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ELK TRAP - with new grooming up Cascade Valley!
Report Submitted by Chuck
(trip) Date: Thursday Jan 27, 2022
Submitted: Thursday Jan 27, 2022 at 19:35
Discussion:
Easier than ever to get to the Elk Trap this year!
Thanks to previous trail breakers beyond Stoney Creek, this is another great destination for these longer days.
The skier track has set up nicely and is surprisingly supportive.
I used light touring skis with blue kick wax and had no problems with temperatures ranging from minus 15 to minus 5.
The destination - another local cultural resource
Cascade Valley has just been trackset for the first time since January 10
In fact grooming has now been extended to the Elk Pass junction!
Moose have postholed the track in places
Creek crossings are navigable, with care
Thanks Helen Read for helping me to remember my Dad!
5 comment(s) posted
Comments:
2022-01-27 at 20:48 - comment by Helen Read
Thank you Chuck for the great news of a few new groomers being trained, and for the Cascade Fire road being extended and for luring me possibly this season to get myself to the Elk Trap. Sadly I cannot buy those little birds anymore from Emerald Lake store.
2022-01-29 at 10:33 - comment by Tanya K
Chuck, what is an elk trap? I've never been that far up the valley. Thanks.
2022-01-29 at 18:07 - comment by Chuck
So glad you asked, Tanya!
The Elk Trap was used a long time ago to remove excess Elk from the park. All that really remains now is the central corral and loading ramp. The wings of the trap were long fence lines that have since fallen down. This trap was set up where the valley narrowed, and the Elk were chased down into it, and then held for removal.
We used to use it when we had horses in the park, as a holding area overnight, or while on short day trips.
Those were the days... see 2 memorable photos
Our two horses, enjoying relative freedom
A lazy evening
2022-01-30 at 08:16 - comment by HenryL
Wow. Chuck and Jeannette, you have experienced the parks in a way that I have only read in history books! Well done. I can literally smell the horses and taste dinner in those great photos.
2022-01-30 at 08:24 - comment by HenryL
Chuck, this has spurred (pun intended?) me to go hunt down a couple of Sid Marty classics for some cozy winter reading.
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