Post
by TheProfessor » July 12th, 2013, 8:16 am
The trail down to Russell Lk and the Park is clear as
it is on the South facing slope of the ridge.
It was a bare trail as far as we hiked down
(less than 1/3 of the way).
With a newbie, probably more difficulty on the way up to
the ridge (especially the last snowfield). Might want to
go a little later in the day when it gets soft. We went up and
down it successive days after Noon and had little slippage.
A bit steep in spots, so contouring back and forth
without spikes on was necessary. Poles helped huge!
On your way up to the snowfield you should see footprinted paths
in any snowy patches, but look for pink ribbons on the trees, rock cairns,
and single or crossed sticks jammed vertically in the snow.
There are a few, but not excessive, number of trailblazes.
The saddle of the ridge has a waist-high rock cairn with a metal pole.
A multi-color windsock is attached to the pole. My hiking companion said
he could see "the flag in the wind" from the bottom of the
snowfield, and we used that as an aiming point.
It is shown roughly on the ridge above the left hand
"Park Ridge" in the snowfield pic above.
As to fires, I never have them, so couldn't say definitvely.
I know I have camped at Park sites that had fire rings...
BTW, the cutoff road across from FR46, FR4220, going right along the MtJeffWild boundary
(which is the lower end of Skyline Rd going past Ollalie Lk) is passable, but rough and rutted.
I have a high ground clearance truck, but saw subcompacts and minivans on road.
Can't say about coming down Skyline Rd from Ollalie Lk though. Had been told the road was
REALLY rough on the ridge just after Horseshoe Lk, but that was from a few years ago.
Enjoy your hike...won't be many folks out...we saw a total of 2 parties, both PCTr's coming
out of the Park. The Breitenbush trailhead parking lot was completely empty.
