Groomed Trails - Logan Valley FR 1640 to Roads End Trail 1/19/18

glen johnston reports:

Cat #2 groomed FR 1640 north from FR 16 to Roads End, but I haven't heard if any additional trails were groomed.  Will update when I have more information ;-) G

FR 924 to Big Creek Trailhead/Snowshoe Campground 11/28/16

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Location: FR 16 to 924



Road & Trail Conditions: 395 slush, County 65 packed slush, FR 15 plowed packed snow & ice, FR 16 plowed from 15 to senaca, not plowed 15 to summit prairie.

Snow Conditions: fresh powder overnite, 5" at FR 16, 12" at snowshoe campground.  ran into fairly intense snowstorm coming down Co. 62; turned to rain at prairie city limits.

Skis on & temperature: 10am  30°  (JD 36° )

Skis off & temperature: 2:30pm 31°

Distance: 11 miles, 800' elevation

Rating (1-10; 10 awesome): 9.5 (-.5 for mostly cloudy & occasional 20mph sideways blowing crusty sno)

Comments: basically flat from 16 to 1648, very gentle rise up to snowshoe campground. drove up and skied down & up tire tracks.

1648 & 021(to left)  jct

cattleguards not covered:



 




 

fa la la la la................

Ski Thanksgiving - First Ski of Season

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Location: Logan Valley FR 16 to 924 to 1648 to 021 to 039 Meadow Fork Trailhead

Road & Trail Conditions: FR 15 & 16 generally clear, lesser roads 1-5"

Snow Conditions: first accumulation of season, not quite powder

Skis on & temperature: 9am 26°

Skis off & temperature: noon 33°

Distance: 3 miles hiking, 2 miles skiing

Rating (1-10; 10 awesome): 8, good conditioning day

Comments: couldn't resist the first significant snow at elevation. barely enough snow to ski, if you drive to elevation ~6000'.  traded the subaru this summer for this:

can now get to & back from many more places, like today. wouldn't do this without 4wd. first trip out with new rig. did not get stuck! yipee

hiked a few miles up meadow fork trail, probably too steep to ski.

skied down & up the 039:

scouted big creek trail, looks more promising with another inch or 2.

scouted 1648/1649 up to 125: 6800'

plenty of snow on these roads & 101 back to county 62/ huddleston. until grooming begins, tire tracks work.

FR 1640 High Lake - Logan Valley 2/21/16

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Location: FR 16 to 1640 jct

Road & Trail Conditions: FR 15 dry pavement, FR 16 mostly dry with packed ice in shaded areas. FR 1640 groomed 4 weeks ago.  numerous snomobile tracks & 1-6" new with elevation

Snow Conditions: 3-6' packed base depending on elevation. .5-4" powder on top, drier with elevation

Skis on & temperature: 7:45am 19°  mostly sunny  (JD 30°)

Skis off & temperature: 5:45pm 36°overcast with flurries (JD 43°)

Distance: 24 miles, elevation gain 3200 feet

Rating (1-10; 10 awesome): 10+

Comments: have made several trips on the 1640, this one the furthest.  great day, lovely snow.  skied to high lake rim & then tried the end of road trail head to get around toward strawberry peak - purple line above.  this is where the road heads right to high lake rim - trail is left - ski tracks:

break trail through alternating very deep snow & a few stretches of solid ice on steep slope.  saw this snow squall coming from bear valley & turned around:

incredible views in all directions:

 


 strawberry summit south face:

  



unbroken trail leading toward onion creek trail & strawberry

 

FR 1640 to High Lake - Logan Valley 2/4/16

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Location:  FR 16 to 1640 jct

Road & Trail Conditions: FR 15 plowed awhile ago, deep truck ruts through snow, packed ice.  FR 16 regularly plowed, thin packed snow & ice.  1640 groomed a few days ago, a few snowmobile tracks, 1-4" new snow since.

