South Coldwater Work Party This Saturday

While you still have that post-Tour de Gulch glow, now is the time to make a commitment to payback.

The Growlers Gulch Trail Crew has two St. Helens work parties scheduled for this summer – the first is Saturday, June 27th, at the 230A trail at South Coldwater. We will meet at the park-n-ride on the west side of Exit 49 in Castle Rock at 7:30. Bring food, water, camera, bike and tools.

Right now, the following people are signed on. We definitely could use additional help.

• J. LeMonds
• Brian Mahon
• Jeff Muldoon
• Cody Krippner
• Thomas Mueller
• Ryan McMaster

This is a raw, magnificent area and the only trail on the north side of the mountain that is accessible from Spirit Lake Highway. There has been talking of making it off limits to bikers, which is one reason we need to be visible with this trail work.

We had a bad experience at South Coldwater last year. If I start talking about it, I will have to bleep myself. But – because I am one who quickly forgives and forgets, and because I love this trail – I am willing to put the negativity behind me.

Brian Mahon has already done quite a bit of work on the brushy “Thar She Blows” (ask me) lower section. Our focus will be on getting up toward Tractor Junction and beyond. If you’ve been up there, you know this area can use some serious shovel work to improve the line from “incredibly dangerous” to “dangerous.” We could use your help.

Loppers – not nippers – will come in handy. However, we are putting out a special request for short-handled shovels, hoes or rakes (Check to see if you have something old that could be cut down) that can be ridden in. If you have one and can bring it – or if you can loan it – please let me know.

Plan on a stout climb out of the gate.

Photos and video from a ride we did last year on this trail at http://writeteknorthwest.com/archives/258/st-helens-ape-canyon-and-mount-margaret (First section is about Ape Canyon; second section is about Coldwater).