West Fork Wild Trout Checkup 5/26
In the 60's and 70's Dad used to pack up the Rambler wagon full of gear, kids and Mom and take us camping at West Fork behind Mt. Wilson for the 3-day Memorial day weekend. Back then you could drive all the way, we would be the only ones there. Later they made some improvements to the road, the area became popular, so now the road is closed and you must hike there. Monday I took the Gabrielino Trail from Red Box to West Fork. Along with a good practice hike, I wanted to see if the native trout survived the Station Fire of 2009. The trail disappeared due to fire debris just past Valley Forge, I had to climb a hillside through the brush back to the main road. And yes as always I almost stepped on an rattlesnake, he shot out from a rock before my foot hit it. Seems this happens to many I know who have visited here. Good news is the fish are still there and West Fork itself did not burn, but the mountainsides to the immediate north did. Pictures aren't that spectacular.
I will write more in a few days.