Kirk and I decided to celebrate New Years and take advantage of the lack of snow by heading out to the Rho Creek trail today. I hadn't been on this trail since 2006 - I've been meaning to get back there, but it just never bubbled to the top of the list until now. This trail is very much under appreciated!
First, here is the 4672 road where the trail crosses it (above the clearcut - about 3900' I believe)
Next, after stumbling around Rho Meadow (more of a swamp, really), we finally stumbled across the remains of the Rho Ridge Guard station - it made for a nice place to eat lunch - this was about the most snow we saw all day - most of the trail was completely snow free:
Lastly, on our way back, while hurrying back to the truck to beat the sun, we noticed this interesting post and rock cairn next to the trail. It doesn't appear to have been a trail junction. Anyone know what it is?
As I said, this trail is very much under appreciated. When I was here in 2006, it was just recently recovered from abandonment. It was still lightly travelled. Today, even though it is more travelled than it was, it is evident that it still sees very little traffic. For a trail that takes you though so many areas, has a nice little creek as constant companion, and some beautiful forest, it deserves better.
If you haven't hiked this trail, I highly recommend it. The only caveat is that this trail can be difficult to follow in spots. You need to pay attention when hiking it. If you do, it should not be hard to follow.
Rob Williams said
Next, after stumbling around Rho Meadow (more of a swamp, really), we finally stumbled across the remains of the Rho Ridge Guard station -
Lastly, on our way back, while hurrying back to the truck to beat the sun, we noticed this interesting post and rock cairn next to the trail. It doesn't appear to have been a trail junction. Anyone know what it is?
To quote from Bob Bagby's mining claim survey: "Post in mound of stones with bearing trees COR NO 5"
I've only hiked the highest section of this trail, dropping down from the Rhododendron Ridge Trail to the first stream crossing. Like you say its a nice hike through old growth forest with a pretty stream.
His mining claim went way over near Rho Creek?
That post is at a trail junction. The trail over to Jim Meadow. I followed it a bit to see if it went to the head of the creek, springs, etc., but had to move along.
Looking later at satellite pictures I believe I concluded that if it was along the edge of a clearcut from the road above, there might be enough of it remaining to make a side trip to Jim Meadows.
I presume you also noticed the other post. Old 571 I think. That one is harder to follow as it is in young scrub pine. It seems what ever meadow there was has grown in.
D. 2
Here's a map snippet that shows a trail heading north from where the post was (I think).
Is "Old 571" the trail that skirts the northeast edge of the meadow? It is a very straight trail, which made it easier for us to follow. I think the old blazes along there were painted over with red.