As you may suspect, I survived, and the reward was absolutely worth the risk. The best source of information for this hike was Jerrell Goodpaster's book, "Hinterlands, " which describes over 100 unofficial trails in the gorge. Even with all of the bumps and bruises Indian Arch has received due to its prominent location, this is one of the most elegant and graceful arches in Red River Gorge, if not the entire Daniel Boone National Forest. I was determined to make it to the top. You'll be able to see the etched stairs to go up. We pitched our tent in an assigned spot at a campground. There's plenty of bald sand and rock to hike here. There is a smaller trail that loops to the bottom and over the top of this rock house which runs adjacent to the Indian Staircase Loop. My palms were sweaty, my hands had started shaking, and my stomach was in knots. Indian the ridge from the Indian Staircase. We are so excited for Matt and Carson!
But when you're at the base of it looking up, it seems much steeper. Eventually, you'll circle around to see Frog's Head and then on to Indian Staircase. Best Time to Go: Red River Gorge is accessible year round. From here, you're looking straight up at Indian Staircase (right). Continue around the rim, staying close to the cliffline before reaching Frog's Head. Continue climbing until reaching Indian Arch up top past the wooden staircase. This was a bit challenging to accomplish but it did get done, and the view was worth it. Thanks for the article. The sign points you five miles to the Swinging Bridge, although pedometers say it is seven. There is no entrance fee but an overnight backpacking permit must be purchased in order to camp (available for purchase at the gas stations in Slade for $3).
I turned around in a "crab crawl" position and sheepishly made my way back to the base of the trail. I climbed down and took some photos and measurements while my guests discussed food and what they wanted to eat. Indian Staircase, oh what an adventure to climb this one has been. The first scramble starts at the base of the cliff and progressively gets steeper the higher one gets. You will be looking for the "Bison Way" trail head parking. While on the unmarked Indian Staircase Trail, we did a bit of exploring, as there are a multitude of backcountry campsites on the route. Indian in from across the ridge. Look for a write up from me on the Star Gap Arch/Double Arch/Auxier ridge area soon.
Elevation Gain: 1923 ft. Max Elevation: 1243 ft. Trailhead: Sheltowee Connector Trail #211. 1-2 liters per person should be plenty. We pulled ourselves to the first scramble, Katy and I both doubting our ability to climb back down, but I made it up half of the second scramble. Once you come to the end of this ridge, you will have to do some scrambling to get down a little section of cliff, there are tree roots to hold onto. The photo at left is taken from inside the cleft, looking up at the cap on the chimney. If you were unable to locate the Cloud Splitter Shortcut Trail and had to begin from the Sheltowee Trace Connector on Sky Bridge Road, you are still in luck. He stood strong at my side, convinced this would be the day we could boast of our success. Our trip started early Friday morning as we left the Library about 8:15 and headed to Slade. For now, I hope this gives you enough information to find your way on this adventurous hike and that my photographs will inspire you to make the trip to explore this spectacular little corner of Red River Gorge! I didn't have any green beer or find any four-leaf clovers, but I felt beyond lucky to experience this holiday in an unconventional way with friends who share my passion for exploring. The party moved on around the cliff line and we made our way to Frog Head Rock and on to the Adena Shelter (which is also known as the Grand Ballroom).
© Todd D. Nystrom and Todd the Hiker, 2015. There are established campsites scattered throughout the route with the majority being located on the backside of Indian Staircase, although this area is the most popular for backcountry camping and can be quite crowded. From here the trail begins to go up hill. Continue until reaching the Indian Staircase Loop marked by a wide user trail and just past an official sign post that has been painted up. Even if you do not climb the staircase itself, it is still worth taking the long way around to get to the top by following the Sheltowee Trace and coming in from the west. Log me out when I close my browser. You'll see a couple ropes to use to climb up.
Post-Hike Beer: Country Boy Brewing Witness the Citrus IPA. Just before reaching the top of Indian Staircase, the ridge folds down several times like a giant staircase, with a very unique arch situated at the far end. Steep drop-offs are often unseen until you are right on top of them; and if you are hiking with children keep them close by your side at all times! Anything carved in this rock over 1000 years ago would not have lasted. We camped on the top of Indian Staircase and wow, did we have a view for the sunrise and set! Battleship Rock provides a beautiful view of Natural Bridge from about a mile away (as pictured above), but the trail eventually leads across the top of the bridge, which in return offers an unobstructed view of the immense Battleship Rock (as pictured below). I have been exploring the RRG and Clifty Wilderness areas off trail for the past 10 years and still have plenty off things to see.
