Wolf Creek Trestle Hike - 2014-03-01

[flydunes]

My first post and contribution to an amazing resource. Thank you Trailkeepers of Oregon!!!

Fun hike, and relatively close in for those on the west side of town. Interesting stuff you don't see on other hikes, such as long tunnels, tall trestles and apocalyptic dangling sections of railroad track over steep creek canyons. You never really have to worry about being off-piste. The tracks are always close at hand.

The tunnels are long and dark enough that you should really pull out a flashlight, but the pitch black sections are short enough that you can get through OK without one if you do a slow zombie shuffle through the darkest bits.

For the most part, it's really easy hiking, the track is relatively smooth and filled in considering its a train track, and there are side trails in many places where you can avoid the tracks if you want. But there are some sections where having to walk on the railroad ties gets a little tedious.

You probably don't want to get caught out on the trail after sundown... Plenty of surprise wash-outs and big gaps under the track.

There was no snow as of today (1-Mar-2014), and no excessively muddy parts on the trail. This is a pretty good option for a winter hike.

[justpeachy]

This looks like the abandoned/damaged railroad along the Salmonberry River, yes?

[miah66]

Been meaning to do this one!

Karl, this is where we should try to hike sometime!

[flydunes]

This looks like the abandoned/damaged railroad along the Salmonberry River, yes?

Yes.

[Rustygoat]

Very cool and on my to hike list. Thanks for sharing

[forestkeeper]

Nice TR! Where's the best place to start? I live on the extreme east side near Estacada.

[retired jerry]

"Where's the best place to start?"

It's in the field guide:

http://www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org ... oast_Hikes

under "Tillamook branch"

Bobcat has created every possible route

[flydunes]

"Where's the best place to start?"

It's in the field guide:

http://www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org ... oast_Hikes

under "Tillamook branch"

Bobcat has created every possible route

Bobcat has done an amazing job with the field guides he's posted. I'm looking forward to some of the other sections of the trail. I think I'll give the Belding Trailhead a shot next time.

[forestkeeper]

Very cool. Thanks! Is this overnight friendly? And would it be safe to leave your vehicle overnight without having the local rednecks having a heyday? I'm kinda of a lollidogger hiker so a 10 mile hike one way is about all I could muster in a day.

[BakerDan]

I went out yesterday to check out the same hike and loved it! It was too rainy to take any good pictures, but the trail holds up nicely despite all the washouts and landslides trying to destroy the tracks. I left my car at the Cochran "trailhead" and it was fine. It's been said before, but this is a great winter hike!!