MPond wrote:
...
I'm also checking out the trails over Bethel Ridge. But I wish I knew someone in the area with a Jeep who wanted to go for a day-trip...
NF 1500 from US12 up to the ridge, and down the otherside to WA410 is good forest service gravel. NF 324 along the ridge as far as the communications site is an easy drive. 325 further east gets rougher.
There are good views from 324, both of Rim Rock Lake and the mountains (Rainier, Adams).
The only problem with 1500 might be snow drifts in the shade early in the summer. But I've had that kind of problem in the Sierras of I80 too.
1500 meets 410 near where a major landslide forced WSDOT to build a detour on highway.
A short hike off 410 is Boulder Cave
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/boulder-caveA the pass on 410, Naches Peak loop is very nice
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/naches-peak-loopEven if you don't camp at Ohanapecosh, hiking the Grove of the Patriarchs is well worth it (on WA123)
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/grove-of-the-patriarchsSkate Creek Rd NF52 is a paved road between the SE corner of the Nat Park and Packwood. It can be a fine way of completing a loop through Paradise.
