UPDATE 10/19/2007: They are putting the finishing touches on
a parking area and trailhead with restrooms and park information at
N 45 25.220 W 122 33.115. They have also added good trail markers
that all show maps of the various trails. No more excuses for
getting lost. They have also completed the bridge across Mount
Scott Creek and will connect the trail on the North side of the
mountain to a trailhead on Sunnyside Rd. Enjoy!
Metro
purchased 40 acres of Mt. Talbert in Sept. 2000, bringing their
total owned land of the mountain to 183 acres. The previous owner,
Lowell Farmer, had filed intent to clear cut his property in 1998
but pended that decision while in negotiations with Metro. North
Clackamas Parks & Recreation District currently maintains the
property.
The property on Mt. Talbert was purchased with funds from the
open spaces, parks and streams bond measure approved by voters in
May 1995. Since passage of the bond measure, Metro has acquired 194
sites totaling 6,299 acres of natural open space regionwide. The
primary goal of the acquisition program is to purchase natural
areas, trail corridors and greenways to be held in public trust for
future use as parks, trails and fish and wildlife habitat.
A lot of work has been done up here, since Chad and Brad placed
the cache. They have "established" trails. Currently, there are
four enterances onto Mt. Talbert. Parking area #4 has perhaps the
most direct route to the cache. I usually park at #1. I just like
this approach the best. Parking area #2 is also good, but is the
longest hike, and parking area #3 is good, but is prone to
flooding.
Chad and Brad noted a need for CITO at this place. I am happy to
report that there is little to no trash up there any more, although
there is usually some trash near the trail heads. There are still
trash bags in the cache, should you see the need.
The trail system is much more established now. There is a main
loop trail that goes all the way around the base of the mountain, a
summit trail, that goes past the cache and reconnects to the the
loop trail, and a west ridge trail that connect the loop and summit
trails on the west side. All trails are now marked as well. If you
are out with a group, you could easily set-up a shuttle at one of
the parking coordinates and hike through. As long as you stay on
the trails, you shouldn't have any trouble finding your way.
It will take a short, 20 to 30 minute walk to get to the
coordinates. There are a couple small trash bags in there for your
trip down.
You may notice a lot of work going on up there. Mt. Talbert is
home to one of the largest stands of White Oaks in this area. The
other trees have crowded in over the years, threatening all of the
oaks, so the county has been removing all of the invasive trees and
firming up the established trails.
Note: "No dogs, horses or bikes are allowed on the site
at any time."
Enjoy this undeveloped oasis!