Gales Creek North, Re-opened

Gales Creek North has a distinct NW Oregon personality, green and remote.  It "was" one of my favorites "pre-2007-landslide" and it has been restored to better than before condition.  The trail builders who worked all the reroutes did a fantastic job using the terrain.  I like that they kept the trail narrow and a bit technical.

Here is a short clip taken on the lower section before the split for Storey Burn.  Taken back in April.  On this day my dog took the prize.

The trail follows the contours around the west side of the watershed and summits at Bell Camp Road.  For me, it's about 1:15 to the top and 45 minutes back down to the Camp.  A very enjoyable climb.   Expect to see:


Heavily forested Alder and Fir, waterfalls and creek crossings.

Maybe a black bear or at least some evidence on the trees.  At some point during the summer there will be a big hatch of Cyanide Millipedes (black and yellow).  A few years back I almost crossed paths with a Black Bear that was eating these as he walked along through the woods near the creek below, oblivious to me watching.  It took about ten minutes for him to mosey on to a safe distance, so I could pass.   

This one is about 7 feet off the ground.  I'm guessing it is a different individual than the other.

Lots of green and a tasty Pop Tart treat if you brought one.

You can extend (~7 miles) to Reehers camp, nice downhill drop, but the climb back up is a steep one.

Gales Creek campground is accessed by a gated, 1 lane gravel road, after milepost 34, about 2 miles before the summit on Hwy. 6.  Access the trail from the parking area that is located just prior to crossing the bridge into the campground.  The north trail starts at the marker that is nearest to main creek.  Don't get confused and take the other trail that goes up to the summit of highway 6 and Rogers Camp.

There is a good place to picnic near the camp ground trail head.  Check out the old time water pump at campground.  On summer weekends the campground probably will be full.  First come first served.  If you get skunked out of a camp spot then it might be helpful to know that you can camp almost anywhere you want in Tillamook forest.