(May 5, 2019 / Author: Tim Bondy) The long “close-to-mechanical-traffic” Wilson Flats Trail System closure that is located above Anderson Ranch Reservoir in southwestern Idaho is set to reopen on 15 June 2019. This trail system has been closed to all but horse and foot traffic since a 2013 flash flood scoured the lower portion of the system. The trailhead for Boise National Forest Road (FSR) #606 is located just off Anderson Dam Road / FSR #120.
On April 17, 2019, I took a hike along a portion of FSR #606 and I thought some photos from the hike may provide insight into why the trail was still closed in April. Read on.
On April 17, 2019 I saw This
Forest Service Road #606 follows Wilson Creek for three-fifths of a mile starting at the trailhead near 43.381043, -115.436755. There are two stream-crossing to contend with in that portion of the newly built and groomed ATV trail. One shouldn’t be a problem for ATV traffic but if you’re trying to keep your hiking book dry, you’ll have to find a log bridge to use.
The second stream-crossing wouldn’t be possible for most ATV riders even if it was open. For hikers, there is/was a log crossing you can use to keep your boots semi-dry. I found a log bridge upstream of that washout.
The portion of the trail (#606) heading up to Wilson Flat, starting at 43.388177, -115.440402, is in pretty good shape until you get up top. There, the trail get extremely soft and muddy. It’s wasn’t walkable on 17 April 2019 unless you wanted to sink above your ankles in some pretty nasty mud. Don’t.
Read my story from this hike at https://bondyweb.com/2019/04/20/wilson-flats-ridgeline-hike-in-boise-national-forest-17-apr-2019/
FSR #607: This trail follows Little Wilson Creek for a little less than one mile. Some of it is dry and quite nice. Other portions look more like a stream with water cascading down it. There were a few deadfalls crossing the trails also.
This story was originally published on May 5, 2019.
Thanks,
~ signed ~
Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist