Map: Gold Bar, WA (Isabel Lake)

Overview
Isabel Lake trail is is distinctly three levels of difficulty - before "rope" rocks hill climb (okay for Stock), before the cedar log bridge (okay for slightly modified), and after the cedar log bridge (lockers front/back). Stock trucks will have fun crossing the first creek bed and shortly after twisting and turning around trees following the trail out. This trail is open with some challenges for everyone. Reaching the "rope" rocks and climbing will require good traction and driving skills without lockers. Larger rocks and obstacles following "rope" rocks will be difficult without a lifted truck having good treads. Beyond the cedar bridge offers a challenge for modified rigs - careful not to break axles and such here. Have a capable winch for serious STUCKS too.

Our recommendation is to always travel with another truck - and a tow strap.

Directions to Trail Head
Out of Monroe, WA on Highway 2 you will pass through the town of Gold Bar to Reiter Road exiting north off Hwy 2. Continue on Reiter Road for a couple miles finding Reiter gravel "pit" on the left side. Our trail head gets started just beyond Reiter Pit also on left side. Follow the trail/gravel road into power line trails and beyond to our first river crossing.

Isabel Lake Trail
This trip up Isabel Lake trail followed weeks of cool weather and a few heavy rainy days before the trip. Attending this run was Patrick Decker, driving his 1977 IH Scout SSII; Jay driving his late model Jeep Cherokee; I was driving my 1986 Bronco with my "street" tires - BFG Mud Terrains (I have TSL SuperSwampers for weekend events). Also, this was the first time my wife attended -- YAHOO!

The creek crossing was, as expected flowing with lots of water. At one point early across the creek, Patrick became high-centered and with a front limited-slip was not able to move forward or back. I was waiting with the Bronco and provided a winch pull to move Patrick's Scout back a couple feet. He took another angle and with good driving skills made it across without another stop. The depth in a couple holes was 36" or more. Fun ... fun... My "Wild Horses" bounced about and made splashes to put a big grin on my wife's face! I think she's now hooked.

Along the trail, the green "jungle" of bushes, low branches, and wild berry plants made for a wet, narrow trail.

Here is what 2BigBroncos refer to as "Rope Rocks" hill climb. Our first attempt on this hill, Joe Coppick and I found a large coiled logging rope laid among the rocks. This certainly is a fun climb. Patrick's Scout took a minor beating on Rope Rocks and began to experience auto-trans problems shortly after this climb. I was bring up the tail end, looking for a few good bumps and rocks in attempts to impress THE woman.

We all turned around shortly following the hill climb before reaching our goal - the wooden bridge.

The switch-back, in the return direction always provides new drivers (and sometimes the experienced driver) with a high level of excitement. The water crossing was more fun crossing for Passengers, Patrick, and Jay having no problems crossing. Out of the water crossing there is a slight climb over rocks and roots before reaching the mud puddles and trail out.