timberline Trail
Getting ready to head down the Timberline Trail cutoff
Snow disappeared not long after the bottom of the Timberline cutoff and the trail was in pretty good shape. Approaching the upper Muddy Fork crossing
Crossing the Muddy Fork was not a problem. I had water shoes with me and only went up to my knees. Snow bridge upstream from the crossing was looking pretty thin. I wasn't alone taking a break
Shortly after Muddy Fork, damage from the Labor Day wind appeared and didn't let up until just short of the Yocum Ridge Trail. I spent several hours moving through this section. At times I was 6-8 feet off the ground climbing over, around and between fallen trees. Walking trunks was sketchy but frequently helpful. There is at least one short, dangerously (and not obviously) unstable slope that's good for a 100+ foot slide down a gully.
Toward the end of the damage I encountered the worst conditions. Looking at my path forward
Ramona Falls was lovely there were only two people when I showed up (three more came just before I left)
I would be surprised to see the Muddy Fork to Yocum section of the Timberline Trail cleared this year.
Happy Hiking,
Rob
Ramona/PCT/Timberline loop -- 05/31/2021
Re: Ramona/PCT/Timberline loop -- 05/31/2021
That bridge pic! I had heard it looks different now. Yep, sure does.
- retired jerry
- Posts: 14426
- Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:03 pm
Re: Ramona/PCT/Timberline loop -- 05/31/2021
Is that the bridge that was recently built on the way to Ramona Falls? Wow, that used to be all forested, looks like a bunch of trees fell.
Hmmm... maybe that route between Yocum Ridge and Muddy Fork should be avoided?
Must be nearing time for me to go check it out?
Hmmm... maybe that route between Yocum Ridge and Muddy Fork should be avoided?
Must be nearing time for me to go check it out?
Re: Ramona/PCT/Timberline loop -- 05/31/2021
NOTICE: Trail #600 from the South Fork of the Muddy Fork to the intersection of the Yocum Ridge trail (#771) is CLOSED due to trail destruction. Downfall across this trail renders this trail impassible. Please do not attempt it. We on search and rescue have just completed our second injury rescue from this downfall area in as many weeks. Both parties were found mid-way through this downfall, which last about ~2mi. If you wish to access Ramona Falls from Top Spur Trailhead, do so by heading South on the PCT down to the Sandy River (Ramon Falls Trail #797). Do not attempt to go from Top Spur through #600 or vice versa. Thank you!
Re: Ramona/PCT/Timberline loop -- 05/31/2021
kkretz, welcome. Thank you for the work you do. I hope none of the rescue team were injured in the process.
From Elevation Changes blog:
From Elevation Changes blog:
- retired jerry
- Posts: 14426
- Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:03 pm
Re: Ramona/PCT/Timberline loop -- 05/31/2021
Deja vu - this is like a few years ago when it was closed due to landslides. Several SAR rescues.
-
- Posts: 55
- Joined: July 14th, 2020, 1:42 pm
Re: Ramona/PCT/Timberline loop -- 05/31/2021
Thanks for the update, kkretz. I contacted the folks at Zigzag ranger station yesterday and it sounds like Muddy Fork to Yocum was closed after the last rescue. Ranger said signs are going up now.
--Rob
--Rob