Lookout Loop (56k warning)

[Mike Wild]

Well today we decided to head out to Mystery Creek FSR and pick up where we left off on our winter excursion that stopped us short of our goal.



The weather was perfect & I highly doubted we'd be stopped by snow this time!







made it through the rock garden that claimed a hub on my way out last time







Got down to Lookout Lake without incident, ran into a couple guys fishing







We were planning on stopping there for lunch and maybe a dip in the lake, but we figured we'd beat it and let the guys fish in peace.











We decided to head on further down the trail and make our way to the lookout. What I didn't figure on, was how over grown the trail was. Yes there's a trail in there somewhere





Finally made it out of the bush





When we got to the top, we came across what looks like an old rescue sled





After surveying the damage the forest inflicted, I had:

1. about 10,000 new really deep pinstripes

2. a cracked windsheild

3. tore a few screws out of my fender flares

4. ripped the CB antennae off...again!

5. a few good branch slaps to the face (afterwards I remembered that windows can be rolled up to prevent that )



I figured the toll was too much, and hoped that the owners would come looking for their rescue sled and cart me away





However the view from the lookout made up for the carnage









It was so nice up there that we decided to stop, set up the BBQ and have lunch





Unfortunately, the bugs had the same idea and Chris just had to put a stop to it.





My gratuitous ranger shot





After lunch we decided to tke the trail that joins up with the Hale Creek FSR and head over to Chehalis and check things out





K we're here.... now what?





time to play around on the beach









there were some pretty cool root structures on some of the trees taken out by the landslide







my gratuitous ranger shot at Chehalis





I couldn't believe how good a day we were having, no real major carnage, the weather was perfect, nice and hot and sunny. good thing I installed a brand spanking new AC unit in the truck







I knew it was too good to be true, the dark clouds of doom were rolling in





in typical Ford fashion, the front axle shaft decided to spit out a cap from the u-joint





oh well, another weak point identified.



After that we tried to take a trail that looped around and rejoined the Mystery Creek FSR, and after battling it in 2 wheel drive for quite a stretch we came acroos a quad, land crusier and dirt bike parked on the trail with noone in site, I guess they went for a hike. We saw in front of that there was a huge washout that took out the trail. We had to backtrack the way we came in.



Airing up at the end of the day





Had a really awesome day, it's been a while since I'd gone out wheeling so it really felt good to scratch that itch!

[beaterchevy]

That was my black cruiser you found. Thats the start of the hike to Statlu lake.

Nice pics.

[J20]

wow i see Mr Bronco Boy actually made it out , i didnt think he wheeled anymore............................nice pics and story dude

[strstk]

sweet pics !!!!....Judgeing From your pic's I think I might have to plan a trip up there sometime soon!!

[Kronic]

Awesome pics, looks like a great day.

sweet pics !!!!....Judgeing From your pic's I think I might have to plan a trip up there sometime soon!!

i'm down to check that out too...

[Bronco Boy]

wow i see Mr Bronco Boy actually made it out , i didnt think he wheeled anymore............................

Indir needed help controlling the A/C in the Explorer, so I had to oblige.

I'll post up my pics tonight.

[mr_trucks]

After surveying the damage the forest inflicted, I had:

1. about 10,000 new really deep pinstripes

2. a cracked windsheild

4. ripped the CB antennae off...again!

5. a few good branch slaps to the face (afterwards I remembered that windows can be rolled up to prevent that )

Did all of those last time i was on my way up there, never made it to the top cause it was getting late and we had been driving up that trial forever, i didnt know what it led too now i do and wish i woulda continued... ohh well next time

[sk-017]

Awesome pics dude.

[Bronco Boy]

Well, Mike told the story, so I'll keep it short 'n sweet. Here's mine and Indir's perspective.....



Airing down:







Heading up to Lookout Lake:







Lookout Lake:











Leaving the lake:







We stopped on the West side of the look-out to check out the view:







Looking down on Harrison Lake:







Harrison Lake:









Lunch at the lookout:







Chehalis:











Nasty washout:







Had to turn around and head back:













Airing up back at the hatchery:





Just another great day out on the trail!

[waltman]

Another nice trip with some great pics.

[funkinfunked]

Looks like a great day of wheeling Chris and Mike..... Where is big blue though? At the mall

[Mike Wild]

Looks like a great day of wheeling Chris and Mike..... Where is big blue though? At the mall

oh, I forgot, blue was there..... (sorry Chris I couldn't resist)

[waltman]

[flyfisher]

I'm the guy you said hi to at the north end of Chehalis. I was in the grey ranger stopped at the series of cross ditches that lead to the slide. It was a great day to be out there!

[Lone Ranger]

Good one Mike! LR