This report is a combination of two trips - the first being on August 22-23 and the other being August 26-27. The weather for both was similar. Although the road down to the trailhead isn't ideal, if you take it slow, and it's dry, a passenger car could manage. The secluded nature is the highlight of this trip, along with the old railroad relics. There are also several awesome swimming holes if the weather is right. If you can get all the way to the end of the road where the trail begins, it's about a 3 mile hike to your campsite. The trail runs parallel to the North Fork of the Salmonberry with gradual ups and downs with views of the river down below.
One of our groups at a small seasonal waterfall along the way
This trail is not marked, and not often used, so there are several snags and thick undergrowth to work through at times, but for the most part it is a very pleasant, easy stroll along the old jeep road.
There are a couple options for camping. One is a grassy site up above the confluence of the North Fork of the Salmonberry and the Main Fork. It's a little bit of a huff to get down to the water, but a nice site otherwise. This is where the group on 8/22 camped.
The other option for camping is a little closer to the water than is ideal, but is a more durable surface for camping. To get there, take the path downhill from the grassy site, cross the Salmonberry River (around knee deep this time of year), and there is a nice large site about 50 yards northeast of the crossing. Our group on 8/26 camped here.
For a little extra adventure, you can make a rope assisted climb up the hill from the river campsite up to an old railbed.
Take a right at the top of the rope and follow the path until you come around a corner to find this surprise:
You can wander as far down the tracks as your heart desires. If you follow the rails southwest you'll find spots where old rail bridges used to stand, and even another tunnel within just a couple of miles.
There is also a fantastic swimming hole right next to the riverside camp if you're brave enough for the 40 degree water! There's even a good jumping rock
Or you can just lounge
End of a perfect day
North Fork Salmonberry River 8/22-8/23 & 8/26-8/27
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North Fork Salmonberry River 8/22-8/23 & 8/26-8/27
Last edited by didymus128 on September 20th, 2014, 2:34 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- retired jerry
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Re: North Fork Salmonberry River 8/22-8/23 & 8/26-8/27
hmmm, I wonder why I can't see your pictures
- retired jerry
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- Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:03 pm
Re: North Fork Salmonberry River 8/22-8/23 & 8/26-8/27
maybe this will work
- retired jerry
- Posts: 14417
- Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:03 pm
Re: North Fork Salmonberry River 8/22-8/23 & 8/26-8/27
nope, I don't know how to use the img code
Re: North Fork Salmonberry River 8/22-8/23 & 8/26-8/27
Seems to be that last parameter on the URL. Changing it to dl=1 brings the photo through:retired jerry wrote:maybe this will work
Press the Quote button on this post, to see the very minor edit I made.
Didymus, if you edited your original post, just changing that one last character on each image link, they ought to show up fine (albeit at full res).
Karl
Back on the trail, again...
Back on the trail, again...
- retired jerry
- Posts: 14417
- Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:03 pm
Re: North Fork Salmonberry River 8/22-8/23 & 8/26-8/27
One of us is cleverer or maybe more persistent
Re: North Fork Salmonberry River 8/22-8/23 & 8/26-8/27
Or spent far too much time online.retired jerry wrote:One of us is cleverer or maybe more persistent
Karl
Back on the trail, again...
Back on the trail, again...