One instance of rerouting took me up the minor tributary of Greasy Branch to coincidentally discover another arch, Sheltowee Arch. Needless to say, this part of the journey would be uncomfortable for a person of size or anyone who feels apprehensive in small, confined spaces. Known as the "Ohem Dome", it produces an echoing vibration created by sticking your head up into the dome and loudly chanting a hymn. You can follow the trail about another 6 miles or so to Cloudsplitter.
I lost my footing and slid about 5 feet backward, shattering all my confidence and will to continue in the blunder. Four times, I stood with the same person on those cliff edges. Indian Arch, on the return hike along the Sheltowee Trace. Finishing the steep ascent to the ridge top where most of the days landmarks reside, we quickly reach the gorgeous span of Indian Arch.
Do not bring animals on this trail. Permits Required: Yes. They can be startling, especially if they dart right in and look you in the face. I wonder how many people have walked right past here without a single clue that these twin windows exist just a stones throw away. Once on top, even if you came early and it's not yet lunchtime, you ought to sit and have a snack while enjoying the view. The "lasso" loop portion starts and ends at Indian Arch. Stay tuned and as always, see y'all on the trails!
West Linn Public Library, 1595 Burns St., West Linn; free admission; 503-656-7853. Members of the Grange would often be members of other organizations and groups such as the church the fire department or a service club. Five separate children's running races were held with the winner of each race winning a silver dollar. The biggest thing to come out of the May 26th meeting was the decision to expand the fair to a two day event.
Note: These minutes are initially given the date of April 28th 1956 by the typist but after reviewing minutes for content and subject it is obvious the date should be 1959. Youth Music Project, 2015 Eighth Ave., West Linn; $20; buy online or call 503-616-5967. 00 offer, the concept of the fair and its encouragement of community involvement can easily be connected with the Grange. "Committee chairmanships may be distributed among the Board members and other community personnel showing a willingness to assume this responsibility". Many individuals and groups outside the fair board were helping out with the fair which led to this interesting statement in the by-laws. To date, the West Linn Lions Club Raffle has contributed more than $86, 0000 to Scholarships in the past 13 years. Most booths were then painted resulting in a collection of various colors that added to the color of the Fair. It is in the April minutes that we see the introduction of a Queens Court. These events would require teamwork and show the proficiency and pride of our volunteer fireman. Monies from the tickets sales were used to offset the cost of operating the Fair. Union Gospel Mission. A good example of "other community personnel" was that of the leadership of the West Linn Garden Club.
Completing in May and June, the homes will be move-in ready at a beautiful time at the beginning of the summer. West Linn Parks and Recreation). The new and improved Fair was going to have a bang up carnival and the Grange was going to help. The result has been a transition from an all volunteer Fair to an event as part of a much larger program of the West Linn Parks & Recreation using a Fair Committee for guidance. Going back to their origin of 1874 the Grange held fairs on a regular basis on a local and statewide level. Enjoy living close to I-5 and 205 and near the Willamette River, beautiful parks and trails, restaurants, shopping destinations and Starbucks. Tour 6:30 p. Sat, July 19; film 7 p. Robinwood Station, 3706 Cedaroak Drive, West Linn; $5 suggested donation; 503-451-0289. Meanwhile, locals can catch up and get to know each other at the farmer's market, movie nights and concerts in Tanner Creek Park, one of many parks in this leafy little town. Since opening its doors in 1939 with a collection of 350 books and two magazine subscriptions, the West Linn Public Library has grown with the community. Here is how it all started. Amusement Rides and Games (including a climbing wall)! Whether they're employee owned or have a particular specialty, you can expect to find fresh produce, unique gifts, and hard-to-find… Read More. Summer Concert for the White Oak Savanna: Guitarists Mariano De Orbegoso and Masud Tahmassbi perform.
Music in the Park: Weekly 6:30-8:30 p. Thursdays, July 24-Aug. 28. In researching the history of the Oregon State Grange I found the organization used the concept of a fair as a way to bring people together and discuss issues relating to their industry. It should be noted that this unusual covering gave all the booths a "light gray" appearance. Politics from The Hill.
Performances will be photographed and/or videoed and will be posted publicly. The style of report generated, dealt with a specific event or activity as its own separate category. Bonnie Hunt went on to be the first Queen. The second story of the Willamette Fire Hall was considered a training area for the fireman and a community meeting room. For those unable to attend the information night, please, contact Terri Jones with the Parks Department at 503-742-6045 or email with any questions. The Grange Master Mildred Younge stepped forward and took on the task of finding a source for this project as well as determining the cost of the prizes to be awarded for these new games and events.