I am planning my annual father/daughter backpack trip and have a tentative idea, but need some input on part of the path. I'm thinking about doing a large loop, starting at the west end of Elk lake, goiing up the Bagby trail to the Whetstone trail, across Whetstone, down the Gold Creek trail (3369?) then across what I think is the road into Opal creek (road 2209?). From there, head down the Battle Ax Creek trail (3339) back to Elk Lake and then hike back to the truck.
Does this make sense? Sound do-able? Anyone know the trail conditions there? I've been on the Opal creek trail recently, but I'm not sure what happens past Jawbone Flats. Is it passable to the junction with Battle Ax Creek trail? Any words of wisdom are appreciated....
Thanks
Rob
Rob,
The only time I've hiked up Battle Ax Cr. was years ago but what I remember is that for at least 3 miles past Jawbone, it is more of a road than a trail. Very easy hiking. Can't remember what it looked like at the top but I thought I remember it being pretty good. Come to think of it, we might have put-in where the trail to Elk Lake crosses Battle Ax Cr (3369 trail?).
Hope this helps a bit.
pete
Thanks, Pete. That is what I understood as well, that it is more or less a road going up the creek. I've never been on that trail and know that some of the trails in that area are getting rather faint. I'm confident we can make something work. I did a little more work on the map last night and it looks like that loop will be around 21 miles or so. Should be do-able on a 3 day trip. It will most definitely be new territory for us!