Getting There
From I-5, take US-12 east toward Yakima. At Randle, go south on WA-131. About one mile down the road, take the left onto Cispus Road and follow southeast for about 8 miles. Continue on NF-23 for another 2.8 miles. The North Fork Campground is on the left.
The trailhead is adjacent to the bridge over Tyler Creek between the main campground and the group camp.
The Hike
Distance: 1.44 miles
Elevation Gain: 547 feet
Maximum Elevation: 1,797 feet
This was mostly a logout trail work party. As with Cispus, I was the swamper on the small chainsaw crew. My main tool of choice is the McLeod. I was also part of the decision making, following the OHLEC process.
O = Observations (when approaching the cut site, objective)
H = Hazards
L = Leans (and Binds)
E = Escape Plan
C = Cut Plan
As a swamper, my job is to make sure the cut area is prepared properly. This includes clearing the cut site of debris that might damaging the saw, tripping hazards, digging under log so blade never touch dirt. I'm also paying attention to any snags, being on the ready to help the cutter, keeping an eye on the trail for any hikers and preventing them coming through the cut site until it's safe.
We stopped for lunch a spot with this amazing view.
I don't recall exactly what we were discussing but it kind of looks like we're evaluating the hazards and deciding the angle to make the cut so it's far enough off the trail.
