I was on it about 3 years ago.  My recollection was that it is pretty faint on the far side of the river - I remember we lost the trail for a while on the way up the hill.  It is pretty steep on both sides as well, but maybe things have improved in the last 3 years (I kind of doubt it - that section doesn't get much traffic).

About 8 years ago, tthe FS hired a contractor to saw out the other side from the river to Dry Ridge . About halfway up the hill, which is punishing by the way, they bypassed a switch back and followed the elk trail up the spine of the ridge instead.

From Dry Ridge to 518, the trail is little maintained and walks a Rhododendron thicket.

The good view is from the old helipad, just before the trail starts down to Cache Meadows.

There is no water beyond the spring on the way out of the river bottom. The kerosene can spring.

Let us know how it goes!

D

Thanks guys. Rob was this trail part of your death march with Paul you told me about? I never did get the details.

Another question, how far is it on 4611 from the end of the gravel to the beginning of the 517..? I also just realized the title of my first post is wrong..

BrianEdwards said
Thanks guys. Rob was this trail part of your death march with Paul you told me about? I never did get the details.

Another question, how far is it on 4611 from the end of the gravel to the beginning of the 517..? I also just realized the title of my first post is wrong..

Hey Brian,

Answering for Rob, yes, the 517 was our exit out the RR at the end of a long day.

I did a trip report on a hike in the area a while back and posted to Portland Hikers - there's a map at the end with my GPS track that might provide some useful info. There is a  GPX file available from the most excellent Trail Advocate's Trail Guide for the 517 entry. The TH for the #517 off the 4611 used to be signed.

At the end of this month I'm going to be going up Dry Ridge and down the 517 to do some maintenance - return on Sounds.

--Paul