Snow Conditions: 3-4' packed base depending on elevation. recent 2-4" almost powder on top. continual light to moderate flurries thru day

Skis on & temperature: 9:45am 28° cloudy  (JD 33°  cloudy )

Skis off & temperature: 5:45pm 34°

Distance: 19 miles,  elevation gain 3200 feet

Rating (1-10; 10 awesome): 10

Comments:  this is one incredible journey. starts with 3+ miles level along bear creek.  slow gradual climb to 1648 jct.  from there steeper & through lovely forest.  breaks out into open area toward top.  lovely. lovely.  turned around 1/2 mile from 1640 end; late in day & west headwind was pushing me backward in tracks.  took this as a sign. will head back on a clear day to get over ridge to high lake &
strawberry peak.

elevation profile:

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downhill was super fun, controlled on forgiving powder & fast, 6mph easy to 1648 jct.

along ridge: temp at 20 windchill dropped to 10; hands got very cold without mitts.

past 1648 jct moves into burn area to the top.  very intense. am collecting photos from various burn areas to make into presentation.  frustrated that video won't operate more than 2 secs. in cold temps.

looking east toward logan valley

this trip had a big impact on me.  started as a conditioning run to take a shot at the top later; no sign at indian springs campground to signal turn around, just kept going.  partly the distance, partly the elevation, the views... and then, the burn area.  wind & blowing snow. black charred spars. snow & ice encrusted black charred branches.  it'll take awhile to find some words, maybe.

from conditioning run to awe inspiring pilgrimage

i love this place

Groomed Trails - Summit Prairie 2/3/16

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The Orange line is todays grooming, 2 3 16
Took cat 1 from Huddleston up 169, 101, 1649, 064, 1648, 1640 back to the 16. Walked cat on 16rd to Seneca, groomed the drag strip with cat 2 driven by Garrett.
Blue line is old groom from last week.
Cheers
Dave Hannibal

Groomed Trails - Logan Valley West 1/27/16

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from glen johnston:


Cat #2 with Gerald from FR 15/16 south on FR 15 and FR 1540, east on FR 546, and south on FR 166, south on FR 1630, southeast on FR 1540, continuing southeast on FR 373, north on FR 1643 (Dollar Basin), west and north on FR 373, north on FR 1630 to FR 16, then return to beginning.  Blue line on the map, sorry ran out of room on the southeast corner.  GJ

Groomed Trails - Logan Valley 1/26/16

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from glen johnston:

Ron Greb took Cat #2 from FR 15/16 junction south on FR 15 to FR 1540, then east on FR 546, east then north on FR 1560, then south east on FR 166, then north on FR 1630 to FR 16 to return to start.  Blue line on the map, pink line is yesterday 1/25.  Ron and Gerald have been doing an outstanding job, we sampled the 1643 today; grooming, weather and scenery were outstanding.  Thanks gentlemen.  GJ

Groomed Trails - Logan Valley 1/25/16

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from glen johnston:

Gerald took Cat #2 out today; from FR15 to FR 1540 to FR 1540 to FR 849 (Frasier LO) back to FR 1540 to FR 1643 and back to FR 16; back to start.  See pink trail on map.

Groomed Trails - Logan Valley 1/24/16

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> Cat #2 Groomed in the Logan Valley area on Sunday Jan. 24, 2016. South from FR 16 and FR 1630 junction, to FR  303 & 335 (Crooked Creek) to FR 1643 north to FR 16.  From FR 16 and FR 924 north (Lake Creek Lodge) to FR 1648, west  to FR 238 (McCoy Cr) south to FR 16.  The SOLID Green line on the map is the groomed trail.  Sorry about the dashed green line. G

Groomed Trails - Seneca thru Logan Valley to Huddleston 1/21/16

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From: Dave Hannibal <dhannibal2011@gmail.com>

Date: January 21, 2016 6:47:37 PM PST

To: Glen Johnston <glenj@centurytel.net>, Bill and Debbie Prophet <wildbee@ortelco.net>

Subject: Grooming report 1 21 16

Good day on the snow!
Groomed the drag strip and oval track in Seneca then headed east.
Lots of logging close to Seneca so I walked the cat through some areas.  The 1601 is the closest access to good trails other than running down the 16 which is plowed. Good trails on the north side of Antilope valley out to the 1619, the portions closest to the 16rd are plowed as well but accessible. 1640 from the 16 to High Lake turn around up top, awesome untouched snow up high. 1648 & 1649 back to Huddleston. See blue line on map for todays route.
Best snow in years
Cheers
Dave

FR 1640 to High Lake - Logan Valley West 1/21/16 Part 2

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Location: West end of Logan Valley, approach from 395, Co 65- FR 15 to 16 rd, or Prairie City Co. 62 to FR16.

