The Hollow Whistle of Iron Horses Part IV

...continuation...

Campsites for backpackers and bikers can be found at Carter Creek, 8.3 miles from the tunnel (just past the Bandera sign) and Alice Creek, an additional 3 miles down the trail. McClellan Butte trail shares the signpost with Alice Creek, dropping sharply off the side of the rail trail to the north.

McClellan Butte is named after George B. McClellan, a Civil War general and surveyor during the mid 19th century. In search of the most viable mountain pass for the proposed transcontinental railroad system, McClellan surveyed the Cascades Mountains in 1853. Ignoring nearby Snoqualmie Pass, which would eventually be the actual mountain pass used by the Pacific Railroad, McClellan's efforts did not go unnoticed and "McClellan Butte" was named in his honour.

One of the most popular hiking and climbing destinations in the region, McClellan Butte, a distinct horn-shaped peak rising above South Fork Snoqualmie River Valley, offers a combination of easy hiking trail or a more difficult summit scramble for rock climbers.

Past the signpost marked Garcia and the subsequent gravel road thusly named, two young mountain bikers drop fearlessly off the perpendicular side of the trail into heavy bush and descending trees. Two worn paths indicate where this has been a favourite drop-off for youngsters needing a challenge.

The long curve of Mine Creek trestle at 22.5km (mile-14) offers more spectacular views and a heart-in-mouth peek over the edge as tires bump unevenly over concrete slabs, replacing former wood planks. Approximately 2km (one mile) west, the Change Creek and Hull Creek trestles span two more seemingly bottomless gorges along the precipitous rock face of Deception Crags.

Late afternoon, clouds descended, hiding prominent McClellan's Butte and greasing the sheer bluff of Deception Crags, a favourite spot for rock climbers. Frequently, climbers can be seen both directly above the trail, and across the valley, northward. Taking a rain jacket is highly recommended on a cloudy day, as it's more than likely to rain than not. Riding through clouds, over trestles traversing seemingly thin strips of rivers hundreds of feet below, swirling mist allays height fears.

Twin Creek hiking trail descends steeply 17 miles past the summit towards Twin Falls. Numerous waterfalls and creeks splash noisily down the mountainside disappearing deep beneath the rail trail. Rarely was a stream or creek on the hillside seen to exit directly below the trail. Rushing water can be heard far below, but it's noisy exit, invisible.

A mile further, "Ragnar" signage (pic) indicates where the storage yard and old depot was located. A large meadow is home now to piles of rusting metal, mounds of removed creosote soaked ties, and greyed wooden beams. Coasting past the dilapidating piles of railway history, Boetzke Creek trestle marks the final trestle on the almost 30km (18.5-mile) bike ride, and more spectacular views over the Yakima Valley and Snoqualmie River.

Cedar Butte and Boxley Creek indicates the 33.79km (21-Mile) mark, although there are few signs indicating milestones on the trail. One sign painted as 11.2-miles is the only indication you are halfway to your destination. Signage for visitors would be most helpful in gauging where you are, how far you've travelled and how much further you have to go.

Twin Falls signage, along with everything but Rattlesnake Lake, mark the entrance to the parking lot off the trail, unless one chooses to ride further towards Twin Falls. Again, no signage indicating Rattlesnake Lake is a little disconcerting when it's getting late and you don't want to be on the wrong trail as dusk descends. Weaving through unmarked forested trails, the overflow parking lot is a short jaunt from Rattlesnake Lake.

...continued...
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LadyImp

LadyImp

Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada

Not looking for anyone. Moving from an unmoderated site to this one, simply for blogging. Prince Charming fell off his horse into a pumpkin patch and is looking for shards of the glass slipper - frog who's good with tools preferred. Ribbit. [read more]

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