Naches/Nile Trail Run Oct. 17th...

Willius · 10-07-09, 10:13 AM

**I know most of you are familiar with this trail, as it's already been run by members in this group. I've invited members from my friend's club ( www.nissanwheelers.com ) to come along on this too, and this post is copied from my post there...**

Naches/Nile Trail Run Oct. 17th...

When: Saturday, October 17th @ 8:00am
Where: Naches, Trail 696, Yakima County
Meeting Spot: Whistlin' Jack Lodge, Naches, WA, Hwy 410
Whistlin' Jack Lodge - Restaurant and Mountain Lodging - Chinook Pass, Washington
Google Maps...

The plan is to meet at Whistlin' Jacks on 410 at 8:00am to gas up and head down the road at 8:30am to run Trail 696 out by Naches, Nile, and the William O. Douglas Wilderness Area in Yakima County. It's an easy to moderate rated trail, and takes about 6 hours to run. 696 follows a ridge on the north end of the W.O. Douglas Wilderness area, with plenty of scenic overlooks and some challenging stretches. Nothing in the way of large trail obstacles... Bring plenty of food, and drinks (no alcohol) for lunch and some snacks. I won't be camping overnight, but feel free to bring your camping gear as there are plenty of campgrounds around the area.

Some rules:

A few rules since they have to be said.

#1 - Act like a grown up and use common sense.

#2 - Absolutely no drinking while we wheel. Drink all you like if you decide to camp for the night.

#3 - Tread lightly. Under no circumstances should anyone leave a trail unless at a camp area or other appropriate area. Pack out what you pack in. And pick up garbage along the trail. **This is very important**

#4 - Some form of radio communication is required, a CB is preferred and will be required later but an FRS is acceptable for now.

#5 - A recovery point/hook in the front and a tow strap (at least 2" x 20') are required. No metal hooks, if it has hooks its a tow strap not a recovery strap, here are some fine examples
Tonneau Covers, Lift Kits, Winches, Leveling Kits, Tires, Wheels & Tonneau Cover Parts by 4 Wheel Parts...
A hitch ball is not a safe recovery point on the truck (a leaf spring is acceptable on the rear but could tear up your strap).

#6 - An understanding of the possibility for damage to your vehicle, you are responsible for your truck. We will do our very best to help you. (Not much oppurtunity for trail damage on this trail. Just be aware of the possiblity...)

#7 - Each vehicle should at least have a shovel, and fire extinguisher on board.

#8 - Listen to your spotter!

#9 - Come prepared to have fun!

I'll ask someone to run sweep as people commit to the date.

OlympiaFJ60 · 10-08-09, 12:05 PM

I got the go-ahead on this from the boss so Farron and I should be there.

Willius · 10-09-09, 12:28 PM

Right on!! It will be great to see you guys again. Looking forward to this!!

Willius · 10-11-09, 10:01 PM

Uh-oh...

Hwy 410 closed due to rock slide. Ive read some yapping that says there is a way around but..?

WSDOT - Washington State Mountain Pass Road Report...

That's news!

Sounds like 410 is still open right up to where the trail is. I'm pretty certain that we can make it to the trail, but will have to check on this as the week progresses. Worst case scenario, we run a diffrent trail.

OlympiaFJ60 · 10-12-09, 12:15 AM

Huge mudslide closes SR410 | Top Stories | Seattle News, Local News, Breaking News, Weather | KING5.com

Sounds like we would be ok going in the Nile road like last time. They have 410 closed at Tipsoo (top of Chinook pass) but you can take FS70 on the west side over Pyramid Pass to FS19 (1900) on the east side. This is the Little Naches road once you get back to pavement. Or check and see if they are letting people into Whistl'n Jacks and the Little Naches area across Chinook.

Willius · 10-12-09, 08:29 AM

That's what I thought too. I'll check WSDOT later in the week...

OlyWaFJ · 10-13-09, 12:45 PM

Wow even made CNN - 'Whole face of the mountain' fell into valley, resident says - CNN.com

OlympiaFJ60 · 10-13-09, 02:49 PM

Wow, checked out the picture area. Amazing. I think the road in the last photo is the Nile road. The river is completely filled in though. Brian, do you remember the guy that lived there who contacted us before the last run? Maybe have his email. We be a good source for local info, plus be nice to "check in" and make sure his family is ok.

Willius · 10-14-09, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OlympiaFJ60

Wow, checked out the picture area. Amazing. I think the road in the last photo is the Nile road. The river is completely filled in though. Brian, do you remember the guy that lived there who contacted us before the last run? Maybe have his email. We be a good source for local info, plus be nice to "check in" and make sure his family is ok.

Looks like the Nile Road is closed due to damage. Yikes!! Those pictures are really amazing. Let me know if you get in touch with the gentelman from the valley there. Sure hope his family and property are not in the path of that hillside and river.

I'm still down for heading out that direction this weekend. I know there are ways around the closures to get up to 696. And it would be interesting to see the slide too. What say you?

OlympiaFJ60 · 10-16-09, 11:02 AM

I think it's the lower end of the Nile road, but yes, We can find an alternate route in if need be. I think they hope to have it open though as a bypass for the slide.

Weather looks good, wet but no snow at pass level. I need to be home by 6 or 7 so may have to bug out at one of the crossroads depending on time. I don't think I'll have to though. Sure will be interesting to see what it's like wet.

Did we want to skip the long flat section at the beginning and start where we did at the ARB class? I'll check the maps and make sure I know how to get there this time

Willius · 10-16-09, 02:48 PM

Should be pretty muddy up there with all the rain. We can skip that first section if you want, although I wouldn't mind rolling it. I'll need to be home relatively early too. Give a call if anything changes. I'll be at Whiskey Jacks at 0800 with the radio on #4. Hopefully it gets better reception this time around, lol.

vkfzj80 · 10-17-09, 10:22 PM

alright, where is the trip report and pictures for those of us that didn't get to go

Willius · 10-18-09, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vkfzj80

alright, where is the trip report and pictures for those of us that didn't get to go

Oh, you just had to ask. This one might take a while...

spotcruiser · 10-26-09, 06:54 PM

What, no trail report from the 17th yet? I'll bet it was kinda wet.

Willius · 10-30-09, 08:32 AM

Here's the condensed version: Had a great breakfast at Squaw Rock Cafe. Checked out the landslide on 410, and cruised up trail 696. It rained, got really muddy, we got to practice some recovery skills, and I came home with some body damage. It was a fun day!!

kblack77 · 11-20-09, 06:23 PM

Pics? We need pics!!!!