I'm interested in making things hard on myself this weekend and wanted to wander into the Salmo-priest looking for unicorns, caribou, and possibly even whitetails. I was wondering if anyone up in the NE could give me a recent conditions update on Sullivan Creek road (NF 2220) up to (and past) gypsy meadows based on recent snow and traffic. Specifically I'm trying to determine if its: 1) passable via car with studs and strong nerves (my preferred option), 2) passable via truck with chains, or 3) time to bring skis (my second favorite option).
Thanks!
Well, knowing this is an old thread, some of the info given to you isn't quite correct. Kaniksu NF is now , North Idaho NF. The Salmo Priest area is managed by the Colville NF , HQS in Colville and the ranger station at Sullivan Lake is now only open two days a week, Thursday and Friday, unless or until funding and staffing needs change.
FS Road 2220 , or 22 as I know it to be, from Sullivan lake on up to the trail head for Salmo is a decent road and unless it snows hard and alot, usually passable until mid December. However, I've driven all the way to the tower in mid December as well. The tower is now closed and will be for some time. Border Patrol has an antenna array and a camera, next to the tower.
The trailhead parking is ample and has alot of room to turn around in. Do not, attempt to bring a trailer up to the trailhead with you. Ill advised. It gets a little tight in places.
The caribou are now all gone . They were from an entirely different range than what the WDF and FWS transplanted them into. Elk, are spread out and I've seen them up the Slate creek drainage and down below Sullivan lake but that is now all private property. Doubtful any of the new comers would allow hunting their "pets".
Deer? They are there but finding a decent track will test your skills. Grouse, tend to stay at or near timberline until the first really hard freeze, then they'll head down to just under 5,000 feet( just above Gypsy Meadows).
Fishing isn't bad but it's not nearly what it was in the 70's,80's and 90's. To many people taking to many fish...
