Moments in Dirt and Ink

Six Rivers National Forest DAY 1  |  DAY 2 Click for interactive map It wasn't all that cold in the dim morning light. I wasn't all that quick at breakfast before we headed out for an expected long day, which could be longer due to uncertain snow conditions. Under the big trees as we start up the Summit Valley Trail (3E07). We passed various trees cut from the trail, smaller than I remembered, as we curved around to an already known obstacle, a fallen tree much bigger than any I remembered. That saw that was used along Forks of Blue just before I traveled there might be big enough. I think those were only up to my chin. This is taller than we are, even lying down, and its well centered across the trail to maximize difficulty in going around on the hillside. And, of course, it didn't come down without collateral damage to the surrounding trees. We headed up and up and eventually around and down again to get to the real trail climb. There is still no sign ...

Six Rivers National Forest DAY 1  |  DAY 2 Click for map I didn't exactly jump at the chance to head up South Kelsey when Daniil offered the trip, but it has been nearly 5 years since I was on it and he had the good sense to want to go up the mountain, not just stay by the river, and there was a break in the rain. And it would be a sad thing to waste a break in the rain. And it would be a sad thing to miss a chance to hike something other than another loop through the community forest. On the drive up, I noticed I'd forgotten how pretty the Smith River can be. The G-O Road looked a little more clear, the narrow gravel off it to the trailhead and trailhead looked just the same. The trail is still in outstanding shape with bits of water passing it frequently. It's a while to see the river. The vertical rock walls are a thick garden of green. It wasn't a problem for me when I last was on this trail, but I recall hearing that Yellowjacket Creek can be a...