University Falls Loop Hike 120818

[mjanardh]

For years avoided this hike due to the proximity and criss-crossing with the OHV/ORV users, besides the shooting ranges. But with the Gorge predicted icy for the weekend, decided to check this out anyway. When I arrived at Roger Camp TH on Route 6, the TH was like a fair, tons of people , tents and food, coffee and toys and other stuff we being sold. Also a 'toys-for-tots drive in full swing. It was too late for me to turn around, so decided to check the University Falls soon and took the Gravelle Brothers Trail to Wilson River Wagon Road Trail to Nels Rogers Trail to Roger Camp TH. Did not meet anyone on Gravelle, but passed 1 man, 2 women, 2 bikers, 1 woman on Wilson River Wagon Rd trail, and just 2 men and the same bikers (dad/son) back on Nels Rogers. That would be all the hikers on the entire loop. Most of the crowd that I saw at the TH were probably doing the OHV/ORV or just turned up for the toy drive. Gravelle Brothers was quiet, Wilson and Nels was noisy the whole time from OHV and Shooting range. The good news is that the trails are nicely inter woven that you hear them, but dont see them. The trail had a layer of ice and the bridges were icy as well, but traction was not needed, just careful walking. I was amazed to see the scars and remains of the Tillamook burn of 1933~1949 still visible even after 70 years, although nature has recovered for the most part.
In all per my GPS ~10 miles and 1850 EG.

[bobcat]

Thanks for the report. That hike is a great introduction to the idea of "multiple use" (whether you like it or not), but the design of the trail system has worked all of these years with the different groups respectful of each other's territory. If I remember, there used to be an ATV closure there during the wet months but maybe not anymore.

[mjanardh]

bobcat, have to agree that there seems to be a sense of live and let live understanding between the different types of trail users and obey the posted regulations. Been there twice in the past few weeks (once the full loop and then just up to the falls and back) and i liked it. On both occasions it rained the whole time, and i saw OHVs up and about. As snow makes its way, the OHV activity will recede and great snowshoe opportunity!