I finally realized why the trail to Lake Serene keeps getting washed out

I hiked the Lake Serene route near Index, Washington, three times this spring. Each time, I saw groups cutting straight up the steep slope after the first creek crossing, ignoring the switchbacks. This creates new water channels when it rains, which is why the main path is now a muddy trench for about 200 feet. It's actively damaging the trail. Has anyone else seen this and know if the forest service is planning to put up better signs?

3 comments

3 Comments

lisab3212d ago

Wait, people are cutting straight up the slope?

the_hayden12d ago

Yeah, cutting straight up the slope is a huge problem on some local trails here.

cora81312d ago

Ugh, that's so frustrating to watch. They're literally destroying the trail to save what, maybe thirty seconds? It creates erosion gullies that ruin the path for everyone else. Better signs might help, but some people just ignore them. Why can't folks just stay on the built trail?