There were some rough skinned newts in the water that we watched for a bit.Īfter a short break at the lake we continued on crossing the outlet on some logs. Skunk cabbage, shooting stars, and marsh marigolds across the lake. The crossing was made just a bit tricky by a downed log in the middle of the creek which required some awkward steps on potentially slick rocks.īeyond the creek the trail made a long switchback up to Memaloose Lake. The trail crossed a couple of small streams before climbing to a more substantial crossing of Memaloose Creek.Īnother stream crossing, this one with skunk cabbage. The 1.4 mile trail gained 700′ as it climbed through a lush green forest. Hood National Forest and quickly enters the Clackamas Wilderness. The Memaloose Lake Trail starts uphill into the Mt. We picked our way slowly around (and sometimes through) the obstacles and eventually made it to the trailhead. For their part the Forest Service was in the process of clearing brush and debris along the road but there was still quite a bit of work to do as some downed trees had been worked on just enough to allow vehicles to get by. There was a short section of pavement before turning to a pothole filled mess. From that highway it was 23 miles to the trailhead and although most two digit forest roads are paved or at least good gravel FR 45 was not. While the repairs are nearly finished FR 45 was still closed 3.5 miles from Highway 242 meaning we would need to take FR 45 from Highway 211. This was the recommended way to the trailhead as the fist 11.2 miles were paved and the final mile was good gravel. The 2014 36 Pit Fire forced the closure of FR 45 at Highway 224 after damaging a section of the road. The trailhead is along Forest Road 45 which runs between Highway 242 and Highway 211. Four of Heather’s running buddies (we won’t name names but you know you you are) were open to our 5am start time so we swung by and had them follow us to the first of two stops at the Memaloose Lake Trail. We had the rare opportunity to have company on one of our outings on our vacation.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |