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Wood Camp, 19 May, 2019

Twelve hikers took a chance on a rainy forecast and headed up to Wood Camp: Brent, Susan, Maggie, Rachel, Teresa, Laurel, Jaren, Bryce, Bree, Jane, Dave W, and Dave P (leader). The skies were cloudy all day but the rain held off. There was still plenty of water around though—springs were running high and we had to use a wet log bridge and railing for the upper Wood Camp stream crossing.

We departed from the standard Jardine Juniper trail after the upper Wood Camp stream crossing to follow the old trail up the East Fork. It was steep and required frequent breather breaks, but was in reasonably good shape. We passed an interesting rock formation and pillar near the spring that appeared to be a cemented limestone conglomerate. After the trail entered the upper meadow and we could see the standard trail on the hillside above us. Mud and young trees finally made following the old trail too rough, so we cut up to the standard trail. At that point we took a break to consider whether to go farther up the standard trail. We decided to go ahead since rain didn’t appear imminent. The trail soon became eroded and muddy in spots and we were glad to learn that the Forest Service is planning a new trail higher on the slope. We stopped at the bench for lunch.

The way down on the standard trail was easy and we had plenty of time to stop and botanize. Many wildflowers were blooming, with yellow the dominant color. The cool cloudy weather apparently kept the butterflies and other insects from flying and only a few birds were seen, but overall it was a refreshing spring outing.

Trip Summary:

  • 12 participants: Brent, Susan, Maggie, Rachel, Teresa, Laurel, Jaren, Bryce, Bree, Jane, Dave W, and Dave P (leader)
  • Organized carpools and drove 13 miles to the Wood Camp Trailhead
  • Started hiking about 8:40, lunch from 10:45 - 11:10, back at the trailhead before 1:00 and Logan by 1:30
  • Overcast skies, cool, with threat of rain
  • Hiked about 5.9 miles with 1400 feet of ascent.

Thanks to Dave P. for photos and the narrative, Brent and Susan for photos and Dave W. for photos and the GPS data.

Starting out under threatening skies
Crossing the stream Hiking through the brush and up to the regular trail
Passing the Wilderness Boundary sign
Lunch at the trailside bench
Pack rain covers in bright green, a popular trail accessory

Lower Wood Camp Hollow

Wild strawberry

Heartleaf arnica

Bluebells Fairy bells
Waterleaf Oregon grape
Goosefoot violet, pine violet Glacier lily
Steershead bleeding heart Yellow fritillary
Larkspur Gray's biscuitroot
Arrowleaf balsamroot Long stalk spring parsley
Western valarian Tufa rock
False Solomon's seal (left) and star-flowered false Solomon's seal (right), both in early bloom
Our GPS track shows about 5.9 miles with 1400 feet of ascent and descent

You can look at our route using Google Earth or download our GPS file.