Road & Trail Conditions: Co. 65 has solid ice from wickiup campground to FR 15.  15 has plowed with 6-8" new snow since.  Deep truck tire ruts, worse approaching 16 rd. driveable
1640 groomed this am.

Snow Conditions: 3+' packed, groomed a few hours earlier.  doesn't get any better than this.

Skis on & temperature:  1:30pm 38° partly sunny

Skis off & temperature: 4:30pm 32° (JD 42° )

Distance: 7 miles

Rating (1-10; 10 awesome): 10

Comments: after skiing the FR 16 S. rd in the morning, heading home along the 16 rd. to scout trails. hasn't been much grooming here, both cats have been focused on starr ridge & bear valley-seneca. cruising by the 1640, saw it had just been groomed this morning.  thanks dave.

this is the first time i've been on just groomed trail.  wow.  so smooth. tracking the grooming reports & getting on them soon is so worth it. thank you to all the volunteer groomers who make this possible: Dave Hannibal, Glen Johnston, Dan Vandehey Bill Prophet, Gordon & Ron

Video while skiing on this groomed trail

this section of 1640 (3+ miles) is a perfect flat, beginner run, especially freshly groomed.  further past the sign (below) it gets quite steep up to high lake.

skiing along bear creek is lovely.

FR 1640 Opened - Logan Valley

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From: "Burton, Shilo D -FS" <sdburton@fs.fed.us>
Date: January 20, 2016 at 11:56:49 AM PST
Subject: NEWS RELEASE: Additional route open to snow machines

Shilo Burton    541-575-3008                                                                               January 20, 2016        

Additional route open to snow machines

JOHN DAY, Ore.  – Forest Officials are pleased to announce that Forest Road (FR) 1640 to High Lake, previously closed due to the Canyon Creek Complex, is now open to snow machines through official order number: 2016-0604-MAL-04H.

While the road has been opened for snow machines, Forest Supervisor Steve Beverlin would like to remind folks that an area closure remains in effect due to hazards created by the Canyon Creek Complex.

The official order, as well as area closure map, can be found online at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/home/?cid=stelprd3845529.  

Groomed Trails 1/2/16 - Parish Cabin

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01/02/2016:  Gerald took the cat from the 15/16 junction at Parish Cabin south on FR 15 to 1540, south and east to 1540/1630 junction (south of Frazier LookOut), east to 1643 then north and west back to Parish.  Thanks Gerald

First Trail Grooming 12/16/15

Dave Hannibal took Cat #1 out today and sent the following report.  Thanks Dave

Begin forwarded message:
> Great Snow out there!
> Dressed up the lot at Huddleston and headed north, then up the 101 to the 1649 to 1648 to the 1640 (High Lakes turn off) Did not go to High Lakes as it is currently restricted for fire closure. Ran down the 238,934, 095, and 097 (railroad grade) back to lower parking lot. As the 16 RD is being plowed all our trails will have berms where they meet the 16 rd. Cut a trail from lower lot over to the 14 rd and bermed it as well, back to Huddleston on the 187. Many miles to go to get caught up. An average amount of blowdowns to be had and as usual watch the iceburgs in the new trails and rough trail conditions around areas where blowdown trees were removed.
> Enjoy the Snow
> Cheers
> Dave

map to come

FS 1643 Rd. 12/5/15

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Location: FS 16 rd. west end of Logan Valley

Road & Trail Conditions: FS 15 & 16 rds. improving with warmer temps., dry pavement to packed sno & ice. no trail grooming yet. snomobile tracks on 1630, 1640, 1648, 1649. cattleguards not covered

FS 1643 south started with fresh tire tracks, packed - only for 1/2 mile.  remainder was older tire tracks with 1-2" damp snow

Snow Conditions: started packed, damp; ended very sticky

Skis on & temperature:  9:30am  35° overcast to partly sunny (JD: 47° & overcast)

Skis off & temperature: noon 42° mostly sunny

Distance: 6 miles

Rating (1-10; 10 awesome): started as a 9 ended as a 3

Comments: decent fairly flat ski for 2 miles, then became too sticky & turned around when south exposure increased (orange dotted line above).  snowshoe stepping with 1-2" snow stuck to skis. great workout, poor skiing.

was planning to do a loop (purple dotted line above),  maybe a little ambitious. will try another time.

went looking for better conditions further east & higher elevation at summit prairie.  see previous post.

