Pratt Hills
From the end of Pratt Road in Barnhartvale, hikers can access a number of hills, routes, and viewpoints. The end of Pratt Road continues to change as new properties are developed. Access to three tracks have been cut off, though it is possible to bushwack and contour past them. Fortunately, we don’t have to because an easement is in place. At the end of Pratt Road, park and go through the gate, following the track as it goes over a low pass. As the track levels off and before it drops, look for a parallel track on your right. Follow it to the junction with the powerline. Turn up (to your right) the powerline road which is steep, but in 0.6km it rises up the ridge to the plateau. Turn north along an old route along the plateau’s edge. You will see two other tracks coming from below (the ones you used to be able to get to). Continue along the route as it winds to an upland alkali pond (at N50 38.339 W120 11.391). From this point, all 3 hills can be climbed. One double track leads to the top of the SE hilltop (sometimes called Sunrise Mountain). Some of these views are unique, so bring your camera. We covered 9km on a cool fall day with our guide and friend, George Fudge.
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