I agree with pretty much everything you say here. I'm not saying don't go out and don't cross those lines. I do. I encourage people exploring and take the bypasses to see the backcountry. Have fun and explore, I can telly you are passionate about that.
The only thing I disagree on is in your first statement.
"You know, someone always complains when a route or access point is publicized, thinking that's going to get it shut down faster, but it really doesn't matter anymore because whether a trailhead is publicized or not, they all get destroyed by TPTB. "
They do always get shut down eventually. What I disagree on, is when they are publicized, with enough detail to pinpoint access, in my years of experience does result in a faster shutdown. It's idiots burning cars and dumping drywall and making a mess that passes me off.
I've been in your shoes before and it's frustrating. I found alot of cool places over the years through my own exploring, sometimes I came up empty handed.
It's a shitty system no matter how you look at it. I'm not trying to discourage anyone from going out and exploring, quite the opposite, but a certain level of discretion is in order, IMO.
Drop me a PM, I'd discuss some alternates you are looking for in private.
I feel your pain about blocked access and gates. Unfortunately, there is a very fine line posting locations on this and other sites. Every time you post information on a bypass, a route location or a picture or a video, it gathers alot of attention because there are many people like you and me wanting to explore. The reality is though, even though I despise it, these bypasses and gates are trespassing and when there is public attention such as this thread and many others it, it always ultimately gets shut down.
If I were working for Timerwest or another logging company, and I were trying to reduce trespassing and access due to idiots vandalizing and stealing, this would be the first place I would look.
I do feel your pain though, try reaching out privately instead of burning the very few accesses we have left.
I agree with pretty much everything you say here. I'm not saying don't go out and don't cross those lines. I do. I encourage people exploring and take the bypasses to see the backcountry. Have fun and explore, I can telly you are passionate about that.
The only thing I disagree on is in your first statement.
"You know, someone always complains when a route or access point is publicized, thinking that's going to get it shut down faster, but it really doesn't matter anymore because whether a trailhead is publicized or not, they all get destroyed by TPTB. "
They do always get shut down eventually. What I disagree on, is when they are publicized, with enough detail to pinpoint access, in my years of experience does result in a faster shutdown. It's idiots burning cars and dumping drywall and making a mess that passes me off.
I've been in your shoes before and it's frustrating. I found alot of cool places over the years through my own exploring, sometimes I came up empty handed.
It's a shitty system no matter how you look at it. I'm not trying to discourage anyone from going out and exploring, quite the opposite, but a certain level of discretion is in order, IMO.
Drop me a PM, I'd discuss some alternates you are looking for in private.
Get out and have fun. Cheers
I feel your pain about blocked access and gates. Unfortunately, there is a very fine line posting locations on this and other sites. Every time you post information on a bypass, a route location or a picture or a video, it gathers alot of attention because there are many people like you and me wanting to explore. The reality is though, even though I despise it, these bypasses and gates are trespassing and when there is public attention such as this thread and many others it, it always ultimately gets shut down.
If I were working for Timerwest or another logging company, and I were trying to reduce trespassing and access due to idiots vandalizing and stealing, this would be the first place I would look.
I do feel your pain though, try reaching out privately instead of burning the very few accesses we have left.
Cheers and happy exploring.