Near Husum I found the beginning of the Weldon Wagon Road Trailhead. The  2 1/2 mile wagon road was created in the early 1900’s to haul apples from the upper tablelands to the White Salmon River for transportation to markets.

After climbing out of the valley floor, the old wagon road quickly ascended to an open white oak savannah environment. The grasslands were literally covered in the beautiful wildflowers of golden balsamroot.

At the end of the wagon road there was some old rusted farm equipment left there to capture a feel for the past.

Instead of turning back I followed logging roads for several miles to the north before bushwhacking to the summit of the highest point in the area. Surrounded by small oak trees, pink calypso orchids and light blue great hounds tongue, I took a break and enjoyed a snack.

Beautiful scenery, history to be experienced, ten miles and 2,300 feet of elevation gain – – –  it made one feel great to be alive.