Manila Discussion archive for:

  • Ground truth for part of Grouse Point Trail 517 vs USGS TOPO


    I think most of us know how bad the USGS TOPO map trail locations can be so I thought readers on this site might find the following map of the hike I did yesterday interesting. Here is a link to the big version of the map. Various sizes are here. The direction of the hike was counterclockwise in the direction of Shining Lake starting from Frazer Fork Campground. Eventually I'll go back and do the GPS track for this section of the 517 starting from 4611 to the intersection with Dry Ridge.

    Since I was off trail coming to the intersection with the #517, it was important to get the waypoint for the intersection correct - after looking at the map, I attribute my use of the USGS TOPO trail information for locating the intersection with the #517 to dumb luck My waypoint was right on but when I got there, I had to stand in the trail to actually see the path as it is so faint. My kind of trail. I walked off it only once and another time had to head scratch. There's blaze, ribbons here and there - very steep in spots.

    And another item from the GPS track, I can see why people miss Grouse Point - the trail doesn't exactly go there.

     It was a great day - the heat got to me towards the end - mosquitoes were real bad at times.

    --Paul

    Paul Turner
    Ground truth for part of Grouse Point Trail 517 vs USGS TOPO
  • Re: Ground truth for part of Grouse Point Trail 517 vs USGS TOPO (#)
  • 8/17/08; 12:43:04 PM ¦ by Donovan
  • Very nice. It looks like you came on to 517 at or near the old camp and spring. Looking forward to the truthing of the rest. With the exception of one bypassed switchback, the rest down to the river and up to 4611 should be more accurate.
    If you ever do find the side trail to Grouse Point, please flag it. That stretch of trail needs a place to pause and take in a view.
    517 from Roaring R to 518 is one of our least used trails. Definitely not for the faint of heart. Elk use it more in places than humans do. They are the ones who shorted the switchback first. Then a crew cleared their 45 degree ramp.
    • Re: Ground truth for part of Grouse Point Trail 517 vs USGS TOPO (#)
    • 8/18/08; 7:26:22 AM ¦ by Robert Koscik
    • For what it's worth, the west side of 517 past the Roaring River is clear and only about 1/2 mile down to the river.  It's a STEEP 1/2 mile though!  FS 4611 is pretty crazy but the solitude makes up for it.  Very beautiful country on an old Indian trail.