Rob, I guess we were posting at the same time. I didn't have any tools with me when I hiked Alder Flat to cut stuff out of the way, but I did throw off alot of limbs on the way down.

Wintertime hikes I try to keep short, 2-3 hours, and heading home before dark to miss any ice forming on the roads. With travel time that still puts you out there 5-6 hours. The state keeps the road pretty much plowed and sanded to Ripplebrook, but you are on your own past that. Last winter I was able to drive up to the Big Bottom area almost all winter long, but I haven't been up that far yet this winter, only going as far as Switch Creek.

Sunday I might get out weather permitting.

Merry Christmas to all those who read these posts.

Don

The side trail was very evident, I don't know why I missed it before.

I didn't see any wildlife except for one large rabbit that I scared at the beaver dam.  There were no birds on the pond.

Do you know what that pipe and building above the Oak Grove power station is for?

Merry Christmas!