Upper South Fork Tamarack Creek - FS 9s023

This is a challenging, 2.2-mile drive defined by extreme surface conditions and environmental hazards. The route begins briefly in a healthy, shaded stand of trees before immediately entering a vast, exposed burn scar from the 2020 Creek Wildfire. The roadbed here is composed of deep, loose duff (decomposed organic matter and fine ash,) which compromises traction. The deliberate 30-minute drive time reflects the constant need to manage wheel spin and slide. The lack of canopy grants spectacular, if stark, views over the high country ghost forest full of standing silver and black snags, making this a unique exploration into the raw aftermath of the fire.