Why Ski Grant County?

FS 1630 looking north to Strawberry Mtn.

Merit Meadow Loop - FS Rd 16 Logan Valley 12/3/15

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Location: West end Logan Valley: FS Rds 1630 S, 493 W&S, 516 E, 1560 N 1630 N

Road & Trail Conditions: FS 15 rd not plowed, 4-6" ruts over packed snow/ice, Subaru AWD just made it, not for much longer; at 10am. FS 16 rd not plowed; by 2pm was plowed to packed sno/ice.

No groomed trails yet. FS 1630 rd new 4x4 truck tracks since last snow (thank you) = packed powder; 493, 516, 1560: 2-4" powder over older tire tracks = requires a little breaking trail.

new tire tracks 1560 S on left; older tracks & break trail 516 on right

Snow Conditions: 8-10" almost powder over packed base

Skis on & temperature: 10:30am  30° overcast broke into mostly sunny at noon; forecast 32 mph winds didn't materialize until evening (42° @ JD)

Skis off & temperature: 2pm 42° (54° @ JD)

Distance: 8 miles

Rating (1-10; 10 awesome): 10

Comments: there aren't many loop options because of terrain & road layout.  this is an easy one; a little elevation gain at the 516 & a fun descent to the 1560. rest is flat.  a very easy, flat route would be the 1630 S as far as you like and then turn back.

1630 rd north & Strawberry Mtn.

Railroad Grade - Summit Prairie to Logan Valley 11/30/15

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Location: County rd62 Prairie City to Summit Prairie.  turn right at FS 16rd for 100'. go straight west 100' when 16 jogs left into small plowed parking area. there is no visible road # sign at the east end of 097, possibly because the first several hundred feet are private property.

fs 133 goes north & uphill; 097 is the tracks going left

Road & Trail Conditions: 62 road plowed & gravel; patchy snow/ice until Trout Farm campground, then solid.  FS 16rd is plowed Summit Prairie to Seneca, packed snow/ice, no gravel, 20-25mph. FS 15rd - Parish Cabin to Canyon Meadows (Wickiup Campground) not plowed - 4x4 trucks kept open, not for long; County Rd65 to 395 plowed, patchy snow/ice.

Snow Conditions: 2-3" new powder over 2-3' base, no groomed trails, a few snowmobile tracks leaving Huddleston snopark; some roads have 4x4 pickup tracks - packed powder, easy to ski on

Skis on & temperature: 11:30am  24° (prairie city 18°)

Skis off & temperature: 3pm 35° (john day 27°)

Distance: 9 miles

Rating (1-10; 10 awesome): 9

Comments: beautiful day, great snow got a little soft & sticky as temp. rose.  hardly any elevation gain = FLAT. another few inches of dry snow this week could produce lovely conditions.

 

truck tire tracks stopped and broke trail for the last ?mile. breaking trail is good conditioning and generates appreciation for the snocat trail groomer that does over 40 miles in a day.

Forest Service 16 Road Plowed Through Logan Valley

On 11/30/15 the FS 16 road was plowed down to packed ice/snow from Summit Prairie to Seneca. As long as this continues it allows for starting ski trips from Logan Valley, rather than skiing in 10 miles from Summit Prairie or Canyon Meadows.  The maps below show some of the possible trails north & south of the 16 road. There are more than a dozen possibilities depending on grooming, snowmobiles and/or truck tire tracks.

The FS 15 road was not plowed from the 16 road (Parish Cabin) to Canyon Meadows and seemingly won't be. Access to the Logan Valley trails via the 16 road will be from Prairie Summit or Seneca.  It's a bit of a drive; the more level trails, loop trails and scenery may be worth it.

Logan Valley West - click on map for larger version

 

Logan Valley East - click on map for larger version