What about heading up the old Calico road and then dropping down after crssing the creek? I have down that a few times just to make the trip a little more interesting. Though it is entirely possible that that section could be somewhat treacherous as well after flooding. Did your brother attempt that approach, Rob?
Yeah it is the next turnoff. I have traveled up the Calico as far as Third Creek but that was probably back around spring of 07. Conditions could be different now especially after last winter and this year's so far. Generally though the creek crossings were all pretty minor compared to the type you encounter walking up road 54. If you look at the old quads the calico road appears to cover miles and miles of the eastern ridge of the watershed. The lower Calico Road is being overaken by Birch trees and so hiking it requires patience and a long stick.
I am really looking forward to trying to find some remnants of the Cold Springs trail that crosses Fish Creek somewhere near Pick Creek I believe? Late in the season I enjoyed hiking the segment of that trail that took off from road 4540. Didn't get too far though, once I came upon an old clearcut next to the stream I lost sign of the trail. Although seeing the old trail sign was more than worth the climb.
Donovan:
Great info on the old trail. I made it down to the edge of the cut just as you described before turning around. Also found some scattered flagging upstream that crossed the creek but didn't seem to lead anywhere. After I hiked back up to the rig that day I drove down to the 4550 and looked long and hard for a continuation of the trail between pick and shovel creeks. No luck, I think I even drove down the 125 spur. Probably should have gotten out and poked around more, didn't notice any type of flagging either. I am really hoping I can locate some type of remnants near Fish Creek, but with the substantial harvests that took place down there it may be foolhardy to think so. I will still give it a shot though, got to have something to feed my passion during the offseason. Prior to heading down the Cold Springs route I had parked at the same spot on the 4540 and followed some flagging on the opposite side of the road, it led around some blockages on an old road then up onto an old trail. Soon after. the trail came to an open flat that straddled the ridge. I then followed an old 'road' I believe that continued just below or on the ridgeline for probably 2-3 miles. When I finally arrived at a more recent cut that allowed a view looking down into the molalla drainange I became quite confused. I could not get my bearings and none of the landmarks I could see were concurring with the district map I held in my hand. I wonder if this is part of the old trail that you have said runs back and forth along 4540. It was the width of a road but had definitely not been traveled by vehicles in many years, there was also inconsistent flagging and it seems like equestrians had been making good use of it. Where ever I was the walk was worth it because I ended up seeing a sow and her cub just downridge after a slight turn from east to west. I am very eager to explore the section near Round Mtn. I had neglected doing any exploration south of South Fk. Mtn until this last fall. I look forward to getting back up there during a time other than rifle season.
Rob:
I never noticed any boulder on the 4550, road was completely clear. I took the old Hillock Burn Road (45) to get up to this area, seems just as long as if you were to come up 45 from memaloose bridge. Just less traffic and quarry shooting ranges. The section of the cold springs trail off of 4540 is approx a mile from the 4530 / 4540 if I remember correctly. There are two decent sized pullouts on either side of the road one looks like a party spot with a fire ring. The trail is pretty easy to spot, tread is well worn and it is generously covered by sticks and branches. I am still hoping to go check out the flood damage on lower Fish Creek this weekend, I will be sure to snap some photos.
Hey, this old thread is inspiring! Hope to get out to that area soon and check things out. I have been studying the old maps of the area, seems like a mostly forgotten place with a lot of history. Interesting that someone has already been out there scoping things around. It's unfortunate that so much logging occured around there, but maybe there's enough surviving pieces to create a decent trail. Other than Memaloose, there isn't much opportunity for recreation in that part of the district.
Is there a decent camp near the former Cold Sprs. RS?
Anyone notice that the peak near the former ranger station looks a lot like a bunny? Especially on the '16 map.
Hey thanks!
I mapped out the Cold Springs Trail onto the Google Maps satellite (close as I could get)...passes thru 3-4 major clearcuts, but it looks like the bulk of the route may survive. It would be a good trail to fix up, due to the fact it's not in wilderness, but would take a hell of a lot of scouting. There must have been a lot of traffic back there before 54 got washed out, but now it's pretty remote country. Of course it's high up so the season is pretty short up there. And of course there are system trails that need a lot of work as it is.
What is the number for Cold Springs Trail?
Rob:
Regrettably, no news from Fish Creek. Hiking partner was more interested in snowshoeing around the upper Sandy. Hoping to head up Fish Creek solo on Sat., Sportsmens show on Sunday.