Valley of the Giants

[nightfoam]

So, I'm itching to get back out on the backroads. I was thinking an interesting trip would be to meet in Brooks, take the Wheatland Ferry across the river the head generally south west to Falls City where we would head up into the hills to do a little exploring of the Valsetz area and then continue up to the Valley of the Giants, where those who would be interested, could hike the loop. We'd then maybe return to Valsetz and follow the old Valley and Siletz railroad line back out through Kings Valley and Pedee.
I'd like to aim for early April but I'll want to check with some locals and see if we can be snow free by then though I imagine it will, the max elevation is only about 2300 feet.
Figure on a whole day, with lunch on the road. Plan on a bit of highway mileage as well as some dinking around in the hills. Should just be gravel roads but it wouldn't hurt to have 4x4.

[zjsheller]

my backyard. im in. thanks again ryan!!

[scoobyclimbs]

I'm in...
I saw last years write up and it looked great.

This summer we tried to get up there but logging closed the roads to valley of the giants....?

[schaney]

I'd be up for exploring that area. There is even a small waterfall in Falls City to see. Be surprised if snow would create any travel barriers in that area even right now.

[Jerry]

I might be up for this one. Our daughter and her family live in Albany and her birthday is on Friday, April 9th. We don't know for sure if we will be going or not, but if we do and if the dates work out I would enjoy tagging along.

[nightfoam]

Yeah, we really shouldn't have any problem with snow that late. The logging companies close the gates during fire season so obviously we should be safe in April.

Jerry, it would be great if you could make it. I'll go ahead and pick the 10th as our trip date, if you're around, you can join us, if not, we'll still have a good time.

BTW, decent tires would be good, there are plenty of pit run gravel roads that tend to be tough or lighter tires.

[TeamCF]

Been wanting to check out that area.
I'll try to make this work.

[Toy Man]

Hmm - been several years since I poked around there.

If we are able to go we will probably head south to Longsden after the Valley of the Giants, either via the river or back to the 'lake' and then south via Rock Creek.

Dick - Toy Man

[McKBrew]

Cool. I might have just found the place for the yearly trip I take with the boys. Maybe we'll swing down that way a few days early and try to find a yurt or cabin at a park, or better yet throw up a tent in the National Forest. Spend a day with you all and then make our way back home via the coast.

[richardattek]

I have been told the Moonshine County Park by Logsden is a nice place.