Forum Discussion
MPond
Mar 14, 2013Explorer
paulj wrote: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-cave
A the pass on 410, Naches Peak loop is very nice
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/naches-peak-loop
Even 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-patriarchs
Skate 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.
Thanks, Paul! This is great information.
Like this?
1. Head up WA 12, and run Bethel Ridge with a side trip up 324 to the power lines
2. Various hikes off of 410
3. Run up Sunrise
4. Continue on to Paradise
5. Loop back to Packwood on Skate Creek Rd NF52
http://goo.gl/maps/0sHNu
And 2 questions:
1. Do you think we could do this in a day?
2. It looks like we have to head West to the park boundry to cross over to Skate Creek Road. Is that correct?
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