One of the great things about this area is all the forest lands you can get to. At the same time one of the worst things about this area are the number of gates which you find closing off that forest.
Since we had decided to take a "Sunny Day" vacation day midweek, we managed to find several normally closed gates open! We don't know if we were supposed to go there, but an open gate is an invitation.
Suddenly all of those roads you can see up the side of the mountians, all the switchbacks, and views you can now get to. While driving past on the freeway, you can say "See that road way up there? We've been there!".
Follow the Jump for the rest of the story!
Heading up Interstate 90 from Preston, we decided it was time to find some dirt. Quite often, roads in this area are closed with locked gates. A good portion of what was once public land is now in the hands of Hancock Forest Management. It is disappointing because they have chosen to close the lands for public access.
We don't know if it was because we were out here mid week and forest work was going on, or if these roads were beginning to open up, but the gates were open. It's like an invitation that says "You might not get the chance to see where this road goes again."
Our first stop was to stretch the Jeep's legs a bit. Ok, it was really just to take a poser shot. But it was still fun.
Time to head up into the trees. Emma beginning to really dig this Jeep lifestyle.
About 1000 feet south of Interstate 90, but 2000 feet above. The scenery and views around this area never cease to amaze. We didn't see anyone else the entire time we were here. As we climbed higher, we started to see snow along the road and occasionally drove across it. Normally this is not a problem, but driving on snow on a shelf road is not fun.
Jack, who has been traveling with us for some time says "No Way" to the snow ahead that is there from a slide chute, which slides off the other side of the road and down a cliff. Time to head back down a head the other direction.
Of course we can't go anywhere without taking a moment to play in the snow. After a few snowballs, and some hole digging looking for critters we headed back down to the valley.
Back through some of the snow we encountered on the way up. And of course just a few more pictures.
Up next: Naked in the Sun Part 3 (Tinkham Road)
Be sure to check out our photo gallery of this trip. LOTS more pictures there of the day!
Gallery of pics from Preston Mill and Tinkham Road.
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