QUARTZ CREEK

WHERE:     From Portland take I 5 north to hwy 503 (Lewis River Road) and go east.  Follow to forest service road 90 which picks up a few miles past Cougar then continue until you see the creek itself and a parking area on the right just before crossing the bridge.

THE TRAIL:     There are a couple of options from this point.  You can take the Lewis River Trail on the parking side of the road which takes you down some really nice stands of old growth Cedar, Hemlock, Fir, Maple, Ash and Alder.  This also brings you past three really nice waterfalls on the Lewis river and a cool camping spot with a view of middle falls.  If you camp here please clean up after yourself and anyone who may have camped there before you.  The spot is not as remote as you may think since cars can park at a different spot near middle falls without having to trek very far.  This is definitely worth a side trip.

The other option is taking Quartz Creek trail through a series of rises and drops as you soar up in elevation and back down again to meet the river in this steep valley.  You can find many valley views on this trail.  A creek ford after 2 miles may be necessary at Straight Creek (during high waters this is not recommended).  You can even take spur trails to either Quartz Butte or to waterfalls which are reported to be magnificent.  After about six miles you reach a gravel forest road which you follow to the left for about 1/4 mile before reaching another trail that takes you up to a ridge with occasional views of the cascades at an elevation of about 5100 feet.

DARK DIVIDE ROADLESS AREA:     Until driving through this area, on my way home from backpacking, I never heard of it.  This is probably next on the list of Washington areas to be a designated wilderness due to the large expanse of road free woods, much of which is in lower elevations which is extremely rare.  Apparently one conflict right now involves a dispute regarding the use of off road motorcycles in the area.  This apparently happens quite a bit even in areas that are gated and specifically off limits to all motorized vehicles.  One solution proposed that there be a couple of lower elevation trails set aside for motorcycle use while another would allot for separate seasons in which hikers and bikers could use the trail.