Special Notices - 05/08

Needleton Bridge Reconstruction--The Forest Service was not able to get the Needleton Bridge reconstruction project done in the fall of 2007 as planned due to issues with the contractor. Faced with the possibility of losing the construction money if the project is not completed by September 2008, the Forest Service must now schedule the project this summer in order to get it done in time. Materials are being transported to the site, but no date has yet been set for the work on the bridge. When we have a definite date we will post it here. During that period the train will drop off and pick up hikers at Cascade Wye, which is 7 miles downstream from Needleton.

Vallecito Trail - third bridge is out--The third bridge (counting from the South) crossing Vallecito Creek is gone due to an avalanche in the winter of 2004-2005. The avalanche debris was cleared from the trail in fall 2007. The bridge will NOT be replaced in 2008, so it is necessary for hikers to ford the creek. Vallecito Creek is challenging to ford, and is especially dangerous during the spring runoff (mid May through Mid June). Please use good judgment and extreme caution if you choose to ford Vallecito Creek.