Residents in the Trout Creek area will have a new local recreation loop for use thanks to the Cabinet Ranger District and Cabinet Resource Group (CRG).

Cabinet Ranger District's Joel Sather announced the opening of the trail system on the old roadbed at Trout Creek Road and Hope Valley Road junction where the Forest Service recently logged. "Part of one of the loops goes right next to the creek," Sather said, while other portions run through an old thinning unit and along the old logging roadbed.

The loop is comprised of two loops creating a figure eight. Sather stated, "One loop is approximately one mile and the other is half a mile." He added that maps are being made of the area and the trails will be clearly marked with signage soon. Maps will be available at the Cabinet Ranger Station upon print completion. For now, Sather has marked the trail with red flagging which will provide direction until he receives the signs that are on order.

Mother Nature has recently decided to attempt to cooperate with winter cross country ski enthusiasts blessing them with some of that white bliss. The trail is designed for not only skiing, but Sather hopes runners, walkers and those looking for a "close to home" place to walk their furry companions will find the trail accommodating. If enough snow falls for skiers, for courtesy reasons walkers should walk alongside the ski two-track rather than on top of the tracks. He does want to make it clear the new trail system prohibits any motorized use.

Through collaboration with CRG the trail was vamped up during the end of last year's field season. "They (CRG) had a couple members that helped us lay out the route and help swamp the trail (throw stuff) as I ran the saw," explained Sather.

"We did our best to saw things out good and clear the route good. It is in 'rough draft' form," Sather remarked that caution should be used when recreating on the trail. "It isn't cut out perfect. There was some snow on the ground, stuff was frozen to the ground" when they cleared the trail and could not remove all the debris.

"All that being said," he continued, "we will be working on the trail next summer. If you want to assist as a volunteer all help is appreciated. This will be a cool trail on the valley bottom that is easy and quick to get to."

Currently the two loops are labeled "A" and "B." "We would like help from local folks on naming these routes," Sather said. "We are currently considering calling loop A "Dan Rasor Loop" in honor of the long-time packer in this area. Loop B comes pretty close to the foundation of the old ranger station house. Initial thoughts are using the name of the first district ranger, or another ranger." Overall, "Historic Trout Creek Ranger Station Trail System" is being considered for the entire trail system.

Anyone wishing to volunteer, offer name suggestions or receive more information are encouraged to contact Sather at (406) 827-0745 or email [email protected].