Balsam is the resinous sap which forms on certain kinds of trees and shrubs. The Balsam of Matariyya was said to be derived from an Egyptian plant and used as a medicinal plant. Native Americans in the eastern United States were also known to use the thick, sticky resin from the Balsam Fir Tree as a healing herb. The Balsam of Peru has a scent similar to vanilla with hints of cinnamon. Sometimes perfumers will use it to ‘fix’ flower notes in a perfume. A local favorite, Arrowleaf Balsamroot is fairly common in cold, dry areas of the West. Easily recognized by its beautiful, bright yellow flowers, nearly all parts of this plant were used as food by various Native American groups. The sap in the tough woody roots smells and feels like balsam fir pitch.
Welcome to Balsam Trail - one of the newer trails on Moscow Mountain that was created by the Moscow Area Mountain Biking Association (MAMBA). If you would like to learn more about MAMBA and their trails on Moscow Mountain, you can find more information <here>. Or you can download the Trailforks app and gain access to maps of the area. All of these trails are open to hikers and mountain bikers.
To get to Balsam Trail, take Mountain View Road and turn onto West Twin Road. Follow West Twin Road to the parking area. It is a little over a mile to the knob and the cache area. However, it also about 350 feet in elevation gain. The trail has some nice switchbacks that will make it easier to get to the top. I also included references to Wild Dog Trail – an unmarked trail that can actually take you to the top of Moscow Mountain. If you want a good workout, you can take Wild Dog all the way up to Foothill Road on the ridge of Moscow Mountain. Or you can take it down, hit the road at the bottom, and complete a nice loop. Either route will reward you with scenic views of the area.
