West Fork Backpack TripClick for Details

TROOP 355 SPRING BACKPACK TRIP
ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST
WEST FORK TRAIL CAMP

WHEN: Saturday, May 4 and Sunday May 5, 2019.

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!

AVAILABILITY: This is an intermediate backpack trip, but on the advanced side of intermediate. We will take it fairly slow, but this will be significantly more difficult than our recent Cooper Canyon trip. This trip is not recommended for first time backpackers – instead, we would recommend that you join us on our introductory backpack trip next fall.

COST: $10 per person. Deadline to confirm your spot is Monday, April 22. 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

MEET: At Scout House at 6:30 AM on Saturday. We will divide troop gear and food, then depart for the trailhead. The trip to the trailhead is about 45 minutes. 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 before the trip by email.

EQUIPMENT: Please review the troop backpacking checklist on the Resources page of the troop website to make sure you have all the gear you will need. The troop leaders are always available to discuss equipment – please contact any of them if you have questions about gear for the trip.

SPECIAL NOTES: It might be cold (below 40) 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.

WATER: Everyone should carry 2-3 liters of water for the hike down to West Fork (either in plastic or nalgene bottles or a Camelbak style water bladder). We will be able get additional drinking and cooking water at camp – but it needs to be filtered, so every tent should have a water filter (you can borrow from another scout or dad if you don’t have a filter).

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. Any cars parking will need a National Forest Adventure Pass available at your sporting goods store or REI – hang your Adventure Pass on your rear view mirror.