Rock Lakes Basin (Roaring River Wilderness) 3-Day Logout, Brushing BCST

Crew Leaders: Vito P. – Hope M.

Hike Distance: up to 3 mi per day

Elevation Gain: 800ft

Hike Difficulty: Moderate/ Hard

Work Difficulty: Moderate/Hard

Work Description: Crosscut Logout, tread work, brushing

***Please contact me if you have any questions or if you’re interested in joining us on this trailparty. (vito.perrone@trailkeepersoforegon.org) ***

Project Overview:

This BCST is located in the Clackamas River Ranger District of the Mt Hood National Forest. We will be meeting at the Frazier Turnaround Trailhead Friday morning for a Safety Chat and explanation of our weekend objectives. We will load up our backpacking gear and tools and start working on the Grouse Point Trail #517 for 2 miles until we reach Cache Meadow where we will set up camp. On day 2 we will work on the Cache Meadow Trail #702 and more of the Grouse Point Trail then make our way to set up camp at Serene Lake. On day 3 we will finish working on the Serene Lake Trail #512 and make our way back to the vehicles parked at Frazier Turnaround. We are planning to scout the trail a week or so before this event and will have more information then. For now, we’re assuming that there will be a fair number of trees down, sections of tread that’ll need some work, and plenty of brushing. Volunteers will receive more information as we get closer to the event.

What we do know is this will be an arduous work party and a somewhat longer workday than usual. It’s suitable for hardy folks used to long hikes and experienced in trail work and overnight camping. **Please consider your fitness level before signing up! Overnight volunteers will need to carry all their backpacking gear plus tools.** This is within the Roaring River Wilderness and we will be following Leave No Trace principles. There are no restrooms in this area.

Bring your personal saw kit (crosscut saw, wedges, axe, pruning saws, loppers, etc}. We will carry tread tools (pick mattock, other…). Depending on how many people we have sign up, we can discuss home many crosscut saws are needed.

Here is a link to the Serene Lake Trail #512 ROG (Recreation Opportunity Guide)

Grouse Point Trail #517 ROG

Cache Meadow Trail #702 ROG

If you have questions about this event or would like to register, please contact vito.perrone@trailkeepersoforegon.org

Hiking information:

This trail begins at the end of Forest Road 4610-240 (4,640’) (Frazier Turnaround). From Frazier Turnaround, head southwest towards Frazier Mountain. The trail passes Frazier Mountain to the south after 0.4 mile. The trail continues southwest 1.6 miles to Cache Meadows and the junction with Cache Meadow Trail #702 (4,380’). The trail travels north through the meadow to the ridge above Serene Lake and after 1.6 miles the trail reaches the junction with Serene Lake Trail #512 (4,760’). Take a right at Serene Lake Trail and continue down to Serene Lake .8 miles. In the next 1.3 miles, the trail will pass spur trails to Lower Rock Lake, Upper Rock Lake, and Middle Rock Lake. The travel east .5 miles through some Old Growth back to Frazier Turnaround.

COVID-19 Information:

**You will be asked to electronically sign the e-waiver for this event, provide proof of vaccination or recent negative COVID-19 test result, and perform a self-assessment health screening within the 24 hours preceding the event.** The crew leader for this event will verify that you have completed these requirements at the trailhead safety talk before the trail party begins. The registration confirmation and pre-event emails will contain further details and links.

You should expect to participate in this work party for its entirety. For safety reasons, please do not arrive late or expect to be able to leave early.

Potential cancellation:

The crew leaders may decide to cancel the work party the day before based on forecasted weather conditions. We will not work in high winds and may also decide not to work in rain. Volunteers are advised to check their emails the night before in case there are unanticipated work party cancellations.

What to bring:

• Lunch for 3 days.
• Plenty of water/filtration system.
• Snacks.
• Gloves/safety glasses.
• Food and snacks for 3 days (two nights).
• Everything you need for a 2-night backpacking trip.

What to wear:

• Boots (Please wear something sturdy that will protect your toes from sharp tools. No tennis shoes allowed!).
• Work gloves.
• Long sleeved shirts and pants.
• Rain gear as appropriate for the weather.
• TKO can supply hard hats if needed.
• Extra warm clothes. It might get chilly at night.

Directions:

There are many road closures because of the 2020 Riverside Fire and we will have to use Skyline Road and FS RD 58 to access Frazier Turnaround Trailhead. More detailed directions will be provided through email as we get closer to the event.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: TKO recognizes that the trails we work on travel through the traditional lands of many Indigenous tribes. In every corner of what we now call Oregon, these people were forced to cede their land, their home, to the US government at various times from 1853 – 1871. We are privileged to be here today & express gratitude to the descendants of these tribes for being the original stewards of this land.

EQUITY & INCLUSION: TKO seeks to make Oregon’s trails a place where people can go to connect with nature & one another. Not everyone feels safe & welcome in the outdoors due to racism, bias & hate. We commit to being part of the solution to change that. Conduct, speech, or expressions that target individuals or groups will not be tolerated by TKO, regardless of whether they are based on age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, geographic origin, language, marital status, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.

PERSONAL SAFETY: Your physical & emotional safety is our number one priority. If a person’s actions or comments make you feel uncomfortable/unsafe – interrupt directly, tell a crew leader &/or complete the post-event survey.