So I checked the road conditions website and, as of last week, the road is still closed at Trail of Two Forests.
I have a trip planned for next Saturday the 23rd, and was wondering if, in you guys' opinions, the road will have melted out enough so that we won't have to HIKE to the Cave entrance. I mean, the weather looks nice and warm through next week and I'm very hopeful it'll be enough..
What should I expect?
Ape Cave - Road 8303
- anna in boots
- Posts: 2122
- Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:02 pm
- Location: In the moment
Re: Ape Cave - Road 8303
Sauting,
Use Google and then the phone to track down the forest ranger(s) responsible for that area. No one knows more about current conditions and road viability than they. Plus, they might suggest alternate routes or hikes in case your first plan is out.
anna in boots
Use Google and then the phone to track down the forest ranger(s) responsible for that area. No one knows more about current conditions and road viability than they. Plus, they might suggest alternate routes or hikes in case your first plan is out.
anna in boots
Current trip reports at All Thoughts Work™ Outdoors
http://allthoughtsworkoutdoors.wordpress.com/
http://allthoughtsworkoutdoors.wordpress.com/
Re: Ape Cave - Road 8303
Here is a nearby sno-tel which is just a little lower in elevation (2100 ft), and snowless: http://www3.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/nwcc/sntl ... washington
Usually when it is closed for snow, don't the conditions say that? It just says closed, so the road could be closed for some other reason. Calling a ranger is probably a good bet.
Usually when it is closed for snow, don't the conditions say that? It just says closed, so the road could be closed for some other reason. Calling a ranger is probably a good bet.
-Dan
Site Tech Helper
Site Tech Helper
Re: Ape Cave - Road 8303
I know that some of the forest roads are in better condition than the website says regarding meltout from checking them out myself. Some roads will be listed as closed by snow if they aren't open all the way, when they could be open quite a ways.
I don't know the road you're asking about, but at 2500 feet, most roads in the Gifford Pinchot are melted out unless they are very sheltered or accumulate extra snow for some reason. But you might take a saw with you. Some roads are melted out but not cleared of debris. A saw won't help with a huge tree, but I've run into little trees a few inches thick that have blocked me that I could have cut through in minutes.
As to calling the rangers, it's a good idea, but not a guarantee. Sometimes they know and sometimes they don't. And if they don't, they might just say its closed.
I don't know the road you're asking about, but at 2500 feet, most roads in the Gifford Pinchot are melted out unless they are very sheltered or accumulate extra snow for some reason. But you might take a saw with you. Some roads are melted out but not cleared of debris. A saw won't help with a huge tree, but I've run into little trees a few inches thick that have blocked me that I could have cut through in minutes.
As to calling the rangers, it's a good idea, but not a guarantee. Sometimes they know and sometimes they don't. And if they don't, they might just say its closed.
Re: Ape Cave - Road 8303
Thanks for the replies so far.
I'm fairly confident that the road should be snow-free by this weekend, but, like drm pointed out, there could be debris on the road that'd make it impossible to travel. I don't remember ever seeing a gate or other structures that could close the road except at the parking lot to Ape Cave, but I also want to confirm that with people who knows for sure.
I did call the district office, or whatever it's called. Their automated voice update is from APRIL! And when I tried to get a live person, the thing hangs up on me. Twice.
I guess I'll try again later..
Edited to add: Found another number and an actual live person answered! YAY! He said the road's clear except for patches in the shades. So, it's all good.
Thanks for all the replies again.
I'm fairly confident that the road should be snow-free by this weekend, but, like drm pointed out, there could be debris on the road that'd make it impossible to travel. I don't remember ever seeing a gate or other structures that could close the road except at the parking lot to Ape Cave, but I also want to confirm that with people who knows for sure.
I did call the district office, or whatever it's called. Their automated voice update is from APRIL! And when I tried to get a live person, the thing hangs up on me. Twice.
I guess I'll try again later..
Edited to add: Found another number and an actual live person answered! YAY! He said the road's clear except for patches in the shades. So, it's all good.
Thanks for all the replies again.