CHAPTER XIV
Mt. Thielsen to Oppie Dildock Pass

Typical of the attention the trail was receiving from these two separate government agencies, both acting under the direction of Congress, was that while the National Park Service had no trail connecting north, the Forest Service had already completed some of what was classed as permanent route. We were delighted to come upon a bit of "turnpike" trail construction rounding a shoulder of Mt. Thielsen that fulfilled a promise of what was to be one day—prettier than portrayed in design drawings and specifications.

Mt. Thielsen is a precipitous, 9,000 foot tall, volcanic plug with personality. The old Skyline Trail, built for Forest Service rangers, fire fighters, and packers, had charged up the lower slopes quite boldly, and then, as if annoyed at finding a mountain blocking the way, had begrudgingly detoured up and down and across ravines, so not to waste any work time traveling from station to lookout.

In contrast, the new National Scenic Trail, serving a different purpose, seemed much more inclined to play. It's personality was that of children linking a string of daisies together to make a necklace about the mountain.

This is not to say that the new trail was less substantial. With a wide 24" tread built of rubble rock to cross talus slides, or hewn into the earth of the mountainside, worked until free of rocks and roots to stumble upon, it was built to last.

The real difference was that much time had gone into planning the route. Instead of the obvious choice of making a switchback climbing from natural niche to ledge, this trail was carved out of the mountain by following a contour. Without any grade steeper than nine percent, without the toil of climbing, it reached the 7,000 foot elevation, looking down upon the old path, and a view that proved the trail was 'scenic'.