West Magnolia
We had just finished playing on the muddy trail and having lunch on Caribou Creek. Now it was time to run West Magnolia. Since we were really close to the north end of the trail, it only made sense to run it north to south. With the help of the GPS and some of our group actually knowing how to read road signs, we found the trailhead and we were on our way.
The trail started out really smooth with a few small whoopdeedoos which are always fun. This trail was a nice drive through the forest on the way to see the Champion Mill. Mike had seen the mill before, but it was the first time for the rest of us. Walt was really looking forward to seeing it since he had been on this trail three times already and drove right by the hiking trail entrance without knowing it was there.
It wasn't long before the GPS told us we were approaching the parking area for the Champion Mill. We all pulled in and found places to park our Jeeps. Walt had the hiking track downloaded on his GPS, so he brought it along to help us find our way. We strayed a little off track but found our way back quickly to get to the mill. It was a short hike and well worth it to see this well-preserved stamp mill. The group took lots of pictures and explored the entire area before hiking back to the Jeeps.
The owners are nice enough to let hikers and mountain bikers use this trail to see their mill, so remember to only take pictures and memories with you when you leave.
We made our way back onto the trail and before we knew it, we were at the Lone Star Mine. There is plenty of space to park and take pictures but it is on private land. Please be respectful of their wishes and don't explore the mine area.
We decided to head the long way out and not take the shortcut back that starts at the Lone Star Mine. The trail gets a little tougher going downhill and the trees and brush rubbed our rigs as we straddled wash outs, but it was great fun.
We finished the trail and wasted no time getting to Rollinsville and the highway to head south to Pickle Gulch.
Reports from Other Days: 2
Use the arrows or dots to flip through the previews of the other reports for West Magnolia. Click one of them to read more and see all of the photos from that day.
