Taneum to Skull Springs, 11/10/07 - Pacific Northwest Backroad Adventures Forum

Jerry · #1 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007, 12:47 AM

Tour Announcement

Taneum to Skull Springs
November 10, 2007

We're going to Cle Elum, to the mountains behind the Indian John Rest Area. You know the place, where you see the elk off to the side of the freeway. Our plan is to meet in Cle Elum, drive the Thorp Prairie Road to Indian John Hill and follow Taneum Creek into the hills en route to Skull Springs and other points of interest. We expect to see some beautiful scenery; pine forests, open meadows and views of the valley and mountains beyond. The roads will be a mix of dirt, gravel and pit run. We don't know road conditions and cannot predict the weather so we recommend SUV's or other high ground clearance vehicles on this tour.

Here are some photos of our last trip to the area

Meet at the Cottage Cafe, 911 E. 1st Street on the east side of Cle Elum. Come early for breakfast or coffee and plan to leave the restaurant at 10:00 AM. Look for our red Ford Bronco II or white Ford pickup (or anything else with Backroad Drivers decals) and we will monitor channel 22 on the CB radio.

See you in Cle Elum!

Jerry from Yakima
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BACKROAD DRIVERS NORTHWEST

Jerry · #2 (**permalink**) 10-26-2007, 02:20 PM

Mark your calendars, only two more weeks.....

Taneum to Skull Springs
November 10, 2007

Join us as we explore the northern end of the L.T. Murray State Wildlife Recreation Area. The L.T. Murray is probably most recognizable for its large herd of Elk that frequently graze in the grasslands near Interstate 90 east of Cle Elum. The reserve has a network of dirt roads that connect the Taneum with Skull Springs and other interesting places.

Skull Springs is in the far north end of the green area.

Our plan is to meet in Cle Elum, drive the Thorp Prairie Road to Indian John Hill and follow Taneum Creek into the L.T. Murray. We are not sure of road conditions and surface conditions can change with the weather so we recommend SUV's or other high ground clearance vehicles.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/r3murray.htm
http://www.bentler.us/eastern-washin...dife-area.aspx

Meet at the Cottage Café, 911 E. 1st Street on the east side of Cle Elum. Come early for breakfast or coffee and plan to leave the restaurant at 10:00 AM. Look for our red Ford Bronco II and we will monitor channel 22 on the CB radio. We plan to finish the tour by mid afternoon.

Hope to see you there!
Jerry

Jerry · #3 (**permalink**) 10-27-2007, 01:10 AM

I thought I would mention that if you bring your kids*, and if it happens to snow, you might bring a sled or other sledding device. There are some fun hills in the vicinity.
Jerry

*Sledding is not limited just to kids

Steve · #4 (**permalink**) 10-27-2007, 08:09 AM

I just noticed from the wdfw link it says that a permit is required on all wdfw lands.

For everybody's information, if you don't have a fishing or hunting license, you can pick one up at any sporting goods stores.

It also allows you to park at boat launches to use the potty.

Steve

Jerry · #5 (**permalink**) 10-27-2007, 10:31 AM

Good point. If we need to stop at an "Improved Access Facility", say to use a pit toilet located within that facility (Wow, a pretty important stop), we would be required to have a permit otherwise we will not need one for exploring backroads or using facilities outside the improved access area.

Permits apply to all "Improved Access Facilities", a clearly identified area specifically created for motor vehicle parking, i.e. boat launches, RV parking sites, trail heads, etc.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Vehicle Use Permits are the
equivalent of the Northwest Forest Pass issued by the Forest Service.

Proceeds from permit sales are used to maintain facilities and remove garbage, a never ending problem and expense. Annual WDFW permits cost $10.95 and can be purchased wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold. Annual NWF passes cost $30.00 and are available at Forest Service offices and several retail outlets.

LanceN · #6 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 12:57 PM

I wish I could make this one, a little far for me though as I have plans on Sunday.

I'm planning on heading up to St Helens on Sunday, Lone Butte area, to do some exploring with the Taco, I finally had time to replace my CV axle last weekend so she's ready to go play.

Jerry · #7 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 05:05 PM

Sorry you can't make the Taneum to Skull Springs Run, but it sounds like you will have fun on your trek. Take some pictures and send in a short write up when you get back. Hope to see you at one of the other runs.
Jerry

Jerry · #8 (**permalink**) 11-01-2007, 10:48 PM

Reminder: Only 8 more days before the Taneum to Skull Springs Run. Meet at Cle Elum and drive interconnecting dirt roads in the L. T. Murray Wildlife Area. Nice country, great views and terrific people. Please join us!
Jerry

Jerry · #9 (**permalink**) 11-06-2007, 05:05 PM

Just thought I had better mention to bring a sack lunch or snack to tide you over. No restaurants in the hills! See you in Cle Elum.
Jerry

grimmwit · #10 (**permalink**) 11-08-2007, 06:05 PM

At this point, it looks like I should be able to make this trip. Nothing seems to be on the radar at work to pre-empt participation. Looks like we are in for a wet day.

Grimmwit