Friday, February 24, 2012

Success! Bachelor Creek Trail

By Sarah Krueger, Public Lands Programs Manager

Back in January 2011, we asked hikers and climbers to submit letters in support of designating the Bachelor Creek Trail as a Class 1 Wilderness Trail – and the Forest Service heard your overwhelming response!
Bachelor Creek is the southern terminus of the famed Ptarmigan Traverse. This rough trail was dropped off of the Forest Service's trail system in the early 90's and, as a result, has received little TLC over the past couple decades. Those hardy souls who complete the traverse and still choose to exit or approach via the Bachelor Creek trail must battle their way through a maze of slide alder and rely on navigation skills to stay on route.

The recently-issued Suiattle Access and Travel Management Plan indicates that Bachelor Creek Trail will be added back to the official trail system. What does that mean? As long as there are no legal appeals that get in the way, volunteers will be able to legally clear the way to the Ptarmigan Traverse. Thank you to all of you who wrote letters, we look forward to announcing the dates of the first trail work party on Bachelor Creek Trail!


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