Clearing Trees, Finding Snow

Today was supposed to be my annual spring tree clearing trip for the side trails along the Rubicon Trail.

When I got to the bottom of the Middle Fork Trail, I found the gate still locked. It was supposed to be unlocked on June 1st. The gate on the paved road to the top of Barker Pass was also locked. It was supposed to be unlocked on June 15th.

I’ve already sent an email to the Forest Service complaining.

So, not able to clear 15N38, 16E79 and 16E76, I headed for the Rubicon. I went up the Sourdough Trail and cleared eight trees from the trail. I was the first 4-wheeled vehicle to the top this year. But it looked like a pair of motorcycles had already made the journey.

Work smarter, not harder. Fewer chainsaw cuts and more winching.

My reward for clearing that first tree was three down in the same area, right around the corner.

With time on my hands, I tried my luck up the Ellis Lake/Peak Trail. It is quite narrow these days. I was able to get to the area with the open meadow.

This one/group was on the Ellis Peak/Lake Trail. I left it as it was quite large and the go around was not crazy off trail.

Further up the Ellis Trail the snow became more than I was willing to take on. I had already busted through a few drifts and winched over one.

The trail is under all that snow as it goes into the trees! Think side hill on slippery snow, sliding into the trees. No thanks.

I also popped up the Buck Lake Trail but only to the lake, not above. Maybe next week I’n try again, but the FS needs to open a few gates.

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Rubicon Ronin