SOVL cleanup, Bill Bradbury, and the Wilson River Trail - A BIG day in the Tillamook State Forest

This PUMP member had a BIG day in the Tillamook State Forest (Beginner SOLV cleanup in the snow, intermediate presentation on climate change, and gonzo ride with snow/trees/wash outs on the Wilson River Trail).

Five PUMP members and several other folks participated in the Earth Day SOLV Cleanup in the Tillamook State Forest today (April 19, 2008).  We met at the ODOT shed at the summit near the Roger's Camp Trailhead and divided up into teams to take on trash that has been illegally dumped in the Tillamook State Forest.  I should mention that there was a light dusting of snow on the ground when we arrived and throughout the cleanup - the forest was magnificent!

Unfortunately, every year several cars, large household appliances, hazardous substances, tires, and other trash items are illegally dumped in the Tillamook State Forest.  Folks dump of items that are more expensive to dispose of and can not be collected by regular curbside garbage service.  It was sad how far folks will drive back in the woods to dump items.  These are not the same people who enjoy recreating in our beautiful surroundings.  But, the dedicated staff of SOLV and ODF organize cleanup events that are attended by volunteers who care about the natural setting in which they recreate.

As a whole, we collected approximately 90 tires, 1/2 drop box of metal, 1/2 drop box of general debris and hazardous debris, and 2 cars.

Following the cleanup, I headed further west to the Tillamook Forestry Center, where Bill Bradbury (Oregon Secretary of State) gave a presentation on climate change and its affects globally/nationally/locally.  Having sat through several presentations on this subject, I always find that there is information that I learn from different speakers.  It was a good talk and is a great example of the high quality educational programs available at the Tillamook Forestry Center.

After Bradbury's presentation, I parked at the Footbridge Trailhead on the Wilson River Trail and geared up for the recreational portion of my day.  As I pedaled onto the trail, the sun was beating down and all traces of snow from the morning had vanished.  I noticed a neat waterfall across Highway 6 from the trailhead that I had not seen before and took a quick hiking detour to check it out up close.  Continuing on with the ride I was anxious to see what the portion of the Wilson River Trail between Footbridge and Keonig Creek Campground had to offer.  I remembered helping to construct part of this trail section during an ODF trail work party a few years ago, but hadn't ridden it since its completion.  This section of trail is 6.2 miles long and offers climbing and rolling terrain over about 4.7 miles.  Most of the climbing is along a fairly steep hillside, which can be intimidating when covered with slippery snow!

About 30 minutes into the ride, I encountered the first patches of snow on the trail.  These grew to longer stretches of snow, as a storm cell moved in bringing big fluffy flakes!    Aside from the snow, the trail surface was in superb condition.  However, along this section there are several downed trees and washed out portions of the trail which are difficult to get around.  Once I crossed Cedar Butte Road, the snow stopped falling and there was none to be seen on the trail.  A 1.5 mile switch back laden descent lead to Koenig Creek Campground and provided me with a giant smile.  I rode back to Footbridge Trailhead via Highway 6, which doesn't take very long at all, and managed to be packed up and headed home before the next wave of snow hit.

Here are a few photos from the day:

 How was your SOLV day?