Six Mile Minto-Brown Island Trek
Posted by: 
Bandmaster
N 44° 55.308 W 123° 03.525
10T E 495363 N 4974265
The longest trek in our Minto-Brown Island Park series so far.Six miles of scenic trails not previously seen in our other treks.
See our baby ducklings growing up.Hear a story attached to an abandoned car from the 1940's.Find it with your GPS. Go!
Waymark Code: WM29M9
Location: Oregon, United States
Date Posted: 09/28/2007
Views: 68
We will begin our trek starting in the first parking lot on the right as you enter the park, which is the location of the main coordinates above.
N 44 55.373 W 123 03.579
In .1 of a mile: Our first waymark is a wood and steel bridge over Croisan Creek. Turn left after the bridge and cross the main road on your way to The Duck Pond.
N 44 55.222 W 123 03.684
In .2 of a mile: THE DUCK POND & FISHING DOCK Check out the ducks to see how the ducklings are doing or if there are new ducklings. Take a picture if you can of any changes or something else happening. (See Photos)
N 44 55.243 W 123 04.428
In .7 of a mile: These are coordinates for a narrow dirt trail on your left leaving the paved path you are on. I recommend walking on this trail no farther than 367 feet just to see a unique beautiful tree on the left side of the trail. (See Photo) If the trail becomes too overgrown with brush and blackberry vines, you have gone too far and missed seeing the tree. While retracing your steps back to the paved path, look for the tree on your right this time. Resume your trek on the paved path using the next coordinates.
N 44 55.248 W 123 04.498
In 306 feet: Informative sign at the fork: After reading the sign turn left using next coordinates.
N 44 54.894 W 123 04.708
In a half mile: Trash Can on your left; Turn left on the dirt trail/road heading approximately SouthEast- Eventually you will be bordering the Salem Community Golf Course on your left for .3 of a mile. The road turns right at this point heading away from the golf course (right) in a SouthWest direction following the Burlington North Sante Fe Railroad tracks on your left for a half mile before winding around to the Northwest to your next coordinates.
N 44 54.643 W 123 05.163
In .1 of a mile: You are again on the main paved path (turn right) heading Northeast and back in the direction of where you left the paved path in the first place.
N 44 54.898 W 123 04.730
In 1/2 mile: Sight of an old abandoned car from 1940 or earlier on your left. If you know antique cars, please provide a more accurate year for this long abandoned car.
A story goes that a young man was trying to take a shortcut in this very car to rendezvous with a girlfriend somewhere in this area long before it became a park; but, the car broke down after running off the old dirt road which is now a paved path. He abandonned the vehicle to try and reach her on foot because he wanted to patch up differences that had left them estranged and she had agreed to meet him at their favorite park bench located somewhere on the island. He knew he would be shipping out for war the next day and was worried that he was going to be late and miss her; so, he took his Grandfather's old car at the last moment hoping that he would make up for lost time and get to their rendezvous point in time. After running off the road, he decided to swim the creek to take a shortcut. He eventually got lost in one of the sloughs and was never heard from again. Others say that he was too late and missed her. Totally discouraged and dispondant he went off to war to try and forget his failures. No one knows for sure which story is true. Only the car remains. It probably is just a made up story. But, you have to wonder, "How did this car get here and why didn't the park authorities remove it after all these years." It remains a mystery.
N 44 55.445 W 123 04.495
In a little less than a mile: The fishing dock at the main parking area and covered picnic area. Restrooms available and a playground. When refreshed, take the trail to the North East at the end of the parking lot to the next coordinates.
N 44 55.704 W 123 04.111
In 1/2 a mile: Take the trail that curves to the right in a South East direction to your next coordinates. You are looking at agriculture fields on your right and a wild overgrown area on your left. Look for the informative sign on the right side of the trail near the field.
N 44 55.606 W 123 03.607
In 1/2 mile: There is an intersection of trails and a memorial park bench. Do not turn left but continue East to your next coordinates.
Notice how you can see the houses plainly perched on the hill in front of you. This is the other side of River Road on top of the hill.
N 44 55.595 W 123 03.458
In .1 of a mile: You will see a dirt trail to your left; but, do not take it because it goes north to the Forbidden Forest located in Boise Cascade private property. It's been rumored that people disappear in this forest. Continue on the paved path as it curves to the right around the field and heads south to your next coordinates.
N 44 55.485 W 123 03.434
In .2 of a mile: take a quick turn to the left for a little side trip. You will return here shortly to continue south to the Croisan Creek bridge and your starting point for this trek. But first, if you haven't seen it before, turn left to your new coordinates which is the Wildlife Observation Platform at the Willamette Slough in .2 of a mile. (less than 1/2 mile round trip.
N 44 55.584 W 123 03.308
In .2 of a mile: Willamette Slough Observation Platform with views of wildlife, Willamette Slough, Salem Riverfront Park, Boise Cascade, and a taller building that you can identify if you can. (not required)
There are also numerous tents on the the other side of the slough belonging to the homeless. When you are finished, return to the intersecting trails .2 of a mile from here where you will turn left towards the main road south of here.
N 44 55.485 W 123 03.434
In .2 of a mile: Intersecting spur - Turn left following Croisan Creek to the main road intersect.
N 44 55.373 W 123 03.579
In .2 of a mile: Croisan Creek Bridge - Cross the bridge and follow the trail to your starting place.
MAIN COORDINATES:
In .1 of a Mile: First Parking lot and your car.
Thank you for choosing this waymark. Please share your experiences along the 6 mile trail route. Share your pictures. God Bless
Picture location 1: N 44° 55.222 W 123° 03.684
Picture Location 2: N 44° 54.898 W 123° 04.730
Picture Location 3: N 44° 55.584 W 123° 03.308
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