West Fork Backpack Trip
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TROOP 355 SPRING BACKPACK TRIP
ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST
WEST FORK TRAIL CAMP

WHEN: Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24

WHERE: Red Box Ranger Station to the West Fork Trail Camp along the Gabrielino Trail in the Angeles National Forest. For most of the hike we will be following the west fork of the San Gabriel River. West Fork Trail Camp is located at the junction of two classic trails – the Gabrielino Trail and the Silver Moccasin Trail.

DIFFICULTY: The hike is 5.3 miles each way. We will hike almost all downhill on Saturday – there is a total elevation loss of about 2000 feet from Red Box to West Fork. On Sunday, we will hike back up the 2000 vertical feet to Red Box – you will definitely earn those root beers.

COST: $10 per person. Deadline to confirm your spot is Monday night, March 11. Bring your check made out to BSA Troop 355 to the Troop Meeting, or mail or deliver to:

Kelly Moffat
2280 Adair Street
San Marino, CA 91108

AVAILABILITY: This is an intermediate backpack trip. We will take it fairly slow, but this will be significantly more difficult than our introductory backpack to Little Jimmy last fall. This trip is not recommended for first time backpackers – instead, we would recommend that you join us on our introductory backpack trip next fall. If you have not backpacked with us before but would like to go on this trip, please contact Mr. Chase or Mr. Moffat to discuss.

MEET: At Scout House at 7:00 AM on Saturday, March 23. We will divide Troop gear and food then depart for the trailhead. The trip to the trailhead is about 45 minutes. We should arrive there by 8:30 AM. We will return to the trailhead Sunday morning about midday and be home by 2:00 PM.

MEALS: Eat a big breakfast on Saturday morning before the trip. Otherwise you may bonk! Bonking is not cool, it hurts. Don’t bonk! Bring your own trail lunch Saturday, dinner will be provided Saturday night (Philmont style), bring your own breakfast bars, instant oatmeal, cocoa for breakfast on Sunday. Saturday’s dinner will be prepared by individual crews. Crews will be announced Monday night, March 18 by email.

SPECIAL NOTES:

It might be cold (40 degrees) at night, be prepared with long johns and a beanie hat to sleep in, a good sleeping bag, a jacket and gloves. Of course always bring your rain gear! Bring bug repellent. And…bring toilet paper. BE PREPARED.

Dr. Snaer, Mr. Chase and Mr. Moffat are always available to discuss equipment. Contact any of them if you have any questions.

Any cars parking will need a National Forest Adventure Pass available at your sporting goods store (REI, Sports Chalet).

Directions to the Red Box Trailhead: There is a large parking lot at the trailhead. However, it is always a good idea to carpool. Fill your car up with Scouts and backpacks. Take the 210 west to the Angeles Crest Highway 2 north. Drive approximately 14 miles to the parking lot at Red Box Station. Turn right onto Mount Wilson/Red Box Road, then immediately right or left into one of the two parking areas on either side of the road – the left (east) parking lot is closest to our trailhead. Hang your Adventure Pass on your rear view mirror.