mt Isolation

[skibones]

Is it hard to find the bushwack trail from Rocky Branch Trail on the way to Isolation. It seems like alot of hikers do this. If this is common, why hasn't the USFS cut a trail this way.

 

[dug]

There's been a few threads regarding this. Search and you shall find.

As for why isn't there a trail? Probably because there is already a trail to climb Isolation. You can get there from a few different directions. I don't believe the USFS is in the shortcut-building business. Plus, since it's in the Dry River Wilderness (I believe most of the bushwack is anyway), new trails aren't built in Wilderness areas.

 

[Paradox]

I will post the waypoints tonight for minimizing the bushwacks and bypassing the amount of river crossings.

 

[Mad Townie]

It's much easier to find in the winter, especially at the end of a long weekend!

 

[Kevin Rooney]

If you're a map & compass kinda guy, you turn right on a 317 degree heading about 100 yards after after the height of land near Engine Hill. The waypoint on my GPS track is N44 12.180 W71 16.914. After you regain the trail, stay right on the next 3 water crossings - there are bushwhacks around them. The last one is unavoidable.

 

[DougPaul]

If you're a map & compass kinda guy, you turn right on a 317 degree heading about 100 yards after after the height of land near Engine Hill. The waypoint on my GPS track is N44 12.180 W71 16.914. After you regain the trail, stay right on the next 3 water crossings - there are bushwhacks around them. The last one is unavoidable.

I aimed at about 325 true for the winter version... (317 works if you don't mind losing a bit of altitude.)

The short-cut route is obvious from the topo: just after crossing the height-of-land by Engine Hill, just stay on the same contour until you reach the trail. This is part of Peakbagger's winter bushwack route: http://home.earthlink.net/~ellozy/isolation-bushwhack.html

Doug

 

[Kevin Rooney]

Just one caveat on the TR Doug references - to avoid some confusion - Peakbagger's report also describes a second bushwhack after you've regained the Isolation Trail. The second major bushwhack is the most direct route to Isolation, but is usually done only in winter. It's a bit thick, so if done in the 3 seasons my hunch is would actually take longer.

Also, in terms of time - the bushwhack from Engine Hill (which cuts the corner of the triangle) does not actually save time. What is does save is two major brook crossings.

 

[DougPaul]

Just one caveat on the TR Doug references - to avoid some confusion - Peakbagger's report also describes a second bushwhack after you've regained the Isolation Trail. The second major bushwhack is the most direct route to Isolation, but is usually done only in winter. It's a bit thick, so if done in the 3 seasons my hunch is would actually take longer.

Agreed--I was only suggesting avoiding the drop down to the shelter and 2 stream crossings. I've only done the route on snow, so I don't know how difficult it might be without. The trees are mostly relatively open (except when nearing Davis Path), but I don't know what the underbrush would be like.

I don't think there is any "bushwack trail" to follow. You will have to find your own way, but at least you won't have to worry about spruce traps...

Doug

 

[Paradox]

Here are some GPS Cordinates for the two bushwhacks to avoid the brook crossings.

NAD 27 Central
19 T 317139 4896883 Bushwhack start on Rocky Branch trail to get around 1st and 2nd xing
19 T 316923 4897245 Bushwhack end on Isolation Trail

This second upper bushwhack is much shorter and easier.
19 T 316890 4898582 Bushwhack start on Isolation Trail to bypass 3rd and 4th xing
19 T 316849 4898636 Bushwhack end on Isolation Trail