Knowing what I now know about the "new trailhead" at the pit, I wished I had taken a better look at the old road that leaves that area and goes north around the mountain. This is probably where the connecting trail is located that I saw higher on the mountain. If so, that would make for a much nicer route up the mountain avoiding the road walk to the watershed gate. Anyone know and can help me with this?
Yes, just head North for 1/2 mile or so from the parking area along that abandoned road. When you approach the point where the NE Ridge comes down from Little S, you'll see a steep open talus area (before the ridge hits the road fork). I added a label to your map. From what I remember, the hillside there is steep but not terribly brushy or thick with trees. Although I did it in late April with snow still on the ridge higher up.
To clarify, I was hiking not on a mountain bike. So I don't know if you could piece together the old roads on the North side of the mountain and get up on top. I would think you could.
So it looks like the FS will be keeping the bridge over Hanson Creek in. I thought I remembered in their earlier discussions that they were going to take it out and have the road end there. This is good news because getting across Hanson Creek without a bridge is not doable in the spring for skiing.
I think biking roads to the top means you have to go through the corner of the watershed. Do you know where the bike trail is going to go? Maybe that will take care of the watershed part.
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