This trip is on. I was up there today (Monday 11/4) and conditions look good. The only change will be to our meet time. Meet 8:45 AM at the Enumclaw Ranger Station (450 Roosevelt Ave E, Enumclaw, WA 98022; also known as Hwy 410). We’ll leave from there at 9:00 AM.
Roger Danneman (roger.danneman@gmail.com 425-228-8781 or cell # 425-757-3506).
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On Sat. Oct 19th a few brave souls met me at the Enumclaw rendezvous point, but it was really raining hard and had been raining hard all night as well as the previous days. I had concerns about the spur road being heavily under water, and snow being at the 3700 elevation, and weakened tree roots from all the rain and gusty winds. So we decided not to attempt the trip. I’m rescheduling this trip to the Greenwater area for Sat. Nov. 9th. If the area has a dry spell and the snow level stays above 4000 feet, there’s a good chance we’ll get in there for some rock hounding. I’ll make the call by Nov. 5th.
Previous notes for this trip posted on Oct 14th:
Going to the Greenwater area for black agate and red jasper, not to Redtop as previously planned. Red Top is at 5000 foot elevation and moisture is moving into the area this week and through the weekend and I believe snow will be an issue at that elevation.
Head up 410 through Greenwater, turn left on FR70 and then up FR72. This is a dig site next to the road, so no hike is involved. Bring dig tools, lunch, and plan on a wet day.
A word about vehicles: the road is generally good going up. Just a few pot holes and washboarded areas. The last 1.5 mile is a spur off of FR7222 that has standing water in a few places. My Hyundai Santa Fe made it in and out with no problems on Sunday. Not sure I can recommend a low clearance vehicle though, like a Prius.
We’ll plan on working this dig site for 3 hours and then move on to the red jasper site also on FR72.
Roger Danneman (roger.danneman@gmail.com 425-228-8781 or cell # 425-757-3506).