NORTH KENDRICK PEAK UPPER REGION: COULD THE SAGINAW HAVE LOGGED THIS AREA?

 

NORTH KENDRICK PEAK UPPER REGION: COULD THE SAGINAW HAVE LOGGED THIS AREA?

If you have been following this Blog, you would know that I have been researching this area north of Kendrick Peak. I have walked the length of the existing grades in the valley, and now the search was moved to the upper elevations. In my prior posts on this area, I have detailed where the grade existed in the lower regions, and also my searches on Forest Road 90. 

One of the persistent questions has been, did the Saginaw log the upper regions along FR90, and if so, how did they reach this area with the logging railroad?

Once a Prescribed Burn was completed, I was able to drive into the area. The roads are rough, and at times only a 4x4 would suffice.  I would suggest traveling and exploring this area with two vehicles, because you could get stuck in a very remote location. The hillsides are very steep, and the area is rough, so only an experienced group should investigate the area. 

 I was able to follow a side road that had recently been graded by the Forest Service. This was unmarked, however was located at 35.44665 N, 111.86580 W. Double check my coordinates, as the GPS on the phone can sometimes be fickle. 

The road traveled along the ridgeline, until it overlooked a series of switchbacks leading down into the valley. That is where I stopped, since my experience told me that this road would be very difficult to travel. The other consideration was that this road overlooked the area where the Saginaw was known to exist. 

I had proven my theory that the Saginaw could have accessed the upper regions, using the grade located in the valley. It was possible; however, I did not find clear indication of a roadbed along this forest road. Nevertheless, there were a number of ravines and ridges where the line could have found its way into the upper region. There were other side roads and ravines which I did not search.  

Having completed this journey, I bid goodbye to this region. It is time to leave further exploration to the younger generation of amateur historians. I have one area that is not as remote as this that will be checked in the Spring; other than that exploration now give way to recreation. 

Enjoy and be safe! 

Courtesy Google Maps

The red line indicates my recent exploration. The blue line shows where the grade existed in the lower regions. 

There are stumps all other the area, not in the density that I would have expected. Kendrick Peak has been subjected to a number of intense forest fires, and most of the normal detritus of vintage logging practices have disappeared.

Several images from the upper ridgeline. 

Just wanted to prove I was at this location.

Beautiful view over the valley.