[loofus]

Found an old trail bushwhacking up the south side of Mt. David Douglas. Started from a truck escape ramp of of OR Hwy 58 about 10 miles NW of Willamette Pass. I ascended an unnamed creek east of Twin Creek to check out a long series of unmapped waterfalls. I kept crossing a wide trail that I assumed was a heavily-used elk trail (moolack are abundant in the Salt Creek Drainage) until I found an old erosion-control implement. This was obviously a maintained hiking trail at some point. I know the old Verdun trailhead was located at the escape ramp where I started hiking, but I don't have any information about its route. As far as I know, the trail has been out of service for over 30 years. I'd like to think that I stumbled onto a little piece of hiking history. I know that most of you are Washington folk, but if anybody knows anything about this old trail, I would greatly appreciate any piece of info. Supposedly there is an old trail west of here that runs along Eagle Creek on the north side of Mt. David Douglas. I've heard it is still in passable shape. Too bad none of these old trails are still on USGS quads. Hike was great. Weather was clear and warm and Small-Flowered Blue-Eyed Mary was beginning to bloom. I ascended the unnamed creek for about 1000 feet, traversed west, and descended Twin Creek. Both streams are tiny, but there are plenty of nice waterfalls and smooth-rock slides on both. It was nice to lounge in a small, fern and moss-laden cleft at the base of a 40-foot waterfall, letting the sun beat down through the trees as I enjoyed several cups of cowboy coffee. Another perfect Saturday afternoon. Not hearing a human voice for four hours is priceless.

20-foot falls near old trail

Middle tier of first waterfall encountered

Upper tier of 60-footer

[WTCrocker]

That hike has been on my to-do list for 30 years. In a former life I was a smoke chaser on that Ranger District. I just happen to have a scan of a 15' series topo, c. 1950.

[loofus]

Thanks for the info WT. I guess I wasn't really anywhere near Verdun Way, so the trail I stumbled onto is still a mystery. This old map is a treasure, though. I think a loop around Eagle Creek and up through Hell's Half Acre might be a priority this summer. I've really taken a likin' to